Engaging and Fun Interview Games for High School Students
As a Speech Language Pathologist and Social Emotional Learning expert, I understand the importance of incorporating engaging activities into high school SEL programs. One effective way to promote social emotional development is through interview games. These games not only provide an opportunity for students to practice important communication skills, but also foster self-awareness, empathy, and relationship-building. In this blog post, I will share some engaging and fun interview games for high school students that can be incorporated into your SEL activities.
Understanding the Discovery Stage
Before we dive into the interview games, let’s take a moment to understand the Discovery stage. This stage is a crucial period in a high school student’s life where they are exploring their identity, interests, and future goals. It is a time of self-discovery and self-reflection. However, this stage can also be challenging for students as they navigate through various choices and uncertainties.
Engaging and Fun Interview Games for High School Students
Now, let’s explore some interview games that can be used to support high school students in the Discovery stage:
Game 1: “Two Truths and a Lie”
This classic icebreaker game is a great way to encourage students to share personal information and engage in active listening. Here’s how to play:
- Each student takes turns sharing three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one that is false.
- The other students listen attentively and try to guess which statement is the lie.
- After everyone has made their guesses, the student reveals the lie and shares the truth behind each statement.
This game promotes self-expression, active listening, and critical thinking. It also helps students build connections and find common interests with their peers.
Game 2: “Interview the Expert”
This game allows students to explore different career paths and learn from their peers. Here’s how to play:
- Assign each student a specific career or area of expertise.
- Students take turns interviewing each other as if they were experts in their assigned field.
- Encourage students to ask thought-provoking questions and engage in meaningful conversations.
This game not only promotes career exploration but also enhances communication skills, empathy, and understanding of different perspectives.
Game 3: “Speed Networking”
Similar to speed dating, this game allows students to practice their networking skills and build connections. Here’s how to play:
- Divide students into pairs.
- Set a timer for a specific amount of time (e.g., 2 minutes).
- During each round, students take turns asking and answering questions about their interests, hobbies, and goals.
- After each round, students switch partners and repeat the process.
This game promotes active listening, social skills, and the ability to make meaningful connections with others.
Game 4: “Career Exploration Interviews”
This game allows students to explore different career paths and gain insights from professionals. Here’s how to play:
- Invite professionals from various fields to participate in the game.
- Assign each student a specific career they are interested in.
- Students take turns interviewing the professionals, asking questions about their career path, experiences, and advice.
This game not only provides valuable information about different careers but also helps students develop networking skills and gain confidence in their ability to communicate with professionals.
Tips for Facilitating Interview Games
When facilitating interview games, it is important to create a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable sharing and expressing themselves. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Create a safe space where students feel respected and valued.
- Provide clear instructions and guidelines for each game.
- Encourage active participation and reflection.
- Offer support and guidance throughout the games.
Conclusion
Incorporating interview games into high school SEL activities can be a powerful way to promote social emotional development and engage students in their self-discovery journey. These games provide opportunities for students to practice important communication skills, build connections, and explore different career paths. By creating a safe and inclusive environment and providing clear instructions, you can facilitate meaningful and impactful interview games. So why not start incorporating these games into your SEL activities today?
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