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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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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
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
Rating
Tags Cvc, Cvc Words, Vowels, Esl, Phonics, Back To School Activities, Cvc Activities, Cut And Glue, Cvc Worksheets, Vocabulary
Get-to-Know-You Emoji Pennant Banner - All About Me and My Family
ELA, Holiday & Seasonal, Language Development, ESL, Writing, Holidays, Back To School, Grade 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Activities, Classroom Decor, Banners
Get-to-Know-You Emoji Pennant Banner - All About Me and My Family... Kick offff ;) the school year with a fun, creative activity that lets students express themselves! This Emoji-Themed "All About Me" Pennant Banner is perfect for second through sixth graders to share all about themselves and their families in a colorful, personalized way. It’s ideal for the first days of school and doubles as a fantastic classroom display!!! What’s Included: All About Me: Two unique template options to let students highlight their personality. All About My Friend: Versions for both "her" and "him" to encourage connections and friendship. All About My Family: Special pages for students to introduce their dad, mom, brother, and sister. Design Options: Comes in both black-and-white and semi-colored versions, giving students flexibility to add their own style. Printing Details: Easy Sizing: Designed for US Letter size, but can be resized to fit your classroom needs—just adjust the printer settings. Help students showcase their unique personalities and build classroom connections with this engaging, emoji-themed pennant banner!!!
Author 1 Teaches 2 Learn
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Tags Back To School, All About Me, All About My Family, Writing, Activity, Pennant, Banner, Class Decor, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Board
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
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
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
Back to School Sudoku Game + Solution
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, May, Seasons, Fall, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Start the school year with a fun and engaging activity that gets students thinking! This Back to School Sudoku Game + Solution is the perfect way to build focus, problem-solving skills, and classroom routines from day one. With a school-themed twist, this logic puzzle features familiar back-to-school images or vocabulary that students can relate to, making it both enjoyable and educational. This resource includes: A printable back-to-school-themed Sudoku puzzle A complete solution for easy checking Ways to Use: First-week-of-school activity to warm up young minds Morning work or bell-ringer task A quiet challenge for early finishers Logic station in math centers Homework or a take-home brain teaser Icebreaker activity to promote focus and calm Advantages: Builds critical thinking and attention to detail Encourages independent learning and persistence Requires no prep, just print and go Promotes a calm and focused classroom environment Ideal for upper elementary and middle school students This Back to School Sudoku puzzle is a great way to combine fun and learning while helping students ease back into school routines. Pdf file includes 12 pages Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Back To School, Sudoku, Back To School Sudoku, Fall Activities, Numbers, Back To School Games, Math Games
Rainbow Dot Marker Activity
Creative Arts, Art, Graphic Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Dot To Dots, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards
Brighten up your classroom with this Rainbow Dot Marker Activity! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this hands-on resource lets children explore colors, practice fine motor control, and have fun while learning. Using dot markers (also called bingo daubers or dabbers), students fill in rainbow-themed designs by dabbing inside each circle. It’s a great way to combine creativity with skill-building. Ways to Use: Add to your art or fine motor center Use during a weather or colors unit Include in early finishers’ or morning work bins Great for quiet individual work or small group time Send home as a fun and easy activity Advantages: Encourages hand-eye coordination and precision Reinforces color recognition and patterning Easy for young learners to complete independently Minimal prep – just print and supply dot markers Engaging and calming activity for busy classrooms This printable PDF includes multiple rainbow-themed dot marker pages ready to print and use. Whether you're focusing on motor development, color concepts, or just want a cheerful classroom activity, this resource brings learning and fun together in a creative way! Pdf file includes 1 page. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Dot Marker, Rainbow Coloring, Coloring, Back To School, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School, First Day Of School Activities, Coloring Worksheets
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 J Puzzles - Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, 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
Bring the letter J to life with this fun and hands-on Letter J Puzzle activity! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this resource helps young learners connect the letter “J” with its beginning sound using simple matching. Each puzzle includes two pieces: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter “J,” and the other with a picture and word that starts with J, like “J is for jellyfish.” Kids match the two pieces, helping them build early phonics skills in a fun and interactive way. This activity is easy to prep and perfect for centers, morning work, small groups, or early finishers. It supports foundational literacy skills while also giving children practice with visual recognition and fine motor development. Ways to Use: Letter of the week activity Literacy and phonics centers Independent or partner work Small group instruction Advantages: Reinforces letter and sound recognition Encourages hands-on, playful learning Strengthens matching and fine motor skills Builds confidence with early reading Just print, cut, and use (PDF format only) A fun and simple way to help your learners explore the sound of the letter J! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letters, Alphabet, Letter Puzzles, Letter J, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Centers
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
Thanksgiving Coloring Pages - Thanksgiving Activities
Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, End Of Year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Back To School, April, August, December, February, January, November, October, September, May, July, June, March, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, 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
Get ready for a gobble tastic adventure with Thanksgiving Coloring Pages! These five delightful pages are packed with all the things that make Thanksgiving the holiday we all love: happy turkeys, wobbly pilgrim hats, cornucopias that look suspiciously like they might spill veggies everywhere, and pumpkin pies that practically beg to be eaten (but please, don’t eat the paper). Each page is a masterpiece waiting for a splash of color, whether it’s a turkey with feathers of rainbow hues (because who said turkeys can’t be fabulous?) or a family of squirrels having their own mini-feast with acorns on the lawn. Your students will love adding their creative touch to these scenes, turning ordinary pictures into fridge worthy art that says, “I am thankful for coloring outside the lines.” The best part? There’s zero cleanup. No flour explosions, no stray cranberries rolling under the fridge just pure, mess-free coloring fun. Perfect for getting students in the Thanksgiving spirit without the drama of deciding who’s bringing the mashed potatoes. So grab those crayons, markers, or colored pencils, and let your students color their way to a happy Thanksgiving. Just watch out for the one kid who colors the turkey bright blue. You’ll need a story for that! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Coloring Pages, Coloring Activity, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Activity, Thanksgiving Craft, Fall Craft, Winter Craft, Fall Math, Thanksgiving Math
Letter S Puzzles - Letter S Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Spelling, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning the letter S fun and simple with this Letter S Puzzle activity! This hands-on resource is great for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students who are learning to match letters with sounds. Each puzzle comes with two pieces, one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter S, and the other features a picture and word that starts with the letter, like “sun.” Kids get to match the pieces and say the word, helping them build letter recognition and beginning sound skills in a fun and easy way. This is a no-fuss activity, just print, cut, and you're ready to go! It works well in literacy centers, small groups, or as independent work. It’s also great for building vocabulary and improving fine motor skills through hands-on play. You can use it for: Letter of the week activities Morning work or centers Small group or one-on-one practice Early finisher bins Why teachers love it: Fun and easy for kids Reinforces early reading skills Builds confidence with letters and sounds Low prep and ready to use (PDF format only) A playful way to help students connect the letter S to its sound! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letter S, Beginning Sound, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy Centers, Phonics, Letter S Beginning Sound
Action Verbs Flashcards - Vocabulary Cards
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Vocabulary, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Reading, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Flashcards, Activities, Centers
Help students build strong language skills with this set of Action Verbs Flashcards ! Designed for preschool, kindergarten, early elementary, and ESL learners, these printable cards feature a variety of common action verbs such as run, jump, eat, read, and more. Each card includes a simple, clear illustration and the corresponding verb to help students connect the word to the action. These cards are a great tool for building vocabulary, improving sentence formation, and supporting speaking and listening skills. They are also perfect for visual learners and can be used in a wide range of classroom activities. Ways to Use: Vocabulary building and review ESL or ELL lessons and practice Speaking, writing, and storytelling prompts Games like charades or matching Literacy centers and small groups Advantages: Strengthens language development Encourages communication and active learning Great for visual and kinesthetic learners Supports grammar and sentence structure Easy to print, cut, and use (PDF format only) These action verb flashcards make vocabulary fun, interactive, and meaningful—perfect for engaging young learners and language learners in a variety of educational settings! Pdf file includes 6 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Action Verbs, Action Verbs Flashcards, Flashcards, Vocabulary Cards, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Flashcards, Esl
My First Day of School - Reading Passage
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
Make your students’ first day memorable and meaningful with this engaging My First Day of School, Reading Passage resource! Designed for Kindergarten to 2nd grade learners, this simple and relatable passage helps young readers build confidence while connecting with the excitement and nerves of starting school. The text uses age-appropriate vocabulary , basic sight words , and short sentences perfect for early readers. This resource includes a short reading passage followed by comprehension questions , allowing students to practice reading fluency and understanding in a fun, school-themed context. Ways to Use: First week of school reading activity Small group or guided reading lesson Independent reading and comprehension practice Morning work or early finisher task Assessment of reading level and comprehension Advantages: Helps students relate personally to the school experience Builds reading confidence with simple vocabulary and structure Encourages discussion about school routines and emotions Provides a quick and easy prep literacy activity Offers an early look into each student's comprehension skills This resource is a perfect way to kick off the school year with purposeful literacy practice while helping students feel seen, heard, and excited to read!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, Reading Comprehension, First Day Of School Activities, First Day Of School Reading, Reading
All About Me Puzzle Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Writing, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Start the school year with a fun and creative All About Me Puzzle Activity ! This engaging resource is the perfect first day of school activity that encourages students to share interesting facts about themselves while creating a unique puzzle piece that represents who they are. Each student completes their own puzzle with drawings and short responses about their hobbies, family, favorite things, and goals. Ways to Use: First day or week of school icebreaker Morning work or center activity Combine all student puzzles to create a collaborative classroom display Use in student portfolios for the beginning-of-year snapshot Pair with student introductions or presentations Great for both in-person and distance learning Advantages: Encourages creativity and self-expression Helps students feel seen and valued Builds classroom community by showing how each student is a piece of the class puzzle Supports social-emotional learning and relationship building Easy to differentiate for various grade levels and abilities Low-prep and print-ready resource Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, All About Me, First Day Of School, First Day Of School Activities, Bulletin Boards
Back To School Capybara Fortune Teller
Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Special Resources, Social Skills, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Back To School, Seasons, Fall, Elementary, Activities
In this fun Back to School and Getting to Know You activity, students will make a fortune teller with cute capybara images they can color and that inspire a chill out vibe. There are 8 questions that students can ask one another. Some of the questions are; What were your favorite things you did over the summer? What was a good book you read? What are your favorite things to do at recess? What are 3 things we both have in common? What is your favorite part of the school day? What is a superpower you would like to have? What is a goal you have for this year? What are 3 things you are looking forward to this year? This activity is perfect for the first week of school and in any new class you have with students. This is appropriate for lower and upper elementary (some reading required). The directions on how to fold this fortune teller is included. For other back to school resources, please check out my store and these resources below: https://teachsimple.com/contributor/jennifer-moyer-taylor https://teachsimple.com/product/sports-themed-get-to-know-you-sel-coloring-pages (In this product you will get 5 sports' themed get to know you activities. These are perfect for PE teachers, classroom teachers, school counselors, and sports coaches. You can help the team or class get to know each other in a fun way!) https://teachsimple.com/product/back-to-school-handout-introducing-my-selfie-editable (back to school emoji selfies.) https://teachsimple.com/product/icebreaker-back-to-school-battle-brackets (Brackets are not just for basketball! These are icebreaker battle brackets. A great class or group activity for students to get to know one another and has a splash of competition involved.) https://teachsimple.com/product/teddy-bear-sel-coloring-pages-based-on-likes-and-dislikes (This is a cute Would You Rather coloring activity that students can do and color based on their preferences. Students then can compare and contrast their different teddy bears! This is a fun thing to do at the start of the year or anytime, really, to help students connect.)
Author Jennifer Moyer Taylor
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Tags Back To School, Icebreaker, Back To School Icebreaker, Fortune Teller, Capybara, Getting To Know You, Fall, September, Sel, Social Emotional Learning
How Many Shapes Activity
Math, Counting, Early Math, Shapes, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Worksheets
This simple and engaging activity helps young learners practice counting and identifying shapes in a fun way. Students look at a busy picture filled with different shapes and figure out how many of each they can find. It’s a great blend of early math and visual scanning, perfect for preschool, kindergarten, or early first grade. I like using this during my shapes unit, but it also works great as morning work or in a math center. No prep is needed, just print it out and you're good to go. The activity encourages careful observation and reinforces shape vocabulary without feeling like a test. Ideas for Use: Independent work or early finisher activity Small group instruction or review Shape unit warm up Take home practice Benefits: Strengthens counting and shape recognition Develops attention to detail Easy to use with minimal prep Keeps students engaged and focused If you’re looking for a low-prep math resource that’s both fun and effective, this one’s worth trying! Pdf file includes 3 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Shapes, Counting, How Many, Math, Math Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Math Activities, Shapes Activities
This Is Me: My Self Portrait - First Day of School Activity
Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Teacher Tools, Lesson Plans, Worksheets & Printables
Start the school year with creativity and confidence using This Is Me: My Self Portrait , a simple and engaging activity perfect for young learners. Students are invited to draw a picture of themselves and write their names, making it an excellent way to introduce self-expression while helping teachers learn names and faces quickly. Ways to Use: First day or first week of school icebreaker Morning work or art center activity Create a classroom gallery or “Meet Our Class” bulletin board Use as a keepsake for student portfolios Pair with an oral presentation or class introduction Great for early finishers and sub plans Advantages: Encourages creativity and self-awareness Helps students feel seen and valued Supports name recognition and fine motor skills Builds classroom community from the start Easy to differentiate for various ability levels Low-prep and printer-friendly resource Ideal for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and early elementary grades Pdf file includes 1 page. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Crafts, Back To School Craft, First Day Of School, First Day Of School Activities, All About Me
The Backpack Surprise - Reading Comprehension
ELA, Language Development, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
The Backpack Surprise is a fun and easy to read story that young students will enjoy. It tells the tale of a child who finds something unexpected in their backpack on the first day of school. The short passage is written with simple words and clear sentences, making it just right for beginning readers. How You Can Use It: Read it together as a class to build fluency and talk about the story. Use it in small groups to support students who need extra practice. Assign it as independent work or send it home for extra reading. Use it as a quick check to see how well students understand what they read. Kick off a back to school activity with a fun and friendly reading task. Why Teachers Love It: It keeps students interested with a story they can relate to. The five questions after the passage help students think about what they read. It’s great for building vocabulary and sparking conversations. The short length fits easily into busy schedules. It works well in reading centers or for substitute teachers. This resource is a great way to help students enjoy reading while practicing important skills. 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 Activities, Back To School Writing
Math & Me Pennant – All About Me Back to School Activity (Grades K–3)
Early Math, Math, Counting, Numbers, Shapes, Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Classroom Decor, Banners, Crafts, Projects
Math & Me Pennant – All about Me Back to School Activity (Grades K–3)... Get the school year off to a fun start with this hands-on “Math & Me” pennant activity. Each student makes their own pennant to show a little about themselves—their name, age, birthday, favorite number—and practices some early math skills at the same time. They’ll count letters, make tally marks, & draw shapes like circles, squares, triangles, hearts, and starsss. When finished, the pennants can be hung together to make a bright;) cheerful display that shows off every student and helps the class get to know each other. What’s Included: - Instruction Pages: 2 editable PowerPoint slides with clear prompts, plus 2 PDF pages ready to print and useee;) - Student Pennant Template: B&W PDF (1 page) for students to fill innn;) - Example Pennant: Colored PDF (1 page) to use as a guideee;) Skills Covered;) - Counting letters, consonants, & vowelsss:) - Drawing basic shapesss;) - Using tally marksss;) - Practicing early number senseee;) - Sharing personal information creativelyyy;) Grades: Great for 1st–3rd grade, but can also work for Kindergarten students who are ready to count and make shapes. This activity is quick to prep, hands-on, and lets kids show who they are while practicing math at the same time.
Author 1 Teaches 2 Learn
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Tags Back To School Activity, All About Me, Name Pennant Craft, Early Math Practice, Counting Letters Activity, Shapes And Tally Marks, First Week Of School Project, Classroom Display Craft, Kindergarten Math Activity
Brain Teaser - Find and Match Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Vocabulary, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Word Searches, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Games
Brain Teaser, Find and Match Activity is a fun and engaging way to get students thinking critically about words and how they relate to each other. In each line, students look at a group of four words, cross out the one that doesn’t belong, and then come up with a new word that fits with the remaining three. It’s a simple concept, but it really gets their brains working! How You Can Use It: As a quick warm up at the beginning of class For early finishers who need a meaningful challenge During literacy centers or small group work As a fun homework or take home activity Perfect for brain breaks or transition times Why Teachers Love It: Builds vocabulary and word association skills Encourages creative thinking and reasoning No prep needed, just print and go! Works well with a wide range of ages and abilities Sparks great discussions in class or with partners This activity is a great way to mix learning with fun. It’s light, smart, and students really enjoy the challenge of finding that “odd one out” and coming up with the perfect word to complete the set.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Brain Teaser, First Day Of School, First Day Of School Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Ice Breaker, Games, Early Finishers
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
The Lost Lunchbox - Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
The Lost Lunchbox is a short, engaging reading passage that tells the story of a student who can’t find their lunchbox at school. With the help of friends and a little problem solving, the lunchbox is finally found. The story is written in simple language and short sentences, making it easy for young readers in kindergarten through second grade to understand and enjoy. How You Can Use It: As a back-to-school activity to spark discussions about responsibility. During whole group reading to build fluency and comprehension. In small reading groups to support guided practice. For independent reading or take home work. As part of a unit on problem solving or friendship. Why Teachers Love It: The story is relatable and helps students connect to everyday school experiences. Includes five easy comprehension questions to check understanding. Encourages discussions about helping others and being responsible. Uses age appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure. Easy to prep, just print and use. Great for early finishers, literacy centers, or substitute plans. The Lost Lunchbox is a meaningful way to practice reading skills while teaching important life lessons in a fun and age appropriate way. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, First Day Of School Activities, First Day Of School Reading