Stand Up, Stand Down
Students stand if a statement applies to them — no words needed.
Normalizes shared experience without requiring verbal disclosure — students realize they're not alone.
Instructions
Read out statements one at a time. Anyone the statement applies to stands up briefly, then sits down. Start with easy, low-stakes ones ('Stand up if you had breakfast today') and gradually move to slightly more personal ('Stand up if you sometimes feel nervous before speaking in class'). No one has to explain why.
Classroom timer
8:00
Best used when
When anxiety or self-consciousness is high and you need to reduce isolation before asking for verbal participation.
Variation
Let students write their own statements anonymously — collect and read them out.
Time
8 min
Noise
Low
Prep
Light
How did it go?
Quick evaluation — helps you find what works again.