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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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Shapes Cutting Practice - Color Then Cut

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

My New School - first week of school  Reading Comprehension

My New School - first week of school Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

My New School – Back to School Reading Comprehension is a fun and relatable story for students in grades 3 to 5. It follows a student’s first days in a brand new school, touching on feelings of excitement, nervousness, and making friends. Kids can see themselves in the story, which makes it perfect for kicking off the school year and sparking discussions about change and new beginnings. Ways you can use it: As a first week of school reading activity to break the ice. In small reading groups for practicing comprehension skills. For partner reading and class discussions. As a writing prompt starter about students’ own first day experiences. Why it’s helpful: Helps students connect personally with the story. Builds reading comprehension in an engaging way. Encourages empathy and understanding among classmates. Easy to use, just print and read. It’s a great way to start the year with something meaningful that also gets your students thinking, talking, and reading together. Pdf file includes pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School Reading, Back To School, Back To School Activities, August Reading, September Reading, First Week Of School Reading

Back to School Blues - Reading Comprehension

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

Back to School Reading Comprehension bundle

Back to School Reading Comprehension bundle
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Worksheets, Activities

This Back to School Reading Comprehension Bundle is your new best friend for those first few weeks of school. It’s packed with short, fun stories that early readers can actually read, and relate to. From lost lunchboxes to surprise filled backpacks, these stories cover the real life drama of the school day (well... the kind of drama a 6 year old might face). The best part? These stories do more than just get kids reading, they help them settle in, learn the rules, and see that school can be a pretty great place to be. Whether you're reading them together as a class, using them in small groups, or handing them to early finishers who ask, “What do I do now?”, they just work. Why you’ll love it: The stories are short, sweet, and actually make sense to your students. They cover real topics like nerves, friendship, and classroom rules (without sounding like a lecture). Each one comes with a few easy questions, no extra work for you. No prep needed. Just print, pass out, and teach like the rockstar you are. It’s reading with purpose... and a little fun, too. 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 Fay Of School Activities, Reading Centers

Back to School Word Search 2rd 3th 4th 5th Grade worksheet activity

Back to School Word Search 2rd 3th 4th 5th Grade worksheet activity
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Vocabulary, Language Development, ELA, Spelling, Grade 2, 3, 4, 5, Games, Activities, Word Searches, Worksheets, Worksheets & Printables

Start your school year with a Back to School Word Search! 🏫✨ Students will learn vocabulary related to school, practice spelling and visual scanning skills, and have a fun and engaging first day of school activity. It is an easy preparation, print and go activity to make day one (and two) fun and interactive! Objective: This activity is intended to have students... Learn and recall back to school vocabulary 🖊️ Practice spelling and visual scanning 👀 Practice focus and attention 🧠 Enjoy a fun first of school activity 🎉 Structure / Steps: 1️⃣ Hand out the Back to School Word Search printable worksheet. 2️⃣ Review the word list with the students and introduce new vocabulary. 3️⃣ Students will search for the words by circling or highlighting. 4️⃣ Discuss the vocabulary meanings and how they relate to classroom routines. 5️⃣ Use the answer key to check for correctness. ✅ Grade/Age: For students in 2nd – 5th Grade 🌟 Method of Implementation: Great for independent work, literacy centers, early finishers, sub plans, and partner work. 🤝 Can be used in the classroom or virtually! Answer Keys: ✅ Answer keys are included, so students can easily check their answers for self-assessment How to Use and Variations: Timed challenge ⏳ – It's a race to see who finds all the words first Partner puzzle 🤝 – Work with a classmate to find the words together Vocabulary extension ✏️ – Write sentences using the words Create-your-own 🧩 – Students make their own word search focusing on a school topic Standards: Support CCSS/ELA vocabulary development and promote NGSS observation and categorization skills 📝🌱 File Types & Pages: PDF, ink friendly Colored + Black/White Versions Answer Key included Teachers' Prop: Get the year started with smiles, focus, and fun – this Back to School Word Search is just the tool to help your kids settle in and build their love for learning from day one! 🎒✨

Author Classsimple

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Tags Back To School, Word Search, 2rd Grade , 3rd Grade , 4th Grade , 5th Grade , Back To School Word Search, Back To School Word Search 2rd 3th 4th 5th Grade

Thanksgiving Coloring pages - Set 1 - Thanksging Activities

Thanksgiving Coloring pages - Set 1 - Thanksging Activities
Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Seasons, 100's Day, Back To School, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Birthdays, Easter, Halloween, Indigenous Peoples Day, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Months, April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September, Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter, End Of Year, First Day of School, Last Day of School, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages

Introducing Thanksgiving Coloring Pages six pages of festive fun that’ll have your students saying, “Pass the crayons, please!” Forget the prep work and messy kitchens; these pages bring all the best parts of Thanksgiving without the burnt pies and questionable casserole choices. From turkeys strutting their stuff (who knew they had such confidence?) to pumpkins that don’t need to be carved, each page invites kids to add their own flair. Ever wonder what a pilgrim hat would look like in neon pink? Well, you’re about to find out! These coloring pages are perfect for turning traditional Thanksgiving scenes into vibrant masterpieces that would make even Grandma jealous. And don’t worry if that cornucopia comes out looking like a rainbow explosion, it’s all part of the fun! Your students can color cheerful turkeys, friendly pilgrims, and that one suspicious squirrel who’s definitely plotting to steal an acorn pie. No judgment here if someone gives the turkey a superhero cape or the pumpkin a face with sunglasses; creativity is the real guest of honor at this feast. So, pull out those crayons, markers, or colored pencils, and let your classroom enjoy the most colorful Thanksgiving yet. No cleanup, no leftovers, and absolutely zero debates over who gets the last slice of pie. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

Tags Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Math, Thanksgiving Coloring Pages, Coloring Pages, Thanksgiving Craft, Fall Craft, Thanksgiving Activities, Fall Math

Long and Short Vowel Worksheets - Vowel Color Sort

Long and Short Vowel Worksheets - Vowel Color Sort
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

The Long and Short Vowel Worksheets – Vowel Color Sort is a fun and effective way for students to practice identifying vowel sounds. In this activity, students look at a list of words and color the long vowel words red and the short vowel words blue. After sorting by color, they read the long vowel words aloud to reinforce phonics understanding and reading fluency. This interactive, color-based activity is perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL learners. It helps students visually and mentally distinguish between long and short vowel sounds while also engaging them in hands-on learning. The color-coding makes the learning process more memorable and enjoyable. Ways to Use: Literacy centers or small group activities Morning work or early finisher task Homework or phonics review Visual and hands-on phonics support Informal assessment tool Advantages: Strengthens understanding of long and short vowel sounds Encourages active participation through coloring and reading Supports visual, tactile, and auditory learners Easy to prep and implement with minimal materials Makes phonics practice fun and engaging Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Long Vowel, Short Vowel, Long And Short Vowel, Phonics, Phonics Worksheets, Phonics Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities

Number of the Week - Morning Work

Number of the Week - Morning Work
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, September, Months, ELA, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Worksheets, Worksheets & Printables

Start each day with meaningful number practice using this Number of the Week – Morning Work resource! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, and early first grade, this printable pack is designed to help young learners build strong number sense, one number at a time. Each page focuses on a single number and includes a variety of engaging activities such as tracing, writing, coloring, finding, and counting. Students will explore numbers in multiple ways, which helps them understand what each number represents, how to write it, and how to recognize it in different formats. It’s a great way to introduce or review numbers as part of your daily morning routine. Ways to Use: Daily morning work or bell ringer Number of the week focus during math time Centers or independent practice Homework or take-home packet Advantages: Strengthens number recognition and writing Encourages consistent daily number practice Builds fine motor skills through tracing and coloring Reinforces counting and one-to-one correspondence No prep – just print and go (PDF format only) A simple and effective way to build number confidence in young learners! Pdf file inclides 10 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Morning Work, Numbers, Number Of The Week, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, First Week Activities, August Activities

Letter O Puzzles - Beginning Sound

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

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Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letter O Puzzles, Alphabet, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Centers

Long and Short Vowel Sound

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

Short Vowel Hunt - Search and Circle ( a,e,i,o,u)

Short Vowel Hunt - Search and Circle ( a,e,i,o,u)
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 Short Vowel Hunt – Search and Circle Activity (a, e, i, o, u) is an engaging and interactive way to help students identify short vowel sounds within the context of complete sentences. In this activity, students read each sentence carefully, hunt for words that contain a short vowel sound, circle or underline them, and then count and record how many they found. It’s a great tool for strengthening phonemic awareness, reading fluency, and word recognition. This activity is perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL learners who are building a strong foundation in phonics. It can be used for independent practice, in literacy centers, or for small group instruction. Ways to Use: Literacy centers or morning work Small group phonics lessons Homework or take-home practice Early finisher activity Assessment tool for vowel sound recognition Advantages: Reinforces short vowel identification in context Strengthens phonemic awareness and decoding skills Encourages careful reading and word analysis Interactive and student-friendly format Supports visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Cvc, Cvc Short, Short Sound, Cvc Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Phonics Activities, Short Vowel, Literacy

Letter Z Puzzles - Letter Z Beginning Sound

Letter Z Puzzles - Letter Z Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Spelling, 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 little learners get excited about the letter Z with this fun and easy-to-use Letter Zz puzzle! This hands-on activity helps children connect the letter Zz to its beginning sound by matching it with the word zebra and a clear picture of the animal. Kids will love putting the pieces together and seeing how the letter and picture match, while learning without even realizing it! Perfect for preschool, Pre-K, or kindergarten classrooms, this resource is great for building early reading skills in a playful way. All you need to do is print and cut the puzzles, and you're ready to go! How You Can Use It: During letter of the week lessons In small groups or literacy centers As a quiet activity for early finishers For extra support with ESL students As a take-home learning game Why Teachers and Kids Love It: Makes learning letters and sounds fun Easy to prep and use again and again Helps kids recognize letters and their sounds Encourages independent thinking and problem-solving Builds confidence with every correct match Make the letter Z stick with this simple, engaging puzzle that turns learning into play! Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Letter Z Puzzles, Letter Puzzles, Beginning Sound, Back To School, Back To School Activity, Phonics, Literacy Centers, Alphabet

Helping Hands Writing Prompt - Thanksgiving Activity

Helping Hands Writing Prompt - Thanksgiving Activity
Common Core, Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, ELA, Language Development, ESL, Vocabulary, Creative Writing, Writing, Formal Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, 100's Day, April Fools, Back To School, Birthdays, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Columbus Day, Cinco De Mayo, Halloween, Hanukkah, First Day of School, End Of Year, Last Day of School, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Writing Prompts

Roll up your sleeves (and maybe pass the gravy) with the Helping Hands Writing Prompt! This Thanksgiving activity encourages kids to think about how they can lend a hand, without accidentally dropping the turkey. Writing and drawing come together in this heartwarming and hilarious project that showcases the many ways we can help others during the holiday season. First, kids will reflect on all the ways they’ve been helpful, or could be helpful, this Thanksgiving. Will they set the table without sneak-eating the rolls? Offer to do the dishes instead of disappearing into a pumpkin pie coma? Or maybe their “helping hands” involve cheering up a cranky relative with a joke about turkeys crossing the road. Whatever their helping superpower, it’s time to put it into words. Next, the artistic fun begins! Kids will draw their very own “helping hands,” complete with doodles of their Thanksgiving good deeds. Add in some colorful crayons, markers, or glitter (if you dare), and these hands will be ready to hang on the fridge, the classroom wall, or right next to the dessert table for everyone to admire. Perfect for inspiring gratitude, creativity, and just a touch of turkey humor, this activity is all about making Thanksgiving more special, one helping hand at a time! Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

Tags Thanksgiving Writing, Thanksgiving Writing Prompts, Thanksgiving Craft, Winter Craft, Fall Craft, Fall Math, Writing Essays, Drawing, Writing Prompts

L- Blends Activity - Color By Code

L- Blends Activity - Color By Code
Language Development, ELA, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers

This fun and engaging phonics activity is designed to help young learners practice identifying and writing L blends: fl, cl, gl, and pl . Students look at each picture, decide which blend belongs at the beginning of the word, write it in, and then color the picture according to the code. It’s a great way to combine phonics practice with a bit of coloring fun! How to Use: Perfect for literacy centers , independent work , or morning tubs Easy to assign for homework or early finishers Great for small group instruction or intervention time Why Teachers Love It: Reinforces L blends in a hands-on, interactive way Builds phonics and fine motor skills at the same time Keeps students focused and engaged through coloring Super simple to prep, just print and go! This resource is ideal for kindergarten and first grade students learning blends. It's both fun and effective, your students won’t even realize how much they’re learning!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags L Bends, L Blend, L-blends, L-blend, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Phonics Worksheets, Literacy Centers, September Activities

All About Me Activity - Back to School

All About Me Activity - Back to School
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards

Kick off the school year with this engaging All About Me activity, perfect for getting to know your students while fostering a fun and welcoming classroom environment. This printable resource encourages students to reflect on their personalities, interests, and goals, helping you gain insight into who they are from day one. Ways to Use: Ideal for the first day or week of school as a getting-to-know-you task Use as a bulletin board display to build classroom community Pair students up to share their responses and practice communication Great for morning work, centers, or homework Can be kept in student portfolios to track growth over the year Advantages: Encourages student self-expression and creativity Helps teachers learn about their students quickly Builds relationships and a positive classroom culture Supports writing, drawing, and communication skills Suitable for in-person and distance learning formats This low-prep resource is classroom-tested and works well for a wide range of grade levels. It sets a positive tone and helps every student feel seen and valued from the start. Start your year with connection, creativity, and confidence! PDF file includes 1 page. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Back To School, Bts, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School, First Day Of School Activities, First Week Of School Activities, All About Me, Bulletin Boards

Missing Letters - Back to School Activity

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, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

Start the school year with this fun and educational Missing Letters – Back to School Activity ! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this printable resource helps young learners strengthen their alphabet knowledge by identifying and filling in missing letters. With a playful, school-themed design, this activity makes early literacy practice both engaging and enjoyable. Each worksheet includes a sequence of letters with one or more letters missing. Students will look at the pattern and write the correct missing letter in the blank. It's a great way to review alphabet order, build confidence, and reinforce letter recognition. Ways to Use: First week of school review activity Literacy centers or independent work Morning work or early finisher task Take-home practice Quick alphabet assessment tool Advantages: Reinforces letter sequencing and recognition Encourages problem-solving and attention to detail Supports early literacy and writing development Simple and engaging for young learners No prep – just print and go (PDF format only) This activity is a perfect way to welcome students back to school while reinforcing important alphabet skills in a fun and meaningful way! Pdf file includes 6 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Missing Letters, Alphabet, Letters, Literacy, First Week Activities, Morning Work, Alphabet Activities

Letter X Puzzles - Letter X Beginning Sound

Letter X Puzzles - Letter X Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, Spelling, 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

Make learning the letter X exciting with these hands-on puzzles! This resource helps young learners connect the letter Xx with its beginning sound, using a familiar word like "X-ray" and a clear matching picture. Kids will enjoy putting the puzzle pieces together, one piece shows the letter, and the other shows the word and image. These puzzles are great for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten students. They're simple to prep, just print and cut, and can be used over and over. Whether you're working with a whole class or a small group, these puzzles are a fun and engaging way to build phonics skills. How You Can Use Them: In literacy centers or small groups As part of your letter of the week activities For early finishers or morning tubs As a take-home activity to reinforce learning Why Teachers Love It: Helps kids learn letter sounds in a visual, hands-on way Builds vocabulary with real-world images Supports fine motor skills Encourages independence and confidence Easy to set up and reuse A simple and playful way to help your students master the sound of X!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Letter X Puzzles, Letter X Beginning Sound, Beginning Sound, Back To School Activities, Back To School, Literacy Centers, Phonics, Letter Puzzles

Letter V Puzzles - Letter V Beginning Sound

Letter V Puzzles - Letter V Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers, Games

Make learning the letter V exciting with this Letter V Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this hands-on resource helps young children build early literacy skills by connecting the letter Vv with its beginning sound. Each puzzle includes two pieces: one features the uppercase and lowercase letter “V,” and the other shows a picture and word that starts with V, like “vet.” Children match the pieces while practicing sound recognition, building vocabulary, and developing fine motor skills. This activity is easy to preparejust print, cut, and you’re ready to go. It works great for literacy centers, morning tubs, small groups, or quiet individual practice. Whether you’re introducing the letter V for the first time or reviewing letter sounds, these puzzles make learning interactive and fun. Ways to Use: Letter of the week lessons Literacy or phonics centers Independent or partner activities Small group support or intervention Morning work or early finisher bins Advantages: Builds letter recognition and phonics skills Encourages hands-on, independent learning Enhances vocabulary through word-picture matching Strengthens fine motor coordination Easy to prep – PDF format only A simple, fun way to help kids master the letter V! Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Letter V, Letter V Puzzles, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Beginning Sound, Literacy Centers, Alphabet, Alphabet Games

Editable Student Awards Certificates for End-of-Year, Back to School
Free Download

Editable Student Awards Certificates for End-of-Year, Back to School
ELA, Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, End Of Year, Graduation, Classroom Management, Resources for Teachers, Community Building, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities

Celebrate your students all year long —whether it’s the first week back or the final countdown to summer—with these Editable Student Award Certificates ! This set of 38 printable awards is designed to make every student feel seen, valued, and proud of their unique strengths. From the “Super Writer” to the “Best Buddy,” you’ll have a ready-to-go certificate for every kind of awesome. The awards feature diverse, multicultural illustrations so all your students feel represented—because let’s face it, we all smile in the same language 😊 What's Included: 38 Editable Awards – PowerPoint File (easy to customize) 38 Printable Awards – PDF File 38 High-Resolution JPGs (300 dpi) Change the titles. Tweak the messages. Add your own flair. You can type directly into the PowerPoint version—fonts are embedded and easy to switch if you have a go-to classroom favorite. 🏆 Award Titles Include: Super Writer Super Speller Perfect Attendance Math Whiz Music Award Best Buddy Shining Star Perfect for: ✔ End-of-Year Celebrations ✔ Back-to-School Icebreakers ✔ Weekly/Monthly Class Awards ✔ Just-Because Moments of Kindness Whether you're setting the tone for Back to School or wrapping up with style for the end of the year, these awards are your go-to for student recognition that’s meaningful, inclusive, and easy to prep.

Author Teach2Tell

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Tags Editable Awards, Editable Student Awards, Assembly Awards, Star Student Awards, Math Awards, Graduation Awards, Student End Of Year Awards, End Of The Year Class Awards, Student Award Certificates, Certificates Of Appreciation

Letter W Puzzles - Letter W Beginning Sound

Letter W Puzzles - Letter W Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, September, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

Make learning the letter W a fun experience with these easy-to-use Letter Ww Beginning Sound Puzzles ! This resource helps young children recognize the sound of the letter W by matching it with a picture and word that starts with the same sound, like “wolf.” Each puzzle comes in two pieces: one piece has the uppercase and lowercase letter “Ww,” and the other shows an image and word beginning with W. These puzzles are perfect for preschool and kindergarten students. They’re simple to prepare, just print, cut, and go! Great for small groups, learning centers, morning work, or even take-home practice. Kids will love matching the letters to the pictures while learning important early reading skills. How You Can Use This Resource: Add it to your literacy or phonics center Use it for letter-of-the-week activities Include it in your morning tubs Provide it as an independent or partner activity Send it home for extra practice Why Teachers Love It: Helps kids connect letters with beginning sounds Builds vocabulary in a fun way Encourages hands-on learning and independence Strengthens fine motor skills through puzzle play Simple, engaging, and educational, perfect for your classroom routine! Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Letter W, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Alphabet Games, Beginning Sound

Thankful Tree Writing Prompt - Thanksgiving Activity

Thankful Tree Writing Prompt - Thanksgiving Activity
Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, ELA, Language Development, ESL, Vocabulary, Writing, Creative Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, 100's Day, April Fools, Back To School, Birthdays, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Easter, End Of Year, Halloween, Indigenous Peoples Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Thanksgiving, April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September, Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Writing Prompts

Get ready to rake up some gratitude with the Thankful Tree Writing Prompt! This Thanksgiving activity combines creativity and reflection to create a heartfelt masterpiece, and no actual leaves will clog your yard. Perfect for kids who are full of thanks (and maybe a little too much turkey), this activity invites them to write and draw about the people, things, and snacks they’re most grateful for. The fun starts with crafting their very own Thankful Tree. Each "leaf" becomes a blank canvas for kids to jot down what warms their hearts, like family, friends, and possibly an unhealthy obsession with mac and cheese. Once the writing’s done, it’s time to branch out with some drawing! Students can add colorful flair to their trees, turning their gratitude into an autumnal work of art. This activity is ideal for classrooms or as a family bonding moment that doesn’t involve fighting over the remote. By the end, kids will have a beautiful Thankful Tree they’ll be proud to display, and you’ll have a little peace and quiet, at least until dessert. Fun, festive, and packed with good vibes, this writing prompt is a must-have for spreading gratitude (and maybe sneaking in a little spelling practice). Let’s get thankful! Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

Tags Writing, Writing Prompts, Drawing, Thanksgiving Writing, Thanksgiving Writing Prompts, Fall Craft, Fall Math, Thanksgiving Craft, Thanksgiving Drawing

Syllable Sort - Back to School Activities

Syllable Sort - 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, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Lesson Plans, Assessments

Start the school year with a fun and engaging Syllable Sort – Back to School Activity! This hands-on resource is designed to help young learners strengthen their phonological awareness by sorting words into columns based on the number of syllables. Students will say each word out loud, count the syllables, and place it in the correct column, building early literacy skills in an interactive and meaningful way. With a back-to-school theme, the words feature familiar classroom-related items like “pencil,” “notebook,” “crayon,” and more. This makes the activity both relevant and enjoyable for students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade. The activity pages are simple to use, requiring no prep, just print and go! Ways to Use: Literacy centers or phonics stations Whole group mini-lessons or small group instruction Independent practice or morning work Homework or take-home activity Early finisher task Intervention or review sessions Advantages: Develops phonological awareness and syllable counting Reinforces school-related vocabulary Encourages active participation and oral language use Supports reading readiness and listening skills Engaging format with cut, sort, and glue tasks Easy to prep and use in any classroom setting Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Syllable, Syllable Sort, Syllables, First Day Of School Activities, First Week Of School Activities, Back To School Literacy

Read and Draw - Back to School Activitiy

Read and Draw - Back to School Activitiy
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

Start the school year with a fun and educational activity that strengthens early reading and comprehension skills! This Read and Draw, Back to School Activities resource is designed for kindergarten and first grade students who are learning to read simple sentences. Each page includes a short sentence featuring basic sight words and CVC word patterns , making it perfect for beginning readers. After reading the sentence, students get to draw a picture that matches what they’ve read. This creative step encourages students to think about meaning, supports comprehension, and builds confidence in reading. Ways to Use: Morning work to settle students at the start of the day Literacy centers or reading stations Independent seatwork during back to school weeks Homework practice for reading and drawing Quick informal assessment of reading understanding Advantages: Supports phonics and sight word recognition Strengthens reading comprehension through visual expression Builds confidence in early readers Encourages creativity and attention to detail Easy to prep, just print and go! This activity is a great way to combine literacy with drawing while helping students feel successful in their reading journey right from the start of the school year.

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Reading, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Drawing, Sight Words, August Activities, Reading Centers

Letter G Puzzles - Letter G Beginning Sound

Letter G Puzzles - Letter G Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, October, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

Make learning the letter G both fun and hands-on with this Letter G Puzzle activity! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this resource helps kids connect the letter Gg with words and pictures that begin with the same sound, like “G is for gift.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter G, and the other with a simple image and the matching word. Children match the pieces together to reinforce the beginning sound and build early phonics skills. This activity is easy to prep and perfect for literacy centers, morning work, or early finishers. It offers a fun way to introduce or review the letter G while helping kids develop fine motor skills and confidence in identifying sounds and letters. Ways to Use: Literacy or phonics centers Letter of the week activities Morning tubs or quiet work Small group or one-on-one practice Advantages: Builds letter and sound recognition Encourages hands-on, visual learning Strengthens matching and fine motor skills Easy to prep – just print, cut, and go (PDF only) A fun and engaging way to help young learners grow their alphabet knowledge!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Alphabet, Letter G, Letter Puzzles, Phonics, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds