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Back To School Activities
Welcome your students back with activities that set a positive tone for the year ahead. This collection includes icebreakers, team-building exercises, and goal-setting projects designed to foster a supportive classroom environment. By integrating these back to school activities into your first days, you can help students feel connected and ready to learn.
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Back-to-School Icebreakers after Winter Break (for 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
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
Back-to-School Icebreakers after Winter Break (for High School)
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, First Day of School, New Year's Day, January, Months, Winter, Seasons, Grade 9, 10, 11, 12, Activities, Lesson Plans, Teacher Tools, Worksheets & Printables
Start the new term with purpose and connection. This 90-minute Back-to-School Icebreakers lesson is designed for high school students (Grades 9–12) and works perfectly after a break. It helps students reconnect, reflect, and refocus in a meaningful way. The lesson includes thoughtful icebreakers, guided discussions, goal-setting tasks, and reflection activities . Students share experiences, explore strengths, and set clear academic and personal goals. Activities promote respectful communication and help rebuild a positive classroom climate. Clear structure keeps students engaged and on task. Everything is low prep and teacher-friendly . The lesson comes with clear instructions, suggested timing, and a printable student worksheet that supports independent and group work. No extra materials are needed. This lesson supports SEL skills, critical thinking, and student voice . It also gives teachers insight into student attitudes, expectations, and needs at the start of the term. Perfect for the first days back. Set expectations. Build relationships. Start strong and move forward with confidence.
Author Bright Classroom Ideas Marketplace
Rating
Tags Back-to-school, Winter, Break, Icebreaker, Worksheet, Lesson, Plan, Activities, High School
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
Kindergarten - Preschool Crowns - Headbands - Hats for All Year Long
Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Seasons, Back To School, Labor Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Preschool, Kindergarten, Crafts, Activities
This product has 255 headbands to celebrate the year. There are least 4 designs for crowns to celebrate each holiday. You can choose your crown. Keep your little learners engaged and excited with these easy-to-color headbands. They are also easy to cut and wear. These headbands are perfect for preschool, kindergarten and early elementary students. This bundle contains 255 headbands. In 29 themes: Back to School has 30 crowns Jobs/Labor Day has 30 crowns Hispanic Heritage Month has 5 crowns Fall has 12 crowns Halloween has 10 crowns Native American Heritage Month has 5 crowns Veterans Day has 5 crowns Thanksgiving has 7 crowns Christmas has 6 crowns New Year has 5 crowns Winter has 8 crowns Martin Luther King Jr Day has 6 crowns Black History Month has 5 crowns Valentines Day has 5 crowns Presidents Day has 8 crowns Womens History Month has 4 crowns St. Patricks Day has 6 crowns Spring has 6 crowns 100th Day of School has 4 crowns Easter has 7 crowns Earth Day has 7 crowns Cinco de Mayo has 5 crowns Mothers Day has 8 crowns Memorial Day has 6 crowns End of The Year "Graduation" has 18 crowns Summer has 13 crowns Fathers Day has 12 crowns 4th of July "Independence Day" has 12 crowns Birthday Hat Crown has 7 crowns What’s Included: 29 Themed headbands: Holidays, Seasons, Special Events. These headbands have to-color designs. They are also in a cut-and-assemble format. These headbands are perfect for classroom parties, bulletin boards, holiday celebrations and more. Why You’ll Love These headbands: They cover the whole school year. You do not have to prepare anything. Print and go. These headbands encourage creativity and fine motor skills. Teachers and students alike love these headbands. These headbands are perfect for: • Classroom celebrations • Holiday parties • bulletin boards • Craft centers • Family gifts • Keepsakes • Fun Friday activities. You can save time and money with this all-in-one bundle.. Make your year full of fun memories, with these headbands.
Author Bambolina55
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Tags Holiday Crown, Holiday Hats, Holiday Crafts, All Year Crown Craft, All Year Headbands, All Year Hats Craft, Kindergarten Holiday Hat, Preschool Holiday Headbands, Seasons Hats Crowns, All Year Crowns
New Friends at School - Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
New Friends at School is a warm and relatable reading passage that helps young students feel more comfortable about starting school and meeting new classmates. The story follows a student who feels a little nervous on the first day but soon learns that making friends can be simple, and fun. With short sentences and easy-to-understand words, it’s a great choice for early readers in kindergarten through second grade. How You Can Use It: Read it during the first week of school to start a conversation about friendship. Use it in small groups to support reading practice and social skills. Assign it as independent work or a take-home activity. Include it in your literacy centers or for early finishers. Pair it with a lesson on kindness, emotions, or class rules. Why It’s Helpful: Helps students connect with real feelings and situations. Encourages kindness, sharing, and making new friends. Includes five easy comprehension questions to check understanding. Uses age-appropriate language for young readers. No prep needed, just print and go. Supports both reading growth and social-emotional learning. New Friends at School is a thoughtful and easy way to help your students feel welcome, supported, and ready to learn.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, August Reading, September Reading, First Day Of School Activities
Summer Break Recap | Summer Reflection Writing Activities | Back to sc
Creative Writing, Writing, ELA, Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Writing Prompts, Worksheets & Printables, Projects, Activities
Help students reflect on their summer adventures with this fun and engaging Summer Break Recap Worksheet Pack! This printable resource includes 3 unique summer reflection worksheets designed to encourage writing, creativity, and personal expression as students transition back to school. Each page features a different layout with summer-themed illustrations and writing prompts that help students share their favorite memories, experiences, and discoveries from summer break. Perfect for the first week of school, back-to-school activities, morning work, writing centers, and classroom community building. WHAT'S INCLUDED ✔ 3 Unique Summer Break Recap Worksheets ✔ Summer-Themed Writing Activities ✔ Different Layout Designs ✔ Black & White Printables ✔ Print-and-Go PDF ✔ No Prep Required ✔ Standard US Letter Size (8.5 x 11) WRITING PROMPTS INCLUDED • Where I Went • Things I Learned • Favorite Memories • New Experiences • Friends I Saw • Things I Saw PERFECT FOR • Back to School Activities • First Week of School • Writing Centers • Morning Work • Fast Finishers • Summer Reflection Activities • Classroom Community Building • Homeschool Learning GRADES 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade
Author Sadigitalart
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Tags Back To School Activities, First Week Of School, Summer Reflection Activities, Classroom Community Building
Rhyming Words - Complete the Poem
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
Rhyming Words – Complete the Poem is a fun, back-to-school themed activity that helps young learners practice rhyming in a creative and meaningful way. Students are given short, age-appropriate poems with missing words, and they choose the correct rhyming words from a word bank to complete each verse. This resource is ideal for Kindergarten through 2nd grade and is a great way to bring poetry and phonics together. Ways to Use: As a morning activity during the first weeks of school In literacy centers or small group work As a fun phonics review or mini poetry lesson Independent practice or homework Great for early finishers or extra enrichment Can be used in both in-person and virtual classrooms Advantages: Strengthens rhyming and phonemic awareness through poetry Encourages reading comprehension and vocabulary development Introduces poetry in a fun, approachable way Supports listening and word choice skills Easy prep, print and go! The back-to-school theme makes it relatable and timely Appeals to visual and creative learners Pdf file includes 14 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Rhyming, Rhyming Words, Rhyming Words Worksheets, Cvc Words, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Poem, Short Vowels, Vowels
Alphabet Dot to Dot - Connect the dots and color
Creative Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Teacher Tools, Worksheets, Dot To Dots, Coloring Pages
Make learning the alphabet fun and interactive with this Alphabet Dot-to-Dot activity pack! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, these worksheets allow students to connect the dots in alphabetical order to reveal fun pictures, then color them in for added creativity. This resource helps children practice letter sequence, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills in a low-stress, engaging way. Ways to Use: Letter of the week activity Literacy centers or morning work Early finisher or quiet time activity Sub plans or take-home practice Reinforcement for letter recognition and sequencing Advantages: Supports alphabet knowledge and sequencing skills Builds fine motor skills through pencil control Encourages focus and attention to detail Offers a creative coloring component for self-expression Easy to use, just print and go (PDF format only) Each worksheet focuses on the alphabet from A to Z, allowing students to connect the dots in order and enjoy the surprise of a completed image. Once finished, they can color their work, making it both educational and fun. A great addition to any early learning classroom or homeschool routine! Pdf file includes 26 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Alphabet, Alphabet Dot To Dot, Letters, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Dot To Dot, Coloring Pages, First Day Of School, Numbers
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
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
Long and Short Vowels – Cut and Paste Sort
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
Rating
Tags Phonics, Vowels, Short Vowels, Long Vowels, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics Activities, Literacy, Back To School Literacy
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
Rating
Tags Word Families, Word Family, Cvc, Cvc Words, Phonics, Literacy, Literacy Centers, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities
Recess Rules! - Back to School Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Worksheets
Recess Rules! is a short and simple story that helps young students understand how to play nicely and safely during recess. It follows a group of children who are excited to go outside but first learn a few important rules, like sharing, taking turns, and including others. The story is easy to read, with clear sentences and familiar words, making it just right for kids in kindergarten through second grade. How Teachers Can Use It: Read it aloud during the first week of school to start a class discussion about recess behavior. Use it in small groups to talk about friendship and problem solving. Give it as an independent reading activity or light homework. Include it in literacy centers or use it with early finishers. Pair it with a lesson about school rules or social skills. Why It’s a Great Choice: Helps students learn how to be kind and safe on the playground. Comes with five easy questions to check understanding. Encourages positive behavior in a way kids can relate to. No prep needed, just print and use. Combines reading practice with real life lessons. This story is a great way to build reading skills while helping students learn how to treat others with kindness and respect. PDF file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, First Day Of School Activities, Back To School Writing
Letter 'B' Dot Marker Activity
Creative Arts, Art, Graphic Arts, ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Seasons, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Dot To Dots, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters
Buckle up, teachers! It’s time to dot our way into the wonderful world of the letter B . This Letter ‘B’ Dot Marker Activity is designed to keep little learners engaged, entertained, and (hopefully) on-task. Whether they’re picturing B utterflies, B alloons, or B ears, this activity makes learning the letter ‘B’ as exciting as a Bouncing Bunny ! No need for complicated prep—just print, grab the dot markers, and watch your students light up as they fill in the letter with colorful, bubbly dots. It’s hands-on learning with a side of fun, perfect for strengthening those tiny hand muscles and improving letter recognition without a single sigh of boredom. Ways to Use: ✔ Morning Warm-Up – A quick and engaging way to start the day. ✔ Fine Motor Fun – Strengthens hand-eye coordination one dot at a time. ✔ Letter Recognition Boost – The more they see it, the more they’ll know it! ✔ Calm & Focus Time – A structured, quiet activity to help kids reset. ✔ Fast Finisher Go-To – Keeps early finishers busy and learning. Why You’ll Love It: ✔ No Prep, No Stress – Just print and go! ✔ Mess-Free (Mostly!) – No glue, no cutting, just dotting. ✔ Engages Every Learner – Kids love anything involving color and movement! ✔ Builds Letter Confidence – Because reading starts with mastering each letter. Perfect for preschool, kindergarten, or homeschool learning, this activity turns letter recognition into a hands-on adventure. So, B ring on the dots and let’s get learning! 🎨🔵 Pdf file includes 2 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Dot Painting, Dot Marker, Letters, Letter B, Alphabet, Alphabet B, Coloring, Coloring Alphabet, Coloring Letters, Letters Coloring
Letter K 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, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Games
Help your students connect letters and sounds with this fun and engaging Letter K Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten, this hands-on resource focuses on the letter K and its beginning sound. Each puzzle includes two pieces: one features the uppercase and lowercase letter “K,” and the other shows a picture and word that begins with that letter, like “K is for kid.” Children match the pieces to complete the puzzle, helping them recognize the sound that K makes and connect it to real words. This activity is great for building early phonics skills in a way that feels like play. It’s easy to prep and can be used in a variety of ways throughout the week. Ways to Use: Literacy or phonics centers Letter of the week focus Morning tubs or independent work Early finisher activity Small group practice Advantages: Builds letter and sound recognition Supports visual learning and matching skills Encourages hands-on engagement Strengthens fine motor development Just print, cut, and use (PDF format only) A simple and playful way to explore the letter K with young learners! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letter K, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Centers
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
Rating
Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Week Of School Activities, Reading Centers
Long and Short Vowel Sound - Color by Code
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, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages
The Long and Short Vowel Sound – Color by Code activity is a fun, hands-on way for students to practice identifying vowel sounds while building phonics and word recognition skills. Students look at each picture, say the word aloud, decide whether it has a short or long vowel sound, and then use the color code to color the picture accordingly. This activity combines visual learning with phonemic awareness in an engaging and interactive format. Designed for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and early ESL learners, this resource supports the development of listening, sorting, and categorizing skills. It's perfect for reinforcing vowel sound recognition in a low-pressure, creative setting. Ways to Use: Literacy or phonics centers Independent practice or early finisher task Homework or take-home review Morning work activity Sub plans or quiet time task Advantages: Reinforces the difference between long and short vowel sounds Encourages phonemic awareness through visual and verbal cues Supports fine motor skills through coloring Fun and calming way to review key phonics skills Easy to prep and perfect for repeated use Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Long Vowel, Short Vowel, Vowels, Phonics, Phonics Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Color By Code, Literacy, Phonics Worksheets
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
Design your Dream Pack - Back to School Activities
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, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Crafts
Start the school year with creativity and excitement using the Design Your Dream Pack – a fun and imaginative back-to-school resource that sparks student engagement from day one. This activity invites students to think outside the box as they design their “dream” backpack filled with items that represent their personality, interests, and goals. Ways to Use: First-day or first-week activity to break the ice Morning work or early finisher task Independent or partner project Art and writing center Display student work for a classroom gallery Use as a discussion starter or sharing circle Advantages: Encourages creativity and self-expression Helps teachers learn about students’ interests and values Builds classroom community by sharing designs and ideas Supports writing, drawing, and presentation skills Provides insight for social-emotional learning and classroom connections Suitable for a wide range of grade levels Can be used in both in-person and remote learning settings Pdf file includes 1 page. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School, First Day Of School Activities, Back To School Crafts, Backpack Craft, Fine Motor Skills
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
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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
Sentence Sort - Grammar Practice
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Grammar, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers
Make grammar practice fun and hands-on with this Sentence Sort, Grammar Practice activity! Designed for early elementary students, this engaging resource helps children strengthen their understanding of sentence structure by reading simple sentences and sorting them into the correct column. Students will cut and paste sentences based on specific grammar rules, such as types of sentences, punctuation, or subject-verb agreement, depending on how you choose to use it. This interactive format reinforces essential grammar skills in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for young learners. Ways to Use This Resource: Literacy centers or grammar stations Small group instruction Whole-class grammar practice Early finisher activity Homework or review assignments Advantages for Teachers and Students: ✔ Encourages active learning through cut-and-paste tasks ✔ Builds sentence recognition and classification skills ✔ Reinforces grammar rules in a clear and visual way ✔ Easy to prep and use, just print and go! ✔ Supports independent work and fine motor skills Whether you’re reviewing grammar concepts or introducing sentence types, this resource is a great way to keep students engaged while they learn the building blocks of strong writing.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Grammar, Grammar Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Sentence Structure, Phonics, September Activities, Writing Activities
Dot to dot Activity - Connect the dots - Thanksgiving Activity
Common Core, Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Shapes, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, 100's Day, 4th Of July, April Fools, Arbor Day, Back To School, Birthdays, Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Cinco De Mayo, Columbus Day, Earth Day, Easter, End Of Year, Father's Day, Graduation, First Day of School, Halloween, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, Last Day of School, Leap Day, Mother's Day, New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Counting, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Dot To Dots
Get ready for a Thanksgiving activity that’s more fun than watching Uncle Bob try to carve the turkey, it's Dot to Dot: Thanksgiving Edition! This 5 page activity will have kids connecting dots up to 60, revealing festive images as they count their way to holiday magic. Who knew counting could lead to adorable turkeys, pumpkins, and maybe even a sneaky pilgrim hat? Perfect for little learners, this activity strengthens number sequencing and fine motor skills while keeping them entertained long enough for you to hide the last slice of pumpkin pie. Each page offers a delightful surprise as the mystery images take shape, imagine the excitement when they realize they’ve just uncovered the world's happiest turkey! (Don’t tell it what happens next.) Once the dots are connected, the fun isn’t over, they can grab their crayons and turn these newly discovered masterpieces into works of art. Will the turkey be neon pink? Will the pumpkin have stripes? Creativity knows no bounds here, and that's just the way we like it. Ideal for classrooms, homeschool, or just keeping the kids busy while the grown ups argue over football, this Thanksgiving dot-to-dot activity is simple, educational, and bursting with holiday cheer. Let’s get connecting and counting! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Connect The Dots, Dot To Dot, Thanksgiving Dot To Dot, Counting, Numbers, Thanksgiving Coloring Pages, Thanksgiving Craft, Fall Craft, Fall Math
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