Inner-Outer Circle – Valentines’ Day.

This activity, often called the "Inner-Outer Circle," is a dynamic way to get students talking, laughing, and
learning about each other, all within the context of Valentine's Day. Here's how to set it up and a list of
30 Valentine's Day-related questions to fuel the conversations.

Activity Setup: Organize the Class: Arrange students into two circles - one inner circle facing outward,
and one outer circle facing inward, so that each student in the inner circle is facing a student in the outer
circle.

Instructions: Explain that you will play music for a short period. When the music stops, you will call out
"inner" or "outer." If "inner" is called, the inner circle moves one step to the right. If "outer" is called, the
outer circle moves one step to the left. When the music starts again, they continue moving in the
direction until the music stops again.

Question Time: Each time the music stops and they face a new partner, they ask each other a question
from the list you provide. They should discuss the question until the music starts again.

Valentine's Day-Related Questions:

 What is your favorite romantic movie, and why?

 Do you believe in love at first sight?
 What's the best Valentine's Day gift you've ever received or given?
 Describe your ideal Valentine's Day date.
 What song best represents your view of love?
 Share a funny Valentine's Day story if you have one.
 Who are your favorite fictional romantic couple?
 Do you have a favorite love poem or quote? Why is it your favorite?
 Chocolate or flowers: which is the better Valentine's gift?
 Do you think Valentine’s Day is overrated? Why or why not?
 What is the best way to show someone you love them, in your opinion?
 Have you ever had a Valentine’s Day disaster?
 What’s your favorite thing about Valentine’s Day?
 Do you have a favorite "love" word or term of endearment?
 What's a love-related tradition from another culture you find interesting?
 What does "love" mean to you?
 Share a story about your first crush.
 Do you think romance is different today than it was in the past? How?
 If you could write a love letter to anyone in the world, who would it be for and why?
 What’s something non-romantic that you love with all your heart?
 How do you feel about public displays of affection?
 What traits do you find most attractive in others?
 Do you have a favorite romantic comedy or drama? What makes it special?
 What’s the best way to recover from a heartbreak?
 If you could give a piece of love advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Activity Tips: Encourage honesty but also remind students to respect each other's opinions and feelings.
Keep the pace lively to maintain energy and engagement.

After the activity, you might have a short debriefing session where students can share interesting or
funny answers they heard.

This activity not only facilitates language practice but also helps students connect on a personal level,
fostering a classroom environment filled with empathy, laughter, and understanding.

Shorter Duration (Quick Exchange)

Time per Question: 30 seconds to 1 minute

Rationale: This duration is suitable for quick thoughts or first impressions, keeping the pace lively. It
allows students to share immediate reactions or answers without going into deep discussions, which can
keep the energy up and ensure that the students get to interact with many different partners.

Longer Duration (More In-depth Exchange)

Time per Question: 1 to 2 minutes

Rationale: This gives students a bit more time to elaborate on their answers and engage in a slightly
deeper conversation with their partner. It's beneficial for more complex questions or when students are
particularly engaged in a topic and wish to share more with each other.

Implementation Tips:

Starting Off: Begin with shorter intervals (30 seconds) for the first few rounds to get everyone warmed
up and comfortable with the format.

Adjusting on the Fly: Pay attention to the engagement levels and if the conversations are consistently
being cut short or if there's often awkward silence before the time is up. Feel free to adjust the timing as
needed.

Final Rounds: Consider extending the time slightly for the last few rounds if the class is particularly
engaged and enjoying the discussions.

Music as a Timer:

Using music as a background timer can add an extra layer of fun to the activity. Start and stop the music
to signal the beginning and end of each discussion period. This method helps keep the activity light-
hearted and avoids the abruptness of an alarm or bell.