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Back To School Activities

Welcome your students back with activities that set a positive tone for the year ahead. This collection includes icebreakers, team-building exercises, and goal-setting projects designed to foster a supportive classroom environment. By integrating these back to school activities into your first days, you can help students feel connected and ready to learn.

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Back to School 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

Scissor Skills Fun Cutting Practice Worksheets for Preschool & KG

Scissor Skills Fun Cutting Practice Worksheets for Preschool & KG
Montessori, Creative Arts, Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Life Skills, Special Resources, Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, Centers, Activities, Crafts, Worksheets & Printables, Workbooks, Coloring Pages, Worksheets

Scissor Skills Fun (Cutting Practice Worksheets for Preschool & Kindergarten) I created these cutting practice worksheets for young children who are still learning how to use scissors and need plenty of simple and easy hands-on practice. Many preschool and kindergarten students struggle with cutting at first, so I wanted to make something that feels fun and doable instead of overwhelming. This printable set includes grayscale pictures of animals, everyday objects, treats, simple shapes, and a lot more. Kids will cut along straight lines and curves while working on hand strength and eye coordination. All the pictures inside are familiar and playful, which will help to keep children interested and focused while they practice. Inside you will also see pages with bunnies, bears, lions, and raccoons, along with fun items like ice cream cones, castles, and volcanoes. According to me, a variety really helps - children are much more willing to practice when the pictures are exciting. As students cut, they naturally build scissor control, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. These skills are very important for writing, drawing, and many other classroom activities they’ll be doing later on. What’s inside? This resource includes grayscale cutting practice pages with: Animals Monkey, raccoon, lion, tiger, fox, owl, cat, dog, goat, snake, frog, duck, and fish Objects Magic wand, teddy bear, castle, flower, gem, doll, ball, gift box, and volcano Sweets & Treats Cake, cupcakes, donuts, lollipops, ice cream, and popsicles Fun Shapes An activity page to create Mr. Sun is also in there Who This Is For Preschool and kindergarten students learning scissor skills Homeschool families who want hands-on fine motor practice Special education and early intervention classrooms Occupational therapy or extra fine motor support Kids who enjoy cutting, crafting, and working with their hands Resource features: Some pictures have easy cutting lines that gradually become a little more challenging This set supports simple shape recognition cutting activity page for early learners All the pages are black and white that are easy to print and save ink No prep - just print and use It works well for centers, morning work, or independent practice It helps support hand strength and coordination It contains simple visuals that keep kids engaged without distractions Why do I like this resource? Fine motor development is a big part of early learning, and I wanted these pages to feel encouraging but not frustrating. Children can start with simple cuts and slowly work their way up. You may use these during centers, quiet work time, or when students need something calming and focused. The print and go format makes it easy to use anywhere - in the classroom, at your homeschool, during art time, or even during breaks and vacations. Benefits for Children It helps them improve scissor control and fine motor skills It helps kids strengthen hand-eye coordination It encourages focus, patience, and independence It also builds confidence with cutting and crafting This resource works well for preschool and kindergarten cutting practice , fine motor skill development, hands-on learning, and Montessori-style activities at home or in the classroom.

Author FlashKart

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Tags Scissor Skills, Early Childhood, Cutting And Coloring, Preschool, Kindergarten, Montessori, Fine Motor Skills, Hand-eye Coordination, Dexterity, Crafts

First Day of School Signs

First Day of School Signs
Creative Arts, ELA, Language Development, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Activities, Centers, Worksheets, Worksheets & Printables, Classroom Decor, Banners, Bulletin Boards, Door Decor, Posters, Teacher Tools

Capture the excitement of a new school year with this My First Day of School Signs printable pack! Perfect for teachers and parents, these signs are a fun way to celebrate the beginning of school and create lasting memories. This set includes signs for various grade levels, from preschool to elementary, each featuring a bold, kid-friendly design that looks great in photos. Whether you're a teacher preparing for classroom photo day or a parent snapping a special first-day picture, these signs are an easy way to add something meaningful to the moment. Ways to Use: Classroom welcome photos on the first day Parent keepsake photos at home Bulletin board or hallway displays Scrapbooking or memory books Sharing on school websites or newsletters Advantages: Creates lasting back-to-school memories Covers multiple grade levels for reuse Easy to print and use (PDF format only) Adds fun to first-day routines Perfect for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers Make your students feel special and mark the start of their school journey with these bright and cheerful First Day of School Signs! Pdf file includes 12 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Back To School, Back To School Signs, Classcroom Signs, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Board, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School, First Day Activities

A turkey's adventure Writing Prompt - Thanksgiving Activity

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

Get ready for a gobble-worthy adventure with the A Turkey’s Adventure Writing Prompt! This Thanksgiving activity invites kids to step into the feathers of a turkey and imagine their most epic journey. Will they escape the dinner table, become a turkey superhero, or travel the world in search of the tastiest corn? The possibilities are as endless as a buffet line. First, kids will channel their inner turkey and write about their big adventure. Maybe they’re a daring turkey ninja, dodging cranberry sauce traps and escaping the clutches of Farmer Fred. Or perhaps they’re a turkey with dreams of fame, starring in the Thanksgiving Day parade instead of ending up on a platter. Whether it’s action-packed, heartwarming, or downright hilarious, this activity lets imaginations soar higher than a turkey trying to take flight (well… almost). After the story is written, it’s time to bring it to life with a colorful drawing! Turkeys in disguises, turkeys in Paris, or turkeys just living their best lives, it’s up to the kids to illustrate their feathered protagonist’s escapades. Perfect for combining creativity and humor, this activity will leave everyone thankful for laughter, storytelling, and turkeys with BIG dreams. Bonus: no turkeys were harmed in the making of these tales! Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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

Letter E Puzzles - Letter E Beginning Sound

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

Let your little learners have fun while getting to know the letter E! This Letter E Puzzle activity is great for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten kids who are learning their letters and beginning sounds. Each puzzle has two parts, one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter “E,” and the other has a picture and word that starts with E, like “egg.” Kids match the two pieces, helping them make the connection between the letter and its sound. It’s simple, hands-on, and kids love it! This activity is perfect for centers, morning work, early finishers, or just a quiet moment of learning. No prep needed, just print, cut, and you’re ready to go. You can use it for: Letter of the week practice Literacy centers One-on-one or small group work Extra phonics practice Why teachers love it: It helps kids learn letters and beginning sounds It keeps kids engaged and active It supports early reading and fine motor skills It’s easy to use and ready when you are A simple and fun way to explore the letter E! Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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

Rhyming Words Balloons Activity

Rhyming Words Balloons 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 phonics practice fun and colorful with the Rhyming Words Balloons Activity ! In this engaging worksheet, students identify and color the balloons that rhyme with the given word. Each balloon contains a different word, and only those that rhyme should be filled in. This hands-on activity is perfect for helping early learners recognize rhyming patterns and improve phonemic awareness through visual and interactive learning. Ways to Use: As part of a phonics or reading center For morning work or early finisher activities In small group instruction for targeted support As a homework assignment for skill reinforcement During intervention time or speech/language sessions Advantages: Encourages phonemic awareness and rhyme recognition Supports fine motor skills through coloring Makes learning interactive and enjoyable Ideal for kindergarten and early elementary students Easy to differentiate, works for review or enrichment No-prep, print-and-use format saves teacher time Visually appealing and highly engaging for young learners Pdf file includes 4 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Rhyming, Rhyming Words, Phonics, Cvc Words, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Short Vowels, Rhyming Words Worksheets, Literacy Worksheets

Letter N Puzzles - Beginning Sound

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

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

Long and Short Vowels Activity

Long and Short 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 and Short Vowels Activity is a simple, engaging, and effective way for students to practice identifying vowel sounds and using them in context. In this two-part activity, students first read words in a table and color them, green for short vowels and orange for long vowels. Then, they complete sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct word from the list. It’s a great blend of phonics, reading comprehension, and decision-making. This resource is ideal for 1st and 2nd graders, as well as ESL students, who are learning to distinguish between long and short vowel sounds. The color-coding makes the activity visual and fun, while the sentence work encourages careful reading and word choice. Ways to Use: Literacy centers Small group instruction Independent practice or early finisher work Morning work or homework Informal phonics check Advantages: Reinforces long and short vowel sound recognition Combines visual learning with sentence reading Encourages vocabulary development and comprehension Low-prep and easy to use, just print and go Suitable for a range of learning levels Pdf file includes 4 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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

Long and Short Vowels : Cut and Paste

Long and Short Vowels : Cut and Paste
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

The Long and Short Vowel Sound – Cut and Paste Activity is a hands-on phonics resource that helps young learners practice sorting and identifying vowel sounds. Students cut out a set of words and decide whether each word contains a long or short vowel sound. Then, they paste the words into the correct column or category on the worksheet. This activity supports phonemic awareness, word recognition, and fine motor development all in one! Perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL students, this resource makes vowel sound practice engaging and interactive. It's a great way to reinforce the difference between long and short vowel sounds while allowing students to work independently or in small groups. Ways to Use: Phonics or literacy centers Independent seatwork or morning work Homework or take-home phonics review Intervention groups or early finishers Assessment for vowel sound recognition Advantages: Encourages critical thinking through sorting Reinforces long and short vowel identification Provides hands-on learning through cutting and pasting Supports visual and tactile learners Easy to prepare and use multiple times Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Phonics, Vowels, Short Vowels, Long Vowels, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics Activities, Literacy, Back To School Literacy

No Prep School Supplies Bingo, Fun Back-to-School Classroom Game

No Prep School Supplies Bingo, Fun Back-to-School Classroom Game
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, August, Months, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Games, Activities

Kick off the new school year with this School Supplies Bingo Game — a fun and interactive way to get students excited about the classroom! Perfect for back-to-school activities, first day icebreakers, and supply-themed lessons, this no-prep game is ideal for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary students. What’s Included In this Bingo Game Pack? 40 unique bingo cards featuring common school supplies 30 Calling cards with colorful illustrations like pencils, rulers, crayons, and notebooks Printable PDF file – easy to print and use instantly Why You’ll Love It: No prep needed – just print and play Great for building classroom community Helps younger students recognize and name school supplies Fun icebreaker for the first week of school Suitable for small groups, whole class, or centers This Game is Perfect For: First day of school activities Back-to-school night or open house Classroom icebreakers and morning work Early finishers or indoor recess Preschool and elementary supply review Start the year off with smiles and laughter using this fun and simple School Supplies Bingo Game — a great way to welcome students back to school!

Author Perfect_Printables

Rating

Tags School Supplies Bingo, Back To School Bingo, Classroom Objects Game, No Prep Bingo Game, First Day Of School Activity, School Bingo Printable, Classroom Supplies Game, Back To School Activity For Kids, Fun School Game Printable, Icebreaker Bingo For Students

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

Letter M Puzzles - Beginning Sound

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

Make learning the letter M fun and meaningful with this Letter M Puzzle activity! This resource is perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten kids who are just starting to connect letters with sounds. Each puzzle has two pieces: one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter M, and the other has a picture and word that begins with M, like “monkey.” Kids match the pieces, helping them recognize the letter and understand the sound it makes. This activity is great for centers, morning tubs, small groups, or even quiet time. It’s hands-on, engaging, and easy to set up, just print, cut, and you’re ready to go. While kids are having fun matching the pieces, they’re also building early reading skills and practicing fine motor coordination. How to Use: Letter of the week Literacy centers Independent or partner work Early finisher or extra practice Why You’ll Love It: Helps kids connect letters and sounds Encourages hands-on learning Supports early reading and vocabulary Simple to prep and fun to use (PDF format only) A playful and effective way to introduce the letter M! Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

Rating

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

Letter C Puzzles - Letter C Beginning Sound

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

Support early literacy skills with this fun and interactive Letter C Puzzles – Beginning Sound activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this hands-on resource helps children connect the letter “C” with words and pictures that begin with the same sound, such as “C is for cow.” Each puzzle includes two pieces: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter “C,” and one with a picture and word that starts with C. Students match the letter to the correct image to complete the puzzle. This simple activity makes learning phonics fun and helps young learners develop important pre-reading skills. It’s a great way to build letter recognition, beginning sound awareness, matching skills, and fine motor coordination, all while keeping students engaged and confident. Ways to Use: Literacy centers or phonics stations Morning tubs or independent practice Letter of the week activities Small group instruction or early finishers Advantages: Strengthens letter-sound connections Builds visual recognition and matching skills Encourages hands-on learning Easy to prep and use (just print and cut – PDF format only) A fun and meaningful way to reinforce the letter C!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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

Tally Marks Counting Practice - 1 to 10

Tally Marks Counting Practice - 1 to 10
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Math, Early Math, Basic Operations, Counting, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers

Count Tallies - Tally Marks Practice is a simple and engaging worksheet designed to help young learners understand tally marks and number recognition. Students count the tally marks in each box and write the matching number. It’s a no prep activity that’s perfect for practicing counting in fives and developing early math skills. I created this resource to give students an easy way to practice tally marks without feeling overwhelmed. It works great for independent work, early finishers, math centers, or even homework. I’ve used it in my own classroom, and it’s always a hit because it feels more like a game than a worksheet. How you can use it: Morning work or bell ringer Math stations or centers Independent seatwork Homework or review Quick assessment Why teachers love it: Helps students count by 5s and 1s Reinforces the visual grouping of tally marks Builds number writing confidence No prep, just print and use! This activity is best suited for kindergarten or first grade, but it can be used as a quick review for older students who need a refresher. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Tally Marks, Counting, Numbers, First Grade Math, Back To School, Back To School Math, Math Worksheets, Math Activities, September Activities

Back To School Capybara Fortune Teller

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

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

Rating

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

Teacher Daily Planner

Teacher Daily Planner
ELA, Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Resources for Teachers, Classroom Management, Not Grade Specific, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Templates, Graphic Organizers

This Teacher Daily Planner is made to help you get through your school day feeling prepared and in control. It’s a simple, easy-to-use template that lets you map out everything from your morning routine to the last bell. No clutter, no confusion, just clear, helpful space to plan your day. Here’s how you can use it: Jot down your lessons by subject or time List what you need and what you hope to get done Keep track of notes, reminders, and to-dos Plan smooth transitions between activities Print it out, just print and go Why teachers love it: It keeps your day organized and on track You’ll feel less rushed and more prepared It makes planning quicker and easier Great for keeping your teaching consistent You can use it every day without hassle This planner gives you a clear picture of your day at a glance. It’s perfect for any teacher who wants to stay one step ahead and end the day feeling good about what got done. Pdf file includes 31 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Teacher Planner, Planner, Lesson Plans, Classroom Forms, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Lesson Plan Template, Back To School Planner

CVC Short a - Roll and Read Activity

CVC Short a - Roll and Read Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

The CVC Short A – Roll and Read a Sentence Activity is a fun and interactive way to help young learners build confidence with short “a” CVC words in context. This activity combines phonics practice with sentence reading, allowing students to roll a die and read a sentence that includes short “a” words like cat , man , bag , and hat . Each sentence is simple and age-appropriate, making it perfect for early readers who are beginning to blend sounds and understand sentence structure. This resource is ideal for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL classrooms. It encourages repeated reading, builds fluency, and makes learning feel like play. Use it during literacy centers, small group instruction, or even as a partner game. Ways to Use: Use in literacy centers for independent or partner work Include in guided reading warm-ups Send home as a fun reading activity Use for fluency and decoding practice in small groups Laminate for reusable classroom use Advantages: Reinforces short A CVC word recognition in sentences Builds fluency, decoding, and reading confidence Engages students through hands-on play Easy to set up and manage Encourages repeated reading in a low-pressure setting Pdf file includes 5 pages Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Reading, Cvc, Cvc Short A, Cvc Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy, Ela Activities, Back To School Literacy

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

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

Letter D  Puzzles - Letter D beginning Sound

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

Make learning the letter D fun and easy with this hands-on Letter D Puzzle activity! Created for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this resource helps kids connect the letter “D” with words and pictures that start with that sound, like “D is for dolphin.” Each puzzle has two parts: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter D, and the other with a matching picture and word. Kids match the pieces together, helping them build early reading skills in a playful way. It’s a great activity for centers, small groups, or quiet time, and it’s super simple to prepare, just print and cut! While kids are matching the pieces, they’re also practicing beginning sounds, visual recognition, and fine motor skills. Ways to Use: Letter of the week activity Literacy centers or morning tubs Early finisher task Partner or independent work Why It’s Helpful: Supports early reading and sound recognition Helps kids get familiar with the letter D Encourages hands-on learning Easy to prep and use (PDF format only) A fun and simple way to help kids learn the sound of letter D!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Beginning Sound, Letter D, Letter Puzzlzs, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Alphabet, September Activities, Phonics, Beginning Sounds

Word Families  - Spin and Color (at, ap, an)

Word Families - Spin and Color (at, ap, an)
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Last Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans

Make learning word families fun and interactive with this Spin and Color activity! Designed especially for early readers, this hands-on resource helps students practice and reinforce common CVC word families: -at, -ap, and -an . Students use a paperclip and pencil to create a simple spinner. They spin, read the word family, and color a picture that belongs to that family. They keep spinning and coloring until all the pictures are colored, turning phonics practice into an exciting game! Ways to Use It: Literacy centers or phonics stations Morning work or independent seatwork Small group reinforcement Early finisher activity Homework or take-home practice Advantages: Builds word recognition and phonemic awareness Strengthens fine motor skills through coloring Encourages independence with clear, simple directions Engages visual and kinesthetic learners No prep, just print and go! This resource brings together learning and play, making it easier for students to grasp word families while enjoying the process. Great for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade classrooms, it’s a must-have tool for building foundational reading skills in a fun and effective way! Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!

Author Ponder Palette Plazza

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Tags Word Families, Word Family, Cvc, Cvc Words, Phonics, Literacy, Literacy Centers, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities

The Letter " O" Dot Marker Activity

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