3,047 products added recently
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.
Show filters
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
Rating
Tags Scissor Skills, Early Childhood, Cutting And Coloring, Preschool, Kindergarten, Montessori, Fine Motor Skills, Hand-eye Coordination, Dexterity, Crafts
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
Rating
Tags Writing, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Writing, September Writing Activities, Writing Prompts, First Week Of School Activities
Easter Missing Middles - Numbers 1 - 20
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Easter, Seasons, Spring, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Classroom Decor, Door Decor, Bulletin Boards, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Let’s face it, getting kids to focus on number sequences can feel like trying to herd jellybeans. But with Easter Missing Middles – Numbers 1–20 , you’ll have them cracking the code in no time (egg pun 100% intended). 🐣 Each egg in this no-prep activity is divided into three pieces. The top and bottom parts have numbers, and the middle? Well, that’s where the little mathematicians come in. Their job is to figure out what number is missing in the middle and write it in. It’s like detective work, but cuter and with pastel eggs. Ways to Use It: ✔️ Morning math warm-up – Easy, festive, and effective. ✔️ Easter-themed centers – Because math should get to wear a costume too. ✔️ Number sequence review – Sneaky skill-building in disguise. ✔️ Early finisher activity – Keeps them busy without chaos. ✔️ Small group work – A great way to hatch some math discussions. Why It Works: 🥚 Builds number sequencing skills 🥚 Encourages logical thinking 🥚 Easy to prep (just print and go!) 🥚 Fun, engaging, and totally classroom-approved Who knew eggs could teach math? Now if only they could grade papers too… Pdf files includes 10 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Numbers, Numbers In Between, Easter, Easter Math, Easter Missing Number, Missing Numbers, Missing Number, Easter Activities, Middle Numbers
Letter Recognition - Match Capital and Small Letters
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, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Start the school year with this interactive Letter Recognition – Match Capital and Small Letters activity, designed to strengthen foundational literacy and handwriting skills in young learners. This engaging back-to-school resource helps students identify and match uppercase and lowercase letters while practicing handwriting through guided tracing and writing. Each worksheet includes a variety of fun and age-appropriate matching tasks where students draw lines between corresponding letters, trace both uppercase and lowercase forms, and write them independently. With a clear and simple layout, it supports learners in building letter-sound knowledge, visual discrimination, and fine motor control, perfect for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade classrooms. Ways to Use: Morning work or literacy warm-up Alphabet and handwriting centers Independent seat work Homework or take-home packets Early finisher activity Small group intervention practice Assessment or review tool Advantages: Reinforces uppercase and lowercase letter recognition Encourages correct letter formation and handwriting practice Builds early literacy and visual matching skills Supports fine motor development Easy to print and use – no prep required Fun and engaging for the beginning of the school year Help students confidently build letter knowledge from day one! Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letter Recognintion, Letters, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School Activities, First Week Of School Activities, Back To School 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
Rating
Tags Grammar, Grammar Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Sentence Structure, Phonics, September Activities, Writing 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 N 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
Make learning the alphabet fun and hands-on with this Letter N Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this resource helps children recognize the letter Nn and connect it with a word and image that start with the same sound, like “N is for noodle.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter “N,” and the other with a picture and the matching word. Kids simply match the two pieces, reinforcing their understanding of beginning sounds while building early phonics skills. This activity is simple to prepare and great for use in literacy centers, morning tubs, small groups, or even quiet, independent practice. It combines fun with learning and helps develop fine motor skills at the same time. Ways to Use: Letter of the week lessons Literacy and phonics centers Early finisher or morning work One-on-one or small group support Advantages: Builds letter recognition and sound awareness Encourages hands-on, active learning Strengthens matching and vocabulary skills Supports fine motor development No prep required – just print, cut, and go (PDF format only) A fun and easy way to help kids master the letter N!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Centers, Letter N Puzzles
CVC Short e - Roll and Read Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Pre-Reading, Reading, 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
The CVC Short E – Roll and Read a Sentence Activity is a fun and engaging way to help young learners practice short “e” vowel sounds in simple sentences. Students roll a die and read a sentence that features CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words such as bed , net , pen , and red . This hands-on activity supports early reading development by helping students connect phonics skills with real sentence reading, improving fluency, decoding, and comprehension in a playful format. Perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL classrooms, this activity can be used in a variety of settings throughout the year. It's designed to be easy to prep and fun for students, making it a great addition to any literacy block. Ways to Use: Use in small group instruction or guided reading warm-ups Add to literacy centers for independent or partner work Laminate and reuse during fluency practice Send home for extra reading fun Use as a morning activity or early finisher task Advantages: Reinforces CVC short E word recognition in context Builds reading fluency and confidence Encourages repeated reading through play Easy to set up, use, and store Keeps students engaged while practicing essential skills Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Cvc, Cvc Short E, Cvc Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy, Back To School Literacy, Reading, Short E, Phonics
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
Rating
Tags Letter V, Letter V Puzzles, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Beginning Sound, Literacy Centers, Alphabet, Alphabet Games
CVC Short i - Roll and Read Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Pre-Reading, Reading, 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
The CVC Short I – Roll and Read a Sentence Activity is a fun and effective way to help early readers build fluency and confidence with short “i” CVC words. This hands-on activity includes simple, decodable sentences featuring words like pig , lip , sit , and fin . Students roll a die, then read the matching sentence? making practice feel more like a game and less like work! Perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL students, this resource is ideal for reinforcing phonics skills, sentence structure, and reading comprehension. It encourages repeated reading, improves decoding skills, and keeps learners actively engaged. The sentences are short, clear, and great for building foundational literacy skills. Ways to Use: Use during small group reading sessions Add to literacy centers for partner or independent practice Include in morning work or early finisher tubs Laminate for repeated use throughout the year Send home for extra fluency practice Advantages: Reinforces short I sound within full sentences Supports decoding, fluency, and word recognition Encourages playful, low-pressure reading practice Easy to prep, store, and reuse Keeps students engaged with interactive learning Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Phonics, Cvc, Cvc Short I, Cvc Activities, Phonics Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Literacy, Literacy
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
Rating
Tags Cutting, Cutting Practice, Shapes, Shapes Posters, Fine Motor Skills, Shapes Cutting, Shapes Cutting Practice, Shapes Fine Motor Skills, Posters
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
Rating
Tags Back To School, All About Me, All About My Family, Writing, Activity, Pennant, Banner, Class Decor, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Board
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
Letter A Puzzles - Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, October, September, Phonics, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning the letter A fun and interactive with this Letter A Puzzle activity! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten, this simple resource helps young learners connect the letter “A” with words and pictures that begin with that sound—like “A is for ant.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter, and the other with a picture and matching word. Kids match the pieces to complete the puzzle, making it a playful way to build beginning sound skills. This is a great hands-on activity for little learners who are just starting their alphabet journey. It’s easy to use, engaging, and perfect for small groups, centers, or early finishers. Ways to Use: Literacy centers or phonics practice Small group work Morning tubs or early finishers One-on-one support Why It’s Helpful: Reinforces beginning sounds and letter recognition Builds early reading confidence Supports matching and visual skills Easy to prep and use (PDF format only) A fun, no-stress way to introduce the letter A and its sound through play and connection!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Beginning Sound, Phonics, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Centers, Alphabet, Alphabet Puzzles, Beginning Sounds
Letters Cursive Tracing - Trace and Color
ELA, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Writing, Handwriting, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers
Make cursive writing fun and approachable with this Letters Cursive Tracing – Trace and Color activity pack! These easy-to-use printables are perfect for helping young learners practice their cursive handwriting one letter at a time. Each page focuses on a single letter and gives kids the chance to trace both the uppercase and lowercase forms before coloring a picture that starts with that letter. This resource is great for students just getting started with cursive or those who need a little extra practice in a relaxed, creative way. The coloring part adds fun to the routine and helps keep students engaged while reinforcing letter sounds. Ways to Use: Daily cursive practice Morning work or early finisher activity Literacy or handwriting centers Take-home practice Why Teachers Love It: Simple, no-prep print-and-go pages (PDF only) Great for building muscle memory and fine motor skills Combines handwriting with creativity Encourages a positive attitude toward writing This pack makes learning cursive less intimidating and more enjoyable, perfect for adding a little joy to handwriting time! Pdf file includes 26 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letter A, Coloring Pages, Letters, Alphabet, Handwriting, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Alphabet Handwriting, Tracing, Cursive
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
Rating
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
Letter A Activities Pack
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Writing, Handwriting, 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, Classroom Decor
Get your little learners excited about the alphabet with this Letter A Activities Pack ! It’s full of fun, engaging worksheets that help kids learn to recognize, trace, write, and say the letter A. Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten, this pack makes learning feel like play. How You Can Use It: Introduce the letter A during your alphabet lessons Add to morning work, centers, or small group time Use as part of your letter of the week routine Send home for extra practice or homework Great for both classroom and homeschool use Why You’ll Love It: Helps kids recognize uppercase and lowercase A Builds fine motor skills with tracing and coloring Reinforces beginning sound awareness No prep needed, just print and go (PDF format) Fun, simple activities kids enjoy doing This pack includes a variety of worksheets, tracing, coloring, letter hunts, flashcards, and more, all focused on the letter A. It’s a fun and easy way to support early reading and writing skills while keeping your students engaged and confident. A great start to any alphabet learning journey! PDF file includes 7 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letters, Letter A, Alphabet, Back To School Activities, Letter Of The Week, Back To School, First Day Of School, Handwriting, First Day Of School Activities
Student Questionnaire - Back to School Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Special Resources, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Centers
Start your school year off right with this Student Questionnaire – Back to School Activity. It’s a fun, thoughtful way to get to know your students beyond their names. With easy-to-answer questions about their interests, goals, and how they like to learn, this activity helps you build stronger connections from day one. Ways to Use: Great for the first day or week of school Use as morning work or a writing assignment Spark small group or partner conversations Keep responses in folders to look back on later Share with families during conferences Revisit during the year to reflect on growth Why Teachers Love It: Helps you learn what makes each student unique Builds trust and classroom community Encourages kids to open up and feel heard Gives you helpful insight for planning lessons and seating Simple to prep and easy to use with any grade Works in any setting, whole group, small group, or at home Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Questionnaire, Student Questionnaire, Student Survey, First Day Of School Activities, Classroom Forms, First Day Of School
The Letter " O" Dot Marker Activity
Creative Arts, Graphic Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Seasons, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Kindergarten, Preschool, Infant, Toddler, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters
Get ready for a "Oh wow!" moment with this Letter 'O' Dot Marker Activity! If you’ve ever tried to get little learners excited about the letter O (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?), this hands-on, no-fuss activity is exactly what you need. Kids will love grabbing their dot markers and creating a colorful “O” as they explore the letter that’s at the heart of octopuses, oranges, owls, and opera singers ! (Okay, maybe not opera singers, but you get the idea.) This activity isn’t just about coloring; it’s about building essential skills! Dotting the O helps little hands develop fine motor skills , while their brains are getting busy with letter recognition . The best part? It’s mess-free and so easy that even the busiest of little learners will be able to focus. Ways to Use (Because You Deserve Options!): ✔ Morning Work – Set the tone for a successful day. ✔ Fast Finishers – An engaging activity that won’t cause chaos. ✔ Quiet Time – Because quiet time is precious. ✔ Letter of the Week – O is for “Outstanding Learning”! ✔ Indoor Recess Fun – A rainy-day lifesaver! Why It Rocks: ✔ Zero Prep Required ✔ Great for Fine Motor Skills ✔ No Mess, No Fuss ✔ Fun & Engaging Just print, hand out the dot markers, and watch your students go from “O, what’s that?” to “O, I love this!” Pdf file includes 2 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Coloring, Dot Painting, Dot Marker, Letters Dot Marker, Letters Dot Painting, Alphabet, Alphabet Dot Marker, Back To School, Alphabet Dot Painting
Thanksgiving traditions Writing Prompt - Thanksgiving Activity
Common Core, Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, ELA, ESL, Language Development, Vocabulary, Writing, Creative Writing, Formal Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, 100's Day, 4th Of July, April Fools, Back To School, Birthdays, Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Christmas, End Of Year, First Day of School, Halloween, Hanukkah, New Year's Day, Last Day of School, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, April, August, December, February, January, July, November, October, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Hispanic Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples Day, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Writing Prompts, Coloring Pages
Get ready to gobble up some creativity with the Thanksgiving Traditions Writing Prompt! This fun and festive activity gets kids thinking about what makes their Thanksgiving celebrations uniquely theirs, whether it’s a feast fit for royalty or a day spent dodging burnt stuffing disasters. Writing and drawing take center stage in this perfect blend of reflection and hilarity. First, students will dive into their family’s traditions. Do they watch football with a side of pie? Go on a turkey trot that’s more “stroll” than “run”? Or perhaps their family’s tradition involves grandma’s famous sweet potato casserole (with a marshmallow topping so high it needs its own zip code). Kids will craft their best descriptive writing, sharing the quirks, laughs, and delicious details of their Thanksgiving Day. Next comes the artistic twist! Students will illustrate their favorite tradition. Whether it’s a turkey-shaped centerpiece, a chaotic kitchen scene, or Uncle Bob snoozing in front of the TV with pumpkin pie crumbs, these drawings bring their stories to life. This activity isn’t just about celebrating Thanksgiving traditions, it’s about discovering what makes the holiday truly special: food, family, and enough laughs to stuff your heart as full as your plate! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Thanksgiving Writing, Writing Prompts, Thanksgiving Craft, Fall Craft, Fall Math, Writing Essays, Winter Craft, Drawing, Thanksgiving Math
Numbers Cut and Count - Numbers Posters
Creative Arts, Graphic Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Seasons, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters, Door Decor
Let’s be honest, teaching numbers can sometimes feel like trying to make a cat do math homework. But with the Numbers Cut and Count - Numbers Posters , your students won’t just see numbers; they’ll love them! These posters are colorful, bold, and designed to grab attention, making your math lessons feel less like work and more like a fun adventure. Ways to Use: Classroom Wall Decor : Hang these posters up and watch them instantly brighten up your room. They’re like a math party on your walls! Cut and Count Time : Let your students get hands-on by cutting out numbers and matching them with their corresponding quantities. It’s like a math puzzle, but way more fun. Flashcard Frenzy : Cut out individual numbers and turn them into flashcards. Interactive Learning : Have students point to the numbers as they count, turning it into a mini scavenger hunt. Advantages: Attention Grabbing : These posters are impossible to ignore. Your students won’t be able to stop staring at them (in the best way!). Interactive : Who needs a boring worksheet when you can cut, count, and learn all at once? Flexible : Whether your students are beginners or need a little extra practice, these posters work for all levels. Durable : Built to survive those little hands that might get a little too excited. Pdf file includes 10 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Posters, Numbers, Number, Numbers Posters, Back To School, Fine Motor Skills, Cut And Paste, Back To School Decor, Classroom Decor
Back to School Dot Painting - A Fine Motor Art Activity
Holiday & Seasonal, Creative Arts, Art, Seasons, Fall, Back To School, Holidays, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, Activities, Crafts
Practice fine motor skills while creating a back to school dot art painting with these fine motor q-tip dot painting sheets. This autumn themed art activity is a perfect anytime craft for preschoolers and early elementary students to practice hand eye coordination. The following dot painting pages are included in this set: book, bookshelf, computer, crayons, globe, glue, paint, paper, paperclip, pencil, scissors, school, school bus, whiteboard Each page is designed with a different school item for students to practice their fine motor skills and create a fun art picture to display in the classroom or in their home. Students will have fun choosing their colors to make their pictures their own unique masterpieces. When to Use these Dot Painting Pages Art Center or a Fine Motor Center - Simply place the pages inside the center with paints of various colors and cotton swabs for students to complete. Craft Activity - These dot painting pages also make a great whole class art activity where each student paints at their own desk their chosen dot art picture. Early Finishers - When students finish their work, they can complete this dot painting activity while waiting on their classmates to finish their assignments. Quiet Time Activity - Students who have trouble napping can complete one of these dot painting pages while their classmates nap. Displays - These dot painting pictures can be displayed on classroom bulletin boards , doors, or hallways. All of these dot painting pages are no prep. They just need to be printed and given to students to decorate. The teacher will simply need to provide paints of various colors and cotton swabs. An alternative to using cotton swabs and paint is to have students decorate their pictures with dots of colored glue. Older students may want to try creating their pictures this way for a more tactile way to complete this art activity.
Author The Connett Connection
Rating
Tags Fine Motor Art, Fine Motor Skills, Dot Painting, Fall Dot Painting, Autumn Dot Painting, Back To School Dot Painting, Back To School
Back-to-School Icebreakers after Winter Break (for Middle School)
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, First Day of School, New Year's Day, January, Months, Winter, Seasons, Grade 6, 7, 8, Activities, Lesson Plans, Teacher Tools, Worksheets & Printables
Start the new semester with confidence and connection. This 90-minute Back-to-School Icebreakers lesson is designed for middle school (Grades 6–8) and works perfectly after winter break. It helps students reconnect, reflect, and reset in a calm and supportive way. The lesson includes engaging icebreakers, goal-setting tasks, movement activities, and guided reflection . Students share break highlights, set academic and personal goals, and think about the year ahead. Low-pressure discussions help rebuild trust and classroom community. Clear routines help students shift from vacation mode to a learning mindset. Everything is ready to use . You get structured activities, clear timing, and a printable student worksheet that guides the entire lesson. No extra prep is needed. Activities balance writing, talking, and movement, so all learners can participate. SEL, communication skills, and classroom culture are all supported in this session. Additionally, it provides teachers with important information on the needs and perspectives of their students. Ideal for the first day back. Set a cheerful tone. Gain momentum. Get the semester off to a great start.
Author Bright Classroom Ideas Marketplace
Rating
Tags Icebreaker, Middle School, Back-to-school, Winter, Lesson, Lesson Plan, Worksheet
Long Vowels Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, End Of Year, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The Long Vowels Activity – Back to School Edition is a great way to review and reinforce long vowel sounds at the start of the school year. In this engaging worksheet set, students read simple, back-to-school-themed sentences and fill in the blanks using the correct long vowel word. It’s a fun and focused activity that supports reading fluency, vocabulary, and phonics skills, all tied to familiar classroom topics. This resource is ideal for 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and ESL learners who are working on common long vowel patterns (like a_e , ee , oa , ai , ue , and more). The themed sentences help create a meaningful connection between phonics practice and real-world language, making the learning experience more engaging and relevant for young readers. Ways to Use: Beginning-of-year literacy centers Small group instruction or partner work Morning work or early finisher task Homework or review activity Informal phonics assessment Advantages: Strengthens long vowel recognition and spelling Builds sentence-level comprehension Easy to use and low prep, just print and go Helps students ease into reading routines with confidence Encourages independent thinking and word choice Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Vowels, Long Vowels, Long And Short Vowels, Phonics, Phonics Worksheets, Long Vowels Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities