The first week of school can be a crazy week filled with a rush of excitement tied with a bit of nervousness. There are new faces, a lot to cover, and you never feel 100% prepared. I mean, my first day back to school resulted in me wearing two different shoes…that has to tell you something! But, whether you are starting back in the classroom or getting prepared, I hope my first week of school activities will keep your firsties engaged and excited to be back in school.
The first week of school is an excellent time for getting to know one another, getting comfortable, and easing back into school in a fun, non-stressful way. We are setting the tone for the rest of the school year, and it’s crucial that my students feel safe, valued, and excited to come to school. The choices we make as teachers within those first weeks are critical in establishing our classroom environment. We spend time doing fun read-alouds: check out this blog post where I name just a few of my favorites. I always incorporate a few fun crafts and team-building activities. I have included some of my favorite activities so if you are still on the hunt for some fun first week of school activities, make sure to check them out.
Getting to Know You Activities
I know you’re probably thinking, of course, we get to know our students. But, just engaging with your students doesn’t allow you to learn a ton about them. When your students have the opportunity for crafts, activities, and games, it allows them to share information with you at their comfort level. They are less likely to be reserved, shy, or uninterested.
Doing fun activities encourages them to share. And, when you get to know your students, it truly helps you make decisions and interact with your students based on who they are. You can better approach and differentiate the curriculum per your student’s needs. In this bundle, a few of my favorites are the Skittle game, where they share something about themselves based on their colors. Of course, this is a hit because of the Skittles.
My students also always complete an about me banner which makes a great display in the classroom and knowing a bit more about their family, home, and some of their favorite things gives me a better sense of who they are. There are sooooo many fun games to do and will keep you busy during the first week of school. I like to incorporate a few of these each day. My students can showcase their interests while getting to know their peers.
Years ago, I felt that every ounce of my classroom had to be decorated and walls filled with decor. I then realized that I spent so much time taking it down or moving it to showcase my student’s work. Now, I always make it a point to do a couple of activities within the first week to display. And, it’s a great way to foster a sense of belonging for my students because they see their work around the room. All About Me Rainbows are a must-do activity, I love the bright colors, and it’s also a great way to incorporate writing. We hang them throughout the classroom, and they are cute, colorful, and share information about each of my students!
Fostering a growth mindset is a substantial part of the culture in my classroom. Even as adults, when we go to professional development, take a course, and at the start of each year, a growth mindset is there. We set goals, and we make a plan of how to reach the goals. At the beginning of the year, we have a conversation on fixed vs. growth mindset, and then my students write their own goals. This makes a beautiful banner to hang around my classroom, and it’s a constant reminder that we are working towards our goals every day. Again, this is just a great way to start the year on the right foot with a positive classroom environment. If your students don’t feel safe in your space, how can you expect them to want to come back to school each day? I want my students to be proud of themselves and participate in positive self-talk to help them achieve success. It is a simple way to promote this culture in your classroom from day 1.
Before I dive into my curriculum, it is imperative that my students know and understand that our classroom is a place where we celebrate and appreciate differences, take risks, and learn. I want my students to feel motivated and excited to learn, but this isn’t something that comes naturally. We must plan and execute the strategies to create a positive classroom community.
And, you can start on day one with spending just a bit of time having fun, establishing expectations, and getting to know each other. I love sending home an index card that says “I wish my teacher knew” and having them return it to school with something they would like me to know or keep in mind. It helps me gain insight into their home and school experience, or maybe it’s something that motivates them. Either way, it lets them know I am rooting for their success, and we are a family this school year.
Check out my lesson plans for the first week of first grade! I have the whole week planned out for you! Build relationships, teach routines and procedures, get to know your new students, and create a classroom community, It’s on the blog here.
I hope these activities gave you a few ways to head back to school in a fun and positive way. Make sure you grab this freebie. It’s a fun and easy game to play with your class, whether virtual or in the classroom this year. What is one of your favorite activities for the first week of school?
