If you're anything like me, the back-to-school season can be overwhelming... it's hard for staff and students to get back into the groove of a new school year. Here are some easy and low-prep activities you can do at the start of the year.
1. SAY MY NAME
One of my first jobs as a teacher is to learn who my students are... and getting their preferred names correct is sooo important. Instead of calling out their names from my attendance list I just go around the room and ask students to tell me their first and last names (it might take me a minute to find them on my attendance list) but I'd much rather hear them say their names then struggle through it. I also ask a silly question and they have to answer it when they tell me their name. I usually start my class with an attendance question so this sets it up nicely. On the first day, I usually ask if they prefer a dog or cat?
2. SURVEY SAYS?
The first day can be chaotic - students come late, they're nervous, they're unsettled, and often a little bored after listening to all of the reminders that hit them on the first few days. I share this FREE GET TO KNOW YOU SURVEY with them (and I share my answers) and we have fun finding out what we all have in common.
3. MY LIFE IN 30 WORDS
Instead of the dreaded "Who am I?" essay I like to give students a challenge! They must write a poem about themselves, however it must be exactly 30 words. No more... no less! It's much more challenging than they originally thought it would be and gives me insight into their writing skills and problem-solving abilities. MY LIFE IN 30 WORDS is a print-and-go resource that will surely engage your students.
4. GOAL SETTING
I think it's important to have students think about the new school year ahead and set some goals for themselves. Often I lead the students through this activity by brainstorming challenges they had last year and some ideas about how they could overcome those challenges in the new year. Students can share with their partners or groups about their goals and perhaps provide inspiration for others. This print-ready Get-to-Know-You & Goal Setting Resource is full of graphic organizers you can use (and refer back to during the year) to help students set goals and plan for the year ahead.
For more back-to-school inspiration check out more ideas from the Secondary English Coffee Shop!
Presto Plans - Back to School Activities -First Days of School Bundle
The Daring English Teacher - Back to School Activities for Middle & High School
Tracee Orman - Back to School Icebreaker / Bell Ringer Stations
The Classroom Sparrow - Back to School Interactive Notebook / Flipbook
