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Back To School Activities
Welcome your students back with activities that set a positive tone for the year ahead. This collection includes icebreakers, team-building exercises, and goal-setting projects designed to foster a supportive classroom environment. By integrating these back to school activities into your first days, you can help students feel connected and ready to learn.
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Back-to-School Icebreakers after Winter Break (for Middle School)
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, First Day of School, New Year's Day, January, Months, Winter, Seasons, Grade 6, 7, 8, Activities, Lesson Plans, Teacher Tools, Worksheets & Printables
Start the new semester with confidence and connection. This 90-minute Back-to-School Icebreakers lesson is designed for middle school (Grades 6–8) and works perfectly after winter break. It helps students reconnect, reflect, and reset in a calm and supportive way. The lesson includes engaging icebreakers, goal-setting tasks, movement activities, and guided reflection . Students share break highlights, set academic and personal goals, and think about the year ahead. Low-pressure discussions help rebuild trust and classroom community. Clear routines help students shift from vacation mode to a learning mindset. Everything is ready to use . You get structured activities, clear timing, and a printable student worksheet that guides the entire lesson. No extra prep is needed. Activities balance writing, talking, and movement, so all learners can participate. SEL, communication skills, and classroom culture are all supported in this session. Additionally, it provides teachers with important information on the needs and perspectives of their students. Ideal for the first day back. Set a cheerful tone. Gain momentum. Get the semester off to a great start.
Author Bright Classroom Ideas Marketplace
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Tags Icebreaker, Middle School, Back-to-school, Winter, Lesson, Lesson Plan, Worksheet
The Recess Debate - Back to School Reading Comprehension
ELA, Language Development, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, September, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
The Recess Debate Reading Comprehension is a fun and engaging way to get your 3rd–5th grade students thinking critically right from the start of the school year. The passage tells the story of a school discussing whether recess should be longer, shorter, or stay the same. Students will see different opinions, reasons, and examples, making it a great way to spark classroom discussion. Ways to use this resource: As a back to school reading activity to warm up comprehension skills. To introduce persuasive or opinion writing. For small group discussions or partner reading. As a quick assessment to check reading and critical thinking levels. Advantages for teachers: Ready to use, just print and go. Encourages students to think about both sides of an issue. Fits perfectly into reading, writing, or social studies lessons. Helps build skills in identifying main ideas, supporting details, and author’s purpose. Flexible, can be used for independent work, group work, or homework. This activity not only gets your students reading but also talking, thinking, and sharing their own ideas about something they care about, recess! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School, First Week Of School, First Week Of School Activities
Easter Missing Middles - Numbers 1 - 20
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Easter, Seasons, Spring, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Classroom Decor, Door Decor, Bulletin Boards, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Let’s face it, getting kids to focus on number sequences can feel like trying to herd jellybeans. But with Easter Missing Middles – Numbers 1–20 , you’ll have them cracking the code in no time (egg pun 100% intended). 🐣 Each egg in this no-prep activity is divided into three pieces. The top and bottom parts have numbers, and the middle? Well, that’s where the little mathematicians come in. Their job is to figure out what number is missing in the middle and write it in. It’s like detective work, but cuter and with pastel eggs. Ways to Use It: ✔️ Morning math warm-up – Easy, festive, and effective. ✔️ Easter-themed centers – Because math should get to wear a costume too. ✔️ Number sequence review – Sneaky skill-building in disguise. ✔️ Early finisher activity – Keeps them busy without chaos. ✔️ Small group work – A great way to hatch some math discussions. Why It Works: 🥚 Builds number sequencing skills 🥚 Encourages logical thinking 🥚 Easy to prep (just print and go!) 🥚 Fun, engaging, and totally classroom-approved Who knew eggs could teach math? Now if only they could grade papers too… Pdf files includes 10 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Numbers, Numbers In Between, Easter, Easter Math, Easter Missing Number, Missing Numbers, Missing Number, Easter Activities, Middle Numbers
Classroom Calendar and Weather Display - Spotty Brights
ELA, Language Development, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters, Word Walls, Worksheets & Printables
Brighten up your classroom and create a consistent daily routine with this Classroom Calendar and Weather Display – Spotty Brights Edition ! Designed with cheerful colors and clean visuals, this resource is perfect for morning meetings, circle time, and calendar routines at the beginning of the school year and beyond. Ways to Use: Set up an interactive calendar corner where students update the day, month, and date. Use the weather cards to discuss and track daily weather conditions. Incorporate into your morning meeting to build routine and reinforce calendar concepts. Use the visuals to support students learning the days of the week, months, seasons, and weather vocabulary. Advantages: Encourages student participation and responsibility. Supports time and weather concepts through daily repetition. Adds a cheerful, cohesive look to your classroom with the Spotty Brights theme. Easy to print, cut, and laminate for long-term use. Suitable for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary classrooms. Whether you’re setting up your classroom for the first time or refreshing your calendar area, this display helps build strong foundations in time and weather awareness, all while keeping your space bright and engaging!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Classroom Decor, Classroom Posters, Posters, Bulletin Board, Back To School, Classroom Calendar, Back To School Decor, Back To School Activities
MeMe's First Day At School Audio Book
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, Read Alouds, Activities
When Mama tells Meme it’s her first day of school, she is not sure she will like it. But after meeting Mr. Fuzzo, her furry teacher, Meme has a great day. She learns where she can skip and run, where she can yodel and sing, where she can play and explore, where she can draw and paint, where she can wash and clean, where she can crunch and munch, and then it’s time to go home! What a fun day Meme, the furry little monster, has at school. When Meme tells her Mama that she likes school, her Mama is not surprised at all. Fun sound effects and upbeat music help tell this adorable story about a little monster’s fun first day of school. Fun, repetitive text will encourage listening and early literacy skills important for young readers.
Author Twin Sisters Digital Media
Tags Storyy, Listening, Music, Sound Effects, Literacy
Long Vowels Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, End Of Year, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The Long Vowels Activity – Back to School Edition is a great way to review and reinforce long vowel sounds at the start of the school year. In this engaging worksheet set, students read simple, back-to-school-themed sentences and fill in the blanks using the correct long vowel word. It’s a fun and focused activity that supports reading fluency, vocabulary, and phonics skills, all tied to familiar classroom topics. This resource is ideal for 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and ESL learners who are working on common long vowel patterns (like a_e , ee , oa , ai , ue , and more). The themed sentences help create a meaningful connection between phonics practice and real-world language, making the learning experience more engaging and relevant for young readers. Ways to Use: Beginning-of-year literacy centers Small group instruction or partner work Morning work or early finisher task Homework or review activity Informal phonics assessment Advantages: Strengthens long vowel recognition and spelling Builds sentence-level comprehension Easy to use and low prep, just print and go Helps students ease into reading routines with confidence Encourages independent thinking and word choice Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Vowels, Long Vowels, Long And Short Vowels, Phonics, Phonics Worksheets, Long Vowels Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities
Short Vowel Word Family Craft - CVC Phonics Pizza Activity
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, September, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Classroom Decor, Coloring Pages
Make phonics practice fun and hands-on with this Short Vowel Word Family Craft ! Designed to help students identify and sort short vowel CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, this engaging activity turns phonics into a creative craft project. Students will cut and color pizzas labeled with the vowels A, E, I, O, U . Then, they will write CVC words on pepperoni pieces and glue them onto the correct pizza based on the short vowel sound. This interactive resource supports word recognition, vowel sound identification, and spelling skills while also allowing students to enjoy some coloring and cutting fun. Ways to Use: Literacy centers and phonics stations Small group reading instruction Homework or take-home literacy projects Early finisher activity Classroom phonics craft display Advantages: Reinforces short vowel sounds and word families Encourages fine motor skill development Supports independent word writing and sorting Makes learning visual and interactive Easy prep and fun for both classroom and home use This craft is a perfect blend of literacy learning and creativity, making CVC word practice enjoyable and memorable for early learners. Pdf file includes 18 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Phonics, Cvc, Cvc Craft, Phonics Crafts, Short Vowels, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy Centers, September Activities
Alphabet Boxes - Back to School Activity - Handwriting
ELA, Writing, Handwriting, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards
Kick off the school year with this engaging Alphabet Boxes – Back to School Activity, designed to help students practice and reinforce their handwriting skills in a fun and structured way. This resource features both uppercase and lowercase letters inside individual boxes that guide students to write each letter with correct formation and spacing. It's perfect for early learners who are developing letter recognition, handwriting fluency, and fine motor control. This activity provides ample practice while keeping students engaged with a clear, consistent format. Whether you're teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 1st Grade, this activity supports letter-sound connections, name writing, and foundational writing skills. Ways to Use: Morning work or daily warm-up Literacy centers or handwriting stations Early finisher tasks Homework or take-home packets Substitute teacher plans Intervention or remediation practice Advantages: Supports correct letter formation and spacing Includes both uppercase and lowercase letter practice Promotes alphabet recognition and early literacy skills Improves fine motor development and pencil control Easy to prep, just print and use! Great for independent or guided practice Start the school year strong with this versatile and effective handwriting resource! Pdf file includes 1 page. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Handwriting, Tracing, Alphabet, Alphabet Handwriting, Back To School, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School, First Week Of School, Letters
Letter B Puzzles - Letter B Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, September, October, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Lesson Plans
Make learning the letter B fun and hands-on with this Letter B Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten, this resource helps young children connect the letter “B” with words and pictures that begin with the same sound, like “B is for bee.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter “B,” and the other shows a picture and word starting with B. Kids simply match the pieces to complete the puzzle. It’s a playful and simple way to help early learners build letter-sound knowledge while also working on matching and fine motor skills. Great for centers, small groups, or early finishers, this activity is easy to prep and keeps students engaged. Ways to Use: Literacy centers or phonics practice Small group work or partner play Morning tubs or independent tasks Why Teachers Love It: Supports letter recognition and beginning sounds Helps build confidence in early reading Easy to use, just print and cut (PDF format only) Fun, visual, and kid-friendly A great way to bring the letter B to life in your classroom!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter B, Alphabet, Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Puzzles, Alphabet Puzzles, Phonics
Student Survey - Back to School Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Writing, Creative Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Lesson Plans, Worksheets, Worksheets & Printables
Start the school year by getting to know your students with this engaging Student Survey – Back to School Activity. This resource is designed to help students reflect on themselves and share important details about their personalities, learning preferences, interests, and goals. It’s an excellent tool for building relationships and creating a positive classroom environment right from the start. Ways to Use: First-day or first-week activity Morning work or bell-ringer Use as a writing center task Keep in student folders or portfolios for future reference Review responses to guide classroom management and lesson planning Use during parent-teacher conferences Advantages: Helps teachers understand students' interests and needs Builds stronger student-teacher relationships Encourages self-awareness and reflection Promotes a supportive, inclusive classroom culture Useful for differentiated instruction Low-prep and easy to implement Adaptable for a range of grade levels and classroom settings This thoughtful activity gives students a voice and helps teachers make informed decisions that support student success. Whether used in person or virtually, the Student Survey sets the tone for a respectful and connected learning experience throughout the year. Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Survey, Student Survey, Back Ro School Survey, Classroom Forms, First Day Of School Activities, First Day Of School
Back To School Personalized SEL Bookmarks!
Special Resources, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Social Skills, Special Education Needs (SEN), Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, September, Seasons, Fall, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Activities, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Writing Prompts
In this SEL product and resource, you will get to make a copy of my Google Slides Presentation that contains bookmarks. One side is a fun design that kids can color and you can write their name on it as an overlay. To change the name, you will double click on the word art and change it. You can make one bookmark for everyone in your class with their names. Students love products with their name on it! On the other side, there are prompts for students to fill out. The prompts are; name, grade, this year I'm looking forward to..., one of my goals for this year is...,my favorite thing I did over the summer, a book I read over the summer, something new I'd like to try this year is... This is editable so if you would like to change the prompts, you can! When you download this resource, it will be a PDF that you need to click on the image on the PDF. Then it will prompt you to make a copy of the presentations. Click "yes" and then you will have access to this resource. To see more SEL products and resources such as SEL coloring pages, SEL presentations, SEL worksheets and other personalized products, please feel free to visit my SEL store at: https://teachsimple.com/contributor/jennifer-moyer-taylor You may also enjoy the products below: https://teachsimple.com/product/20-personalized-mindfulness-sel-coloring-sheets-fully-editable (This is another personalized product. There are 20 mindfulness editable SEL coloring pages. You can click on the word art and change the word, phrase or name. These are great for quiet time, brain breaks, after a lesson, in a group session or in school counseling sessions.) https://teachsimple.com/product/all-about-me-tee-back-to-school-sel-coloring-pages (This is also a great back to school All About Me Tee art project. Students will answer prompts, draw, and get creative with their t-shirt. there are 2 different tee images, depending on the grades you work with.)
Author Jennifer Moyer Taylor
Tags Back To School, Get To Know You, Icebreaker, School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning, Sel, Bookmarks, Personalized, Sel Coloring Pages, Fall
Syllables Counting - Back to School Activities
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Kick off the school year with this interactive Syllables Counting – Back to School Activities resource! Designed to build phonological awareness, this activity helps students strengthen their listening and speaking skills by saying each word, clapping out the syllables, and writing the correct number of syllables. With engaging, school-themed vocabulary, it’s the perfect literacy activity for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade students. Each page includes pictures and words related to common school items, such as “backpack,” “pencil,” and “crayon.” Students will enjoy clapping out syllables and recording their answers in a fun and hands-on way that supports early reading readiness. This no-prep activity is ideal for both classroom and at-home learning. Ways to Use: Literacy centers or phonemic awareness stations Morning work or warm-up activity Whole group or small group instruction Independent practice Homework or take-home activity Early finisher task Advantages: Builds phonological awareness and syllable counting skills Reinforces school-related vocabulary Encourages active listening and oral language development Supports handwriting and number writing Promotes fine motor coordination Easy to use – just print and go! Fun and engaging for the back-to-school season Pdf file includes 3 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Syllables, Syllables Counting, Syllable, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Literacy, Literacy, First Day Of School Activities
Back to School Reading Comprehension Passages
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
Start the new school year with stories your students will enjoy and relate to. Back to School Reading Comprehension Passages are made for grades 3–5 and include short, engaging texts about first day jitters, meeting new friends, and settling into classroom life. While reading, students practice important skills like finding the main idea, recalling details, and understanding what they read. Ways to Use: Morning work to help students settle in and start the day calmly. Small group reading to encourage conversation and teamwork. Homework to give extra practice at home. Literacy centers for independent or partner reading. Quick reading checks to see how well students understand texts early in the year. Advantages: Makes the first days of school smoother with familiar, relatable topics. Keeps students engaged with stories that feel real and age appropriate. Saves planning time with ready to print passages. Works for different reading levels so everyone can take part. Helps build reading confidence right from the start. These passages bring together fun, connection, and learning, helping you set a positive, productive tone for the rest of the year. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Week Of School Activities, First Week Of School Reading
CVC Short o Word List Posters
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Reading, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Anchor Charts
The CVC Short O Word List Posters are a simple and effective tool to help young learners build confidence in reading and spelling short “o” words. Each poster includes a list of easy-to-read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like dog , pot , log , and mop . These words are perfect for helping early readers spot patterns, sound out words, and improve their phonics skills. The clean layout and child-friendly font make the posters easy to use and appealing for young learners. These posters work well in Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL classrooms. They can be used during reading and writing lessons, or as a daily reference at literacy centers. Whether you're introducing short vowel sounds or reinforcing them, these posters are a reliable support for phonics instruction. Ways to Use: Display on classroom walls or bulletin boards Use during small group or whole-class phonics lessons Add to writing centers to support spelling Refer to during guided reading sessions Send home for extra practice Advantages: Reinforces the short O vowel sound in a clear, visual way Helps students build reading and spelling skills Encourages independent learning Easy to print, laminate, and reuse Supports consistent, year-round phonics instruction Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Cvc, Cvc Activities, Cvc Posters, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Posters, Back To School Literacy, Literacy, Cvc Short O
Thanksgiving color by number - Set 4 - Thanksgiving Activities
Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, 100's Day, April Fools, Back To School, Birthdays, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Cinco De Mayo, Columbus Day, Election Day, End Of Year, First Day of School, Halloween, Hispanic Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples Day, Last Day of School, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Shapes, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Games, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages
Bring on the Thanksgiving Color by Number fun, where crayons meet comedy! These five pages are packed with festive designs like turkeys who forgot it’s November, pumpkins vying for pie stardom, and a cornucopia so full it’s practically saying, “Don’t judge me, it’s the holidays.” Each section is labeled with a number, and each number matches a color, simple, right? Unless you’re that one kid who insists on making the turkey purple because, and I quote, “It’s my artistic vision.” And honestly, who are we to argue? As your students work through these pages, they’ll unveil cheerful Thanksgiving scenes without even realizing they’re practicing focus and color-matching skills. It’s educational, but let’s keep that between us, no need to ruin the fun with big words. Whether it’s coloring a pumpkin the perfect shade of orange or accidentally turning a pie into an unintentional masterpiece, these pages are guaranteed to deliver laughs and creativity. No stress, no prep, and no arguments over who gets the last crayon. Just good old-fashioned fun—well, as old-fashioned as numbered coloring can get. So, grab your art supplies, and let’s make this Thanksgiving more colorful than Uncle Bob’s questionable holiday sweater. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Coloring Pages, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Coloring Pages, Thanksgiving Craft, Thanksgiving Activities, Thanksgiving Math, Numbers, Fall Math
CVC Words Worksheets - Cut and Glue
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Vocabulary, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Seasons, Back To School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Bulletin Boards, Classroom Decor, Posters
Let’s be honest, teaching CVC words can sometimes feel like trying to herd cats, adorable, distracted cats who’d rather talk about dinosaurs. That’s where these CVC Words Worksheets – Cut and Glue Edition come in. They’re fun, hands-on, and sneak in serious phonics practice while your students are busy cutting and gluing like it’s their job. In this activity, students complete each CVC word by choosing the correct missing vowel, cutting it out, and gluing it into place. It’s like a literacy puzzle party, and yes, they’re invited. Ways to Use: Phonics Centers: Because kids love anything that involves scissors and glue. Independent Practice: Keeps them focused (and quiet!) while building real skills. Homework (if you’re brave): Parents will thank you. Or at least not complain. Morning Work: Calm, quiet, and educational. That’s the dream, right? Early Finishers: Give them something purposeful to do that isn’t spinning in their chair. Why You’ll Love It: Hands-on learning that feels like play. Builds CVC word confidence, one vowel at a time. No prep required, print and go! Improves fine motor skills without chaos (mostly). Keeps little hands busy and little minds learning. Cut, glue, learn, and breathe, phonics just got a lot more fun. Pdf file includes 12 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Cvc, Cvc Words, Vowels, Esl, Phonics, Back To School Activities, Cvc Activities, Cut And Glue, Cvc Worksheets, Vocabulary
Shapes Cutting Practice - Color Then Cut
Creative Arts, Art, Graphic Arts, Fine Arts, Math, Shapes, Early Math, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Door Decor, Posters
Let’s be real, teaching little kids to cut shapes without slicing their paper (or their sleeves) is a whole adventure. That’s where this Shapes Cutting Practice – Color Then Cut activity steps in like a quiet classroom hero. First, kids get to color in all sorts of fun shapes, circles, triangles, stars, hearts, you name it. Because let’s face it, coloring is pretty much every kid’s favorite hobby. Then they get to cut them out, which is the sneaky way we help them practice those fine motor skills without them even noticing. It's like learning disguised as fun. And it works! The best part? This comes with two versions , a black-and-white version so kids can go wild with their crayons, and a pre-colored version for those “I need something ready, like, five minutes ago” days. Ways to Use It: Calm morning work (yes, it’s possible) Shape review that doesn’t feel like a quiz Scissor skill practice without the tears Quiet-time craft station Early finisher task (because there’s always one) Why You’ll Love It: Super easy to prep, just print! Actually helps kids focus (magic!) Encourages independence Keeps little hands busy (and mostly out of trouble) Color, cut, and breathe. You’ve got this. Pdf file includes 14 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Cutting, Cutting Practice, Shapes, Shapes Posters, Fine Motor Skills, Shapes Cutting, Shapes Cutting Practice, Shapes Fine Motor Skills, Posters
Let's Get Ready For School Audio Book
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Read Alouds, Activities
It’s time to go back to school! Whether kids are going back to a regular classroom, or staying at home to learn, this audiobook is packed full of exciting stories. In “My First Day at School,” kids will meet a little girl named Amy. When Amy goes back to school, she is feeling a little nervous-- so her mother comes up with a great idea to help make Amy’s first day special. Then, find out what happens when a little yellow school bus discovers his voice, and decides to talk to the children when he drives them to school. Adorable stories will make going back to school a fun time for everyone!
Author Twin Sisters Digital Media
Tags School, First Day, Classroom, Learning, At Home
Sentence Editing - Punctuation Practice
ELA, Language Development, Grammar, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Seasons, Fall, Winter, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Help your students become stronger writers, one sentence at a time! This Sentence Editing, Punctuation Practice resource gives young learners the chance to build essential grammar skills through hands-on editing. Each sentence invites students to rewrite it using correct capitalization and punctuation, while also practicing their best handwriting. Perfect for daily writing warm-ups or as part of your language arts block, this simple activity encourages students to slow down, pay attention to detail, and reinforce the writing rules they’ve learned. It’s an easy way to keep grammar skills sharp without needing a lot of prep time. How You Can Use It: Morning work or bell ringers Literacy centers or small group instruction Independent practice or early finisher work Homework or extra support for struggling writers What Teachers Love: ✔ Focuses on basic sentence structure ✔ Encourages neat handwriting and clear thinking ✔ Supports grammar lessons in a low stress way ✔ Ideal for grades 1 to 3 or ESL learners ✔ Easy to print and use right away This resource makes writing practice meaningful, consistent, and engaging for young students! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Punctuation, Capitalization, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Grammar, Grammar Activities, Sentence Editing
Letter O Puzzles - Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Help your students explore the letter O in a fun and engaging way with this Letter O Puzzle activity! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this resource helps children connect the letter “O” with its beginning sound by matching it to a picture and word that starts with the same sound, like “O is for owl.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter O, and the other features a picture and word. Children match the pieces, reinforcing letter recognition and sound awareness. This activity is easy to prep, just print, cut, and you’re ready to go! It works well in literacy centers, morning tubs, early finisher bins, or small group instruction. While kids enjoy the puzzle game, they’re also strengthening their early reading and fine motor skills. Ways to Use: Letter of the week activity Literacy or phonics center Morning work or quiet time Small group or one-on-one support Advantages: Builds letter and sound connection Supports phonemic awareness Encourages hands-on, visual learning Develops fine motor skills Easy to prep and use (PDF format only) A simple and playful way to help students learn the letter O! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letter O Puzzles, Alphabet, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Centers
Recess Rules! - Back to School Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Worksheets
Recess Rules! is a short and simple story that helps young students understand how to play nicely and safely during recess. It follows a group of children who are excited to go outside but first learn a few important rules, like sharing, taking turns, and including others. The story is easy to read, with clear sentences and familiar words, making it just right for kids in kindergarten through second grade. How Teachers Can Use It: Read it aloud during the first week of school to start a class discussion about recess behavior. Use it in small groups to talk about friendship and problem solving. Give it as an independent reading activity or light homework. Include it in literacy centers or use it with early finishers. Pair it with a lesson about school rules or social skills. Why It’s a Great Choice: Helps students learn how to be kind and safe on the playground. Comes with five easy questions to check understanding. Encourages positive behavior in a way kids can relate to. No prep needed, just print and use. Combines reading practice with real life lessons. This story is a great way to build reading skills while helping students learn how to treat others with kindness and respect. PDF file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, First Day Of School Activities, Back To School Writing
Long and Short Vowels : Cut and Paste
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The Long and Short Vowel Sound – Cut and Paste Activity is a hands-on phonics resource that helps young learners practice sorting and identifying vowel sounds. Students cut out a set of words and decide whether each word contains a long or short vowel sound. Then, they paste the words into the correct column or category on the worksheet. This activity supports phonemic awareness, word recognition, and fine motor development all in one! Perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL students, this resource makes vowel sound practice engaging and interactive. It's a great way to reinforce the difference between long and short vowel sounds while allowing students to work independently or in small groups. Ways to Use: Phonics or literacy centers Independent seatwork or morning work Homework or take-home phonics review Intervention groups or early finishers Assessment for vowel sound recognition Advantages: Encourages critical thinking through sorting Reinforces long and short vowel identification Provides hands-on learning through cutting and pasting Supports visual and tactile learners Easy to prepare and use multiple times Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Phonics, Vowels, Short Vowels, Long Vowels, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics Activities, Literacy, Back To School Literacy
CVC Short U Words List Posters
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Reading, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters, Teacher Tools, Anchor Charts, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The CVC Short U Word List Posters are a great resource to help early readers learn and practice short “u” words. Each poster features clear, easy-to-read lists of CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like sun , mud , bug , and cup . These posters make it easier for young learners to recognize word patterns, improve their decoding skills, and build a strong foundation in reading and spelling. Designed with a simple layout and kid-friendly font, these posters are ideal for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL classrooms. They can be used throughout the day to support phonics lessons, writing activities, and independent learning. Whether you're introducing the short U sound or reviewing it, these posters are a handy tool to keep students focused and confident. Ways to Use: Display on your classroom wall or phonics board Use during mini-lessons or small group instruction Keep at writing centers for spelling support Refer to during reading practice and guided reading Send home to reinforce learning with families Advantages: Reinforces short U sound and CVC word recognition Supports early reading, writing, and spelling development Encourages independent learning Easy to print, laminate, and use year after year Makes phonics instruction more visual and accessible Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Cvc, Cvc Activities, Cvc Posters, Cvc Short U, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Posters, Back To School Literacy, Literacy
Rhyming Words - Take out the Trash Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, End Of Year, Months, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make phonemic awareness fun and engaging with the Rhyming Words – Take Out the Trash! Activity . In this interactive worksheet set, students are presented with groups of words where one word does not rhyme with the others. Their task is to circle the word that doesn’t belong and "take it out of the trash!" This playful concept helps learners develop critical listening and sound discrimination skills while having fun. Ways to Use: As a phonics warm-up or literacy center activity During small group instruction for targeted intervention For independent seatwork or early finisher tasks As a homework assignment to reinforce skills In ESL classrooms to build listening and pronunciation skills Advantages: Builds phonemic awareness and sound discrimination Encourages critical thinking through word comparison Engaging "trash" theme makes learning enjoyable and memorable Suitable for kindergarten to 2nd grade or early readers Helps identify and practice common word families No-prep, print-and-go format saves planning time Differentiation-friendly: can be used for review or enrichment Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Rhyming, Rhyming Words, Cvc Words, Cvc Words Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Rhyming Words Worksheets, Literacy Worksheets