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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 High School)
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, First Day of School, New Year's Day, January, Months, Winter, Seasons, Grade 9, 10, 11, 12, Activities, Lesson Plans, Teacher Tools, Worksheets & Printables
Start the new term with purpose and connection. This 90-minute Back-to-School Icebreakers lesson is designed for high school students (Grades 9–12) and works perfectly after a break. It helps students reconnect, reflect, and refocus in a meaningful way. The lesson includes thoughtful icebreakers, guided discussions, goal-setting tasks, and reflection activities . Students share experiences, explore strengths, and set clear academic and personal goals. Activities promote respectful communication and help rebuild a positive classroom climate. Clear structure keeps students engaged and on task. Everything is low prep and teacher-friendly . The lesson comes with clear instructions, suggested timing, and a printable student worksheet that supports independent and group work. No extra materials are needed. This lesson supports SEL skills, critical thinking, and student voice . It also gives teachers insight into student attitudes, expectations, and needs at the start of the term. Perfect for the first days back. Set expectations. Build relationships. Start strong and move forward with confidence.
Author Bright Classroom Ideas Marketplace
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Tags Back-to-school, Winter, Break, Icebreaker, Worksheet, Lesson, Plan, Activities, High School
Roll and Draw Your Name or Favorite Word Alphabet Game Sheets
Holiday & Seasonal, Creative Arts, Art, Holidays, Back To School, Fine Arts, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Games, Projects
Roll and Draw Your Name or Favorite Word Alphabet Game Sheets | Typography Art Project This is a great enrichment drawing resource that is easy-to-implement and low prep teaching resource that focuses on typography artwork depicting students' names or favorite words. This resource brings a fun and engaging approach to regular classroom lessons, homeschooling activities, letter of the week activities, back-to-school projects or even in making homework assignments more interesting. Ideal for K-5th graders, this roll and draw game sheet integrates fine arts into everyday lessons. With a dice, blank paper, pencil, and coloring tools at hand, students can independently explore their drawing skills or cooperatively engage with their peers. The accompanying pattern poster is equally beneficial as it serves as a visual support during gameplay, and doubles up as standalone handout. For more creative ideas and resources, visit Doodle Thinks website. Usage and Versatility: Fosters creativity Enhances focus Supplement to other art curriculum For early finishers, mornings, and brain breaks Enhance focus on subsequent academic tasks Useful for whole group instruction to small group collaborative Useful for independent work Included in this download: A-Z Roll and Draw Game Sheets (13 pages) Black and White Printer-Friendly Version Included 1 Example and Instructions Page 1 Intro Page (For Teacher) Like this resource?Check out more autumn theme roll and draw games: Roll and Draw Autumn Fun - A Bird Design Roll and Draw Autumn Fun - A Wise Owl Roll and Draw Autumn Fun - An Adorable Acorn Roll and Draw Autumn Fun - A Pleasant Pie Roll and Draw A Spring Flower Roll and Draw A Cozy Squirrel Roll and Draw A Candy Corn Bandit Roll and Draw A Flower Box Garden Thank you for downloading Doodle Thinks resources and have fun drawing!
Author Doodle Thinks
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Tags Roll And Draw, Alphabet Game, Language Arts, Art Activity, Creative Learning, Drawing Activity, Art Supplement, Art Enrichment, Typography Art, Art Integration
No Prep calming corner bingo game, calm down coping strategies SEL
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Life Skills, Special Resources, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Social Skills, Classroom Management, Resources for Teachers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Games, Activities
Support your students’ social-emotional learning with this Calming Corner Bingo Game , designed to help children practice healthy coping strategies in a fun, interactive way. Perfect for your classroom’s calm-down area, SEL lessons, or small group activities. What’s Included In This Calming Corner Bingo Game Pack? 30 Unique Calming Corner Bingo Cards 25 Teacher Calling Card Set 1 Bingo Marker Coping Strategies Vocabulary (e.g., deep breath, count to ten, stretch, draw, drink water, positive self-talk, read quietly, sensory break) Colorful bingo boards Easy-to-read instruction page Why Teachers Love It: • Encourages self-regulation and emotional awareness • Builds a toolbox of coping skills for students • No prep—just print and play • Works great for small groups, whole class, or counseling sessions This Bingo Game is Perfect For: • SEL lessons and activities • Calm down corners and peace areas • Morning meetings or brain breaks • School counselors, behavior specialists, and classroom teachers Help students manage their emotions and build resilience while having fun with this printable Calming Corner Bingo game!
Author Perfect_Printables
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Tags Calming Corner Bingo, Calm Down Activities, SEL Coping Strategies, Mindfulness Bingo, Coping Skills Classroom Game, Emotional Regulation Bingo, Social Emotional Learning Bingo, Calm Down Corner Activities, Mindfulness Activities For PreK–3, Therapy Game Coping Strategies
Back to School Blues - Reading Comprehension
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Months, August, September, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also bring a few nerves. Back to School Blues is a reading comprehension activity made for grades 3-5 that taps into those feelings students often have during the first week. The passage follows a relatable back to school experience and helps kids think about emotions, challenges, and the positives that come with starting fresh. Ways you can use it: Read together as a class and talk through the main ideas. Independent work for reading and comprehension practice. Small group reading to build fluency and encourage discussion. Homework for extra practice at home. Morning warm up to start the day with a thoughtful activity. Why it’s useful: Students relate to the theme, so they’re more engaged in reading. Builds reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Great conversation starter about emotions and coping with change. Works with a range of reading levels in grades 3-5. No prep needed, just print and use. It’s a simple, meaningful way to work on literacy skills while also helping students feel seen and understood as they head into a new school 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, Reading Centers
Alphabet Dot to Dot - Connect the dots and color
Creative Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Teacher Tools, Worksheets, Dot To Dots, Coloring Pages
Make learning the alphabet fun and interactive with this Alphabet Dot-to-Dot activity pack! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, these worksheets allow students to connect the dots in alphabetical order to reveal fun pictures, then color them in for added creativity. This resource helps children practice letter sequence, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills in a low-stress, engaging way. Ways to Use: Letter of the week activity Literacy centers or morning work Early finisher or quiet time activity Sub plans or take-home practice Reinforcement for letter recognition and sequencing Advantages: Supports alphabet knowledge and sequencing skills Builds fine motor skills through pencil control Encourages focus and attention to detail Offers a creative coloring component for self-expression Easy to use, just print and go (PDF format only) Each worksheet focuses on the alphabet from A to Z, allowing students to connect the dots in order and enjoy the surprise of a completed image. Once finished, they can color their work, making it both educational and fun. A great addition to any early learning classroom or homeschool routine! Pdf file includes 26 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Alphabet, Alphabet Dot To Dot, Letters, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Dot To Dot, Coloring Pages, First Day Of School, Numbers
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
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
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
New Friends at School - Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
New Friends at School is a warm and relatable reading passage that helps young students feel more comfortable about starting school and meeting new classmates. The story follows a student who feels a little nervous on the first day but soon learns that making friends can be simple, and fun. With short sentences and easy-to-understand words, it’s a great choice for early readers in kindergarten through second grade. How You Can Use It: Read it during the first week of school to start a conversation about friendship. Use it in small groups to support reading practice and social skills. Assign it as independent work or a take-home activity. Include it in your literacy centers or for early finishers. Pair it with a lesson on kindness, emotions, or class rules. Why It’s Helpful: Helps students connect with real feelings and situations. Encourages kindness, sharing, and making new friends. Includes five easy comprehension questions to check understanding. Uses age-appropriate language for young readers. No prep needed, just print and go. Supports both reading growth and social-emotional learning. New Friends at School is a thoughtful and easy way to help your students feel welcome, supported, and ready to learn.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, August Reading, September Reading, First Day Of School Activities
Rhyming Words - Word Families
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Ready to turn your classroom into a rhyme-time party? This no-prep activity helps young learners master CVC word families while having a little fun with language. You’ll get six starter words like cat and sun , and your students get the joy (and giggles) of coming up with as many rhyming words as their brilliant minds can think of! Great for centers, early finishers, or those “we-have-10-minutes-before-lunch” moments, this resource makes phonics feel less like work and more like a game. Ways to Use It: Literacy stations without the chaos Small groups with big results Solo work that’s actually quiet (you’re welcome) Homework that won’t make parents groan Why You’ll Love It: Teaches rhyming in a hands-on, memorable way Boosts confidence in early readers Encourages word play (and maybe a little friendly competition) Saves your planning time for, you know, coffee It’s simple, effective, and gives your students that “I can read!” sparkle. Rhyming has never been so fun, or so easy for you. Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Rhyming Words, Phonics, Literacy Centers, Back To School Literacy, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Cvc Words
The Letter " H" Dot Marker Activity
Creative Arts, Graphic Arts, ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Seasons, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Dot To Dots, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters
Let’s talk about the letter H —as in Hello, easiest lesson ever! This Letter ‘H’ Dot Marker Activity is the perfect way to introduce little learners to the letter H while keeping their hands busy (and hopefully out of mischief). Just hand them a dot marker, and voilà! Learning is happening, and you didn’t even have to break a sweat. Kids will dot their way to letter recognition , all while strengthening fine motor skills and building confidence. Whether they’re thinking about hippos, helicopters, hedgehogs, or hotdogs , they’ll start recognizing and connecting the letter H to real words in no time. Plus, it’s screen-free fun —a rare win in today’s world! Ways to Use (Because Teachers Deserve Options!): ✔ Morning Work – An easy, no-prep way to start the day. ✔ Fast Finisher Fun – Keep those early finishers engaged and learning. ✔ Quiet Time Activity – Perfect for a calm, focused break. ✔ Letter of the Week Practice – Hooray for hands-on learning! ✔ Indoor Recess Lifesaver – Because some days, you just need a backup plan. Why You’ll Love It: ✔ Print & Go – Zero Prep Needed ✔ No Cutting, No Mess, No Fuss ✔ Encourages Focus & Hand-Eye Coordination ✔ Engaging, Simple, and Fun! Just print, grab the dot markers, and watch your students happily learn the letter H—no herding required! Pdf file includes 2 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Coloring, Dot Painting, Dot Marketer, Coloring Pages, Letters, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Letters Dot Painting
Scissor Skills Fun Cutting Practice Worksheets for Preschool & KG
Montessori, Creative Arts, Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Life Skills, Special Resources, Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, Centers, Activities, Crafts, Worksheets & Printables, Workbooks, Coloring Pages, Worksheets
Scissor Skills Fun (Cutting Practice Worksheets for Preschool & Kindergarten) I created these cutting practice worksheets for young children who are still learning how to use scissors and need plenty of simple and easy hands-on practice. Many preschool and kindergarten students struggle with cutting at first, so I wanted to make something that feels fun and doable instead of overwhelming. This printable set includes grayscale pictures of animals, everyday objects, treats, simple shapes, and a lot more. Kids will cut along straight lines and curves while working on hand strength and eye coordination. All the pictures inside are familiar and playful, which will help to keep children interested and focused while they practice. Inside you will also see pages with bunnies, bears, lions, and raccoons, along with fun items like ice cream cones, castles, and volcanoes. According to me, a variety really helps - children are much more willing to practice when the pictures are exciting. As students cut, they naturally build scissor control, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. These skills are very important for writing, drawing, and many other classroom activities they’ll be doing later on. What’s inside? This resource includes grayscale cutting practice pages with: Animals Monkey, raccoon, lion, tiger, fox, owl, cat, dog, goat, snake, frog, duck, and fish Objects Magic wand, teddy bear, castle, flower, gem, doll, ball, gift box, and volcano Sweets & Treats Cake, cupcakes, donuts, lollipops, ice cream, and popsicles Fun Shapes An activity page to create Mr. Sun is also in there Who This Is For Preschool and kindergarten students learning scissor skills Homeschool families who want hands-on fine motor practice Special education and early intervention classrooms Occupational therapy or extra fine motor support Kids who enjoy cutting, crafting, and working with their hands Resource features: Some pictures have easy cutting lines that gradually become a little more challenging This set supports simple shape recognition cutting activity page for early learners All the pages are black and white that are easy to print and save ink No prep - just print and use It works well for centers, morning work, or independent practice It helps support hand strength and coordination It contains simple visuals that keep kids engaged without distractions Why do I like this resource? Fine motor development is a big part of early learning, and I wanted these pages to feel encouraging but not frustrating. Children can start with simple cuts and slowly work their way up. You may use these during centers, quiet work time, or when students need something calming and focused. The print and go format makes it easy to use anywhere - in the classroom, at your homeschool, during art time, or even during breaks and vacations. Benefits for Children It helps them improve scissor control and fine motor skills It helps kids strengthen hand-eye coordination It encourages focus, patience, and independence It also builds confidence with cutting and crafting This resource works well for preschool and kindergarten cutting practice , fine motor skill development, hands-on learning, and Montessori-style activities at home or in the classroom.
Author FlashKart
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Tags Scissor Skills, Early Childhood, Cutting And Coloring, Preschool, Kindergarten, Montessori, Fine Motor Skills, Hand-eye Coordination, Dexterity, Crafts
Book Companion for 'The School Bus Driver from the Black Lagoon'
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Special Resources, Speech Therapy, Special Education Needs (SEN), Not Grade Specific, Activities, Crafts, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages
Do you work with students who have emergent literacy skills? Do you work with students who use AAC or have complex communication needs? Or do you work with early elementary students who have a language delay or disorder? If so, my book companions are for you! This book companion provides you with multiple language, communication, shared reading, and shared writing tasks. Instructions and guidance for the shared reading activities of a picture walk through and repeated readings is provided. Additional activities to provide practice with identifying the focus letter through repetition with variety are also included. Story props are provided to help increase participation during shared reading activities. They can also be used to aide with story retell activities. There is a focus on balancing explicit exposure and targeted practice for both core and fringe vocabulary. CROWD questions can be used to further increase comprehension of the target book and elicit a wide range of language and communication skills. The provided sentence stems can be used in isolation or in conjunction with the predictable chart writing protocol. The character description webs provide a platform to target multiple language and communication targets. These book companions include 1-3 hands-on art or science themed activities. This product can be used individually, in small groups, or for whole class instruction.
Author Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative (BASSC)
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Tags Aac, Book Companion, Back To School, Language And Literacy, The School Bus Drive From The Black Lagoon, Aac Literacy
Fall Syllable Sorting
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Seasons, Fall, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Celebrate the start of the school year and the fall season with this engaging Fall Syllable Sort- Say It, Clap It, Sort It! ! This fun, hands-on resource helps young learners build essential phonological awareness skills by sorting fall-themed words based on the number of syllables. Students will say each word out loud, count the syllables, and sort it into the correct column, perfect for reinforcing early literacy in an interactive way. With vibrant fall vocabulary such as “pumpkin,” “acorn,” “leaves,” and “scarecrow,” this activity connects learning to seasonal themes that students love. Ideal for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade, the pages are easy to use and require no prep, simply print and go! Ways to Use: Fall-themed literacy or phonics centers Small group instruction or guided practice Independent morning work Homework or extra practice Early finisher activity Review or intervention tool Advantages: Strengthens syllable recognition and counting Promotes oral language development Enhances fall-related vocabulary Encourages hands-on learning with cut, sort, and glue tasks Supports fine motor skills and reading readiness Fun, seasonal theme that keeps students engaged Make phonics practice fun this fall with this easy-to-use activity! Pdf file includes 3 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Syllable, Syllables, Syllable Sorting, Back To School Activities, Autumn Activities, Fall Activities, Fall Literacy, Autumn Literacy, ELA, Phonics
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 Vowel Sound
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 – Word Sorting Activity is a great way to help students master the difference between long and short vowel sounds. In this engaging resource, students are provided with a list of words and are asked to read each word carefully, then sort it into the correct column based on whether it has a long or short vowel sound. This task strengthens phonemic awareness and helps build strong decoding skills for early readers. Designed for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL learners, this resource offers a simple yet effective way to practice vowel sound recognition in an independent or group setting. It’s perfect for reinforcing phonics instruction and supporting foundational reading skills. Ways to Use: Literacy or phonics centers Independent practice or morning work Small group instruction Homework or review activity Assessment of vowel sound understanding Advantages: Builds awareness of vowel patterns and sounds Encourages careful reading and analysis of words Supports visual and auditory learning styles Simple, no-prep activity that’s easy to implement Reinforces key phonics concepts in a hands-on way Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Vowel, Vowels, Long Vowel, Short Vowel, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy, Long And Short Vowel, Phonics, Long And Short Vowels
Writing Activities - Back to School
ELA, Writing, Creative Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Writing Prompts
This Writing Activities – Back to School resource is perfect for helping students ease into the school year while practicing both their writing and creative thinking skills. Each activity includes a clear instruction for students to read, followed by a fun task where they first draw their response and then write a short paragraph about it. This combination of drawing and writing encourages students to visualize their ideas before putting them into words, making it especially engaging for reluctant writers. The activities are themed around back to school topics such as summer memories, personal goals, favorite subjects, and “getting to know you” prompts. The resource is suitable for elementary classrooms and can be used in journals, as morning work, or for quick, low prep icebreakers. It’s a great way to assess writing skills early in the year while building a positive and creative classroom atmosphere. Ways to Use: First week of school icebreakers Morning work or bell ringers Journal writing Fast finisher activities Sub plans for the first weeks Advantages: Combines art and writing for engagement Encourages creativity and self-expression Helps assess early year writing skills Easy to prep and use Suitable for multiple grade levels Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Writing, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Writing, September Writing Activities, Writing Prompts, First Week Of School Activities
Feelings Flashcards
ELA, Language Development, Vocabulary, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Special Resources, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Flashcards, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Worksheets
Help young learners identify and express their emotions with this set of Feelings Flashcards ! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, and early elementary students, these printable flashcards feature a wide range of emotions paired with clear visuals and emotion words. Each card shows a child expressing a feeling, making it easy for students to connect facial expressions with emotional vocabulary. These flashcards are a great tool for building emotional awareness, communication skills, and empathy. Whether you're teaching a social-emotional learning (SEL) lesson or helping a child work through big emotions, this resource is easy to use and highly effective. Ways to Use: SEL lessons and classroom discussions Morning meetings or circle time Calm-down corners or behavior support Small group or one-on-one counseling sessions Visual aids for children with special needs or language delays Advantages: Builds emotional vocabulary and self-awareness Encourages empathy and respectful communication Supports classroom management and positive behavior Visual format supports all learners, including non-readers Easy to print and use (PDF format only) These flashcards offer a simple yet powerful way to help children understand and talk about their feelings with confidence. Pdf file includes 3 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Feelings, Emotions, Flashcards, Feelings Flashcards, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Social Emotional Learning, EmotionalAwareness
The Missing Letters - Back to School Activity
ELA, Language Development, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Get your students excited about learning with The Missing Letters – Back to School Activity! This fun and educational resource is perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students who are working on letter recognition and alphabet sequencing. It’s a great way to kick off the school year with a hands-on activity that reinforces foundational literacy skills in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Students will look at sequences of letters and fill in the missing ones, helping them build confidence with the alphabet while strengthening critical thinking and observation skills. The activity also includes a fun, school-themed design to match the excitement of the new school year. Ways to Use: First week of school literacy activity Morning work or early finisher task Alphabet review or assessment Small group instruction or independent work Homework or take-home practice Advantages: Strengthens letter recognition and sequencing Encourages attention to detail and problem-solving Builds confidence with alphabet order Simple, no-prep resource (PDF format only) Fun and engaging back-to-school theme This activity is a great way to start the year with focused, foundational alphabet practice that students will enjoy! Pdf file includes 6 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letters, Alphabet, Missing Letters, Back To School, Back To School Activities
Letter F Puzzles - Letter F 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, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Help your little learners explore the letter F in a fun, hands-on way! This Letter F Puzzle activity is perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten kids who are starting to learn their letters and sounds. Each puzzle comes in two pieces, one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter F, and the other shows a word and picture that begins with F, like “flower.” Kids match the pieces to complete the puzzle while practicing beginning sounds and building confidence with early reading skills. This activity is simple to use and a great fit for centers, morning work, small groups, or early finishers. It’s a fun and easy way to help kids connect letters to real words they recognize. Ways to Use: Literacy centers Letter of the week lessons Independent practice Small group activities Why Teachers Love It: Supports letter and sound recognition Encourages hands-on learning Builds matching and fine motor skills Quick to prep, just print and cut (PDF only) A playful and effective way to bring the letter F to life in your classroom! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter F, Alphabet, Letter Puzzles, Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Activities
Veterans Day Activities - Veterans Day Worksheets
Common Core, ELA, ESL, Language Development, Vocabulary, Spelling, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, Back To School, End Of Year, First Day of School, Veteran's Day, Veteran's Day, Christmas, New Year's Day, October, November, December, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, April, August, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Activities, Centers, Games, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages
Get ready to honor our heroes in style with our Veterans Day Activities and Worksheets! This collection is packed with so much fun, even Uncle Sam would crack a smile. From coloring pages that turn your artistic genius into patriotic masterpieces, to cut and glue projects where your only opponent is gravity, these worksheets are perfect for bringing out the creative spirit in everyone. But wait, there’s more! Ever played vocabulary tic-tac-toe? No, it’s not your usual Xs and Os, it’s where words win the day and your spelling skills go on full parade. We’ve also got picture-finding activities that’ll have you squinting like a soldier on lookout and tracing tasks that’ll make you feel like a master artist (or at least an accomplished doodler). And don’t get me started on the matching games; it’s like a memory workout without the gym fees. These worksheets will have kids and adults alike celebrating Veterans Day with laughter, learning, and maybe just a tiny bit of glue-stuck-to-your-fingers frustration. So roll up your sleeves (no push-ups required), grab some crayons and scissors, and get ready to salute creativity. Because nothing says “Thank you, veterans” quite like a well-matched pair of red, white, and blue socks. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Veterans Day, Veterans Day Activity, Veterans Day Activities, Veterans, Veterans Craft, Veterans Day Craft, Fall Craft, Winter Craft, Memorial Day
School Bus Craft - Back to school craft
Creative Arts, Graphic Arts, Art, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards
Kick off the school year with this fun and easy School Bus Craft! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this back-to-school activity helps young learners settle into the classroom while practicing fine motor skills, following directions, and expressing creativity. With simple cut-and-paste pieces, students can build their own school bus and personalize it with their name or a drawing of themselves. Ways to Use: First week of school craft project Icebreaker or “All About Me” activity Bulletin board or classroom display Center activity or small group work Send home as a keepsake for families Advantages: Helps build fine motor and cutting skills Encourages creativity and self-expression Easy to prep and simple to follow – great for young learners Supports classroom routines and making students feel welcome Printable PDF format, just print, cut, and assemble This craft makes a cheerful addition to your classroom décor and is a fun way to help students feel connected to their new environment. Whether used as a standalone activity or part of a back-to-school theme, the School Bus Craft is a memorable and meaningful way to start the year! Pdf file includes 7 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags School Bus, School Bus Craft, Craft, Back To School Craft, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Fine Motor Skills, First Day Of School Craft
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
Sentence Sort - Grammar Practice
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Grammar, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers
Make grammar practice fun and hands-on with this Sentence Sort, Grammar Practice activity! Designed for early elementary students, this engaging resource helps children strengthen their understanding of sentence structure by reading simple sentences and sorting them into the correct column. Students will cut and paste sentences based on specific grammar rules, such as types of sentences, punctuation, or subject-verb agreement, depending on how you choose to use it. This interactive format reinforces essential grammar skills in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for young learners. Ways to Use This Resource: Literacy centers or grammar stations Small group instruction Whole-class grammar practice Early finisher activity Homework or review assignments Advantages for Teachers and Students: ✔ Encourages active learning through cut-and-paste tasks ✔ Builds sentence recognition and classification skills ✔ Reinforces grammar rules in a clear and visual way ✔ Easy to prep and use, just print and go! ✔ Supports independent work and fine motor skills Whether you’re reviewing grammar concepts or introducing sentence types, this resource is a great way to keep students engaged while they learn the building blocks of strong writing.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Grammar, Grammar Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Sentence Structure, Phonics, September Activities, Writing Activities