The first day can be a tricky day of deciding what to do first and how to welcome your new students. Try one of these 5 activities to kick off this school year in a fun way!
1. Create a Class Motto!
T.E.A.M, GO,TEAM, GO! Creating a class motto or chant is a great way to build class pride! Use chart paper to collaboratively write a motto or chant. Then practice chanting as a class. Maybe even add a dance move or two! My class name was the “A Team” (Mrs. Anderson’s class). We took our team name and created an acrostic poem that we chanted each morning!
Team Motto
2. Beach Ball Toss
All you need is a beach ball and a permanent marker. Write silly questions on each color block of the beach ball. Toss the ball all around the room to get to know your students in a new way! Ask questions like, if you were a dog, which breed would you be and why? Be prepared to laugh!
3. Have a Pep Rally!
Yes, start the first day of school with a pep rally! It can be school-wide or just in your classroom. There is no better way to get your students excited about the year than playing loud music and dancing around. Do cheers and chants to create school spirit.
4. Letter for the Last Day
Start with the end in mind! Have students write a letter to themselves to open on the last day of school. Provide students with some ideas of what to include; goals, thoughts, encouraging words, a self portrait, ect. Have students seal up their letters in envelopes and put their name on the front. Take them up and save them for the last day! Students will be amazed at how their writing and thinking has changed in one year of school.
5. Student Facebook Pages
Use a fun FREE printable Facebook template (Click Here!) for students to create their own Facebook pages! Students can show their unique personalities, interests, and family information on their pages. Display them on the bulletin board outside your classroom. Title the board “Scroll Through Our Facebooks!”
Happy Teaching,
Randi Anderson
Kelly Harmon's Homeroom 