It's back-to-school season, and whether you are ready or not, it's time to start planning and organizing for the new year (Those of you who don't go back for several weeks can bookmark this for later 😉)
Here at the coffee shop we know the importance of getting the new school year off to a great start, so we want to share some of our favorite resources, ones that can get your students ready to learn.
JACKIE FROM ROOM 213:
It makes a big difference if you spend time building climate in your classroom, and one way to do this is to give your students a voice in setting the classroom expectations. Instead of giving them a list of rules, you ask them to help you set the norms for things like talk in the classroom, lates, working in groups, etc. Your students will respond much more positively to helping you create the classroom norms than they will to a list of rules and you will start the first days of school off in a way that can help with your classroom management all year.
It might seem like a crazy, scary idea to let students decide on the expectations for your classroom. However, I have done this time and again with many groups of students from the most advanced to the most disengaged. And it works. It works because students love it when you give them a voice and some control over what happens in your classroom. However, when you give them the power to do so, you will get more buy in. And once you have that buy-in, classroom management will be so much easier. That’s because you can remind them that these are the expectations that they set. Check out the stations here.
ADDIE EDUCATION:
It can be hard to find a way to connect with students at the start of the year. One fun way I've found to connect with students is by having them write about themselves... but there's a twist! They can only use 30 words in their writing... no more, no less. It's a challenging take on an "about me" activity and one that my students have enjoyed over the years. Grab this My Life in 30 Words resource and you're ready to go... it's "print and go" ready for the first week of school.
THE DARING ENGLISH TEACHER:
One of the most important lessons for the new school year (and one that will save your from future headaches) is teaching your students about AI and Academic Integrity. Starting out the year with a lesson on Artificial Intelligence in the classroom and a review of academic integrity will ensure that all of your students are on the same page when it comes time for your first formal writing assignment.
This AI and Academic Integrity lesson includes everything teachers will need to review classroom AI use. It includes an three-day unit plan, a 47-slide instructional presentation about AI and academic integrity, a student-teacher AI use contract, sketchnotes, and worksheets, and task cards. After completing this unit, students will know exactly how and when to use AI, and they will know how to properly cite it. Plus, it is editable so you can customize it to your classroom needs!
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TRACEE ORMAN:
Classroom Memes: I love connecting with students using memes. Whether it's for classroom rules and procedures or a particular unit, there is something about memes that students love and can relate to.
My bundle includes a huge folder of individual images that can be used in presentations online or printed and hung in the classroom. It also includes an editable Powerpoint file (which can be uploaded to Google Slides if you don't use Powerpoint) that can be customized for any unit you are teaching or more specific rules. I also include an editable PDF document, so you have many options.
PRESTO PLANS:
A Year of English Bell-Ringers: Have your students in their seats as soon as the bell rings by starting each of your middle or high school English classes with an engaging daily bell ringer routine. Students will complete tasks related to figurative language, word choice, vocabulary, grammar and video journal writing with daily slides and student response sheets.
This is a quick and easy way to meet your standards and have students practice ELA skills that you will use throughout the year. All you have to do is print the weekly student handout for that week and project the daily slide when students arrive, and you have a routine that will ease students into class and help them improve their reading and writing skills.
Are you in search of a FUN back-to-school/first day of school activity for your students? This escape room is a challenging and motivating way for your students to kick off the school year. There are six school-themed trivia challenges included in this file. Each activity can be completed individually or in conjunction with one another, depending on the time available in your planning.
The challenges could be used as individual, pair or small group activities. The puzzles and games are designed to promote communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
Hopefully you've found something to make your back-to-school a little easier. Have a great semestser!
