At the start of every school year, It’s a good idea to have some lessons and activities that make the first few weeks back extra special. As the kids adjust, get acquainted, and learn the new demands of a new grade, offering them fun and memorable opportunities to connect is nice. Check out these seven lessons and classroom activities to make the start of school memorable!
Add a few personal touches to your classroom decor and students’ materials. These little things can make a big difference!
Kids find it exciting when they find their names on things. Create a unique way to display their names on items within the classroom. They will feel welcome and that they are an essential part of the classroom community.
Just having one small surprise to greet them on their desk the first day can bring a smile to a child’s face who is nervous on the first day. Imagine how you would feel coming back to school to find one of these simple little gifts on your desk!
Make an extra effort to engage and include each child. When they feel involved, it will help them ease into routines and responsibilities.
Involve children in your class when writing your classroom rules and expectations. This positive method for establishing rules and attitudes can help them develop the respectful and responsible behaviors expected in your room, and each child will feel like they had a part in creating “A Great Classroom.”
Distract them from any uncertainty and try one of these games that will help them get acquainted with you, the classroom, and their peers.
Implement proven methods and procedures for classroom management and organization. These are just a few helpful ideas to consider when planning your classroom management techniques and organizing your room. They are memorable because routines are essential in cementing memories – and you want those memories to be *good* ones!
Hold regular morning meetings with your class to promote and build community in your classroom. These discussion times are part of a routine that will improve attitudes and involve students in learning. This is an ideal time to teach children crucial social-emotional learning lessons! Help them self-regulate, express their feelings, and develop strong relationships with THESE lessons and activities.
Instead of the typical classroom management rewards system – the “treasure box” – save money and use a coupon rewards system! This system is more motivational than the treasure box and doesn’t involve spending money. See it in action HERE!
Chaos is not fun in a classroom, but it can certainly be avoided with a neatly set-up classroom that is organized and accessible for all the children to thrive. Labeling bins, desks, cubbies, and everything children can access is an important way of inviting them to feel comfortable. We want them to help themselves and keep their personal and shared spaces organized.
Looking for an all-in-one BTS resource? Try the Back to School Fun Pack by Proud to be Primary. It includes first-day-of-school activities for kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders. It has what you need to ease kids into the classroom in a fun and meaningful way.
There are crafts, writing prompts, welcome to school posters, door decor displays, hat, science experiment and STEM activities, poems, and organization materials, such as editable meet the teacher booklet!
This back to school social emotional learning resource is the perfect companion to your start of school lesson plans. It includes mini-lesson ideas and engaging activities that build connections in the classroom and teach children important social and emotional skills during the most critical time of the year!
The mind+heart SEL back to school resource and activities will support kids as they learn essential skills. Teach them to be positive classroom community members, develop self-awareness, build new relationships, and act with kindness.
You can try out the Back to School SEL resource by downloading this freebie today – click the image below!
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Thank you for sharing all your great ideas. I have been teaching third grade and now I am going back to first and I have found so many wonderful engaging ideas on your site. Thank you,
Tina
Its nice and great idea that i’ve got in this site. Thank you its a bug help fir me this comingschool year 2020-2021
Loved it… Very innovative and useful for my class
I am so happy you are here! Helping teachers is my passion, and I love to shape little minds and hearts. I hope you’ll find inspiration to help you teach at your best!
Encourage kids to develop self-regulation skills in a safe space. Sign-up for your free Calm Corner poster kit!
Encourage kids to develop self-regulation skills in a safe space. Sign-up for your free Calm Corner poster kit!
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