3,927 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
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
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
Shape Songs - Singing Shapes
Math, Early Math, Shapes, ELA, Reading, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Lesson Plans, Activities, Songs, Centers, Classroom Decor, Posters
Shape Songs is a playful and engaging way to help young students learn about shapes through music. Each page features a short, catchy song focused on one specific shape. These songs use simple rhymes and clear language, making it easy for children to sing along and remember the names and features of shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and more. How to use this resource: Sing a new shape song each day during circle time. Use the pages as part of your math or geometry unit. Hang them on the wall as anchor charts or create a class songbook. Include them in your literacy centers for reading and singing practice. Send copies home so families can sing along too! Why teachers love it: Makes shape learning fun, active, and memorable. Great for visual and auditory learners. Encourages participation and boosts confidence. Requires no prep, just print and go! If you’re looking for a simple, fun way to bring music into your math lessons, Shape Songs is the perfect fit for your classroom. Pdf file includes 7 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Centers, Shapes, 2d Shapes, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Songs, Songs, Reading, Math Lessons, Shape Songs
The Recess Debate - Back to School Reading Comprehension
ELA, Language Development, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, September, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
The Recess Debate Reading Comprehension is a fun and engaging way to get your 3rd–5th grade students thinking critically right from the start of the school year. The passage tells the story of a school discussing whether recess should be longer, shorter, or stay the same. Students will see different opinions, reasons, and examples, making it a great way to spark classroom discussion. Ways to use this resource: As a back to school reading activity to warm up comprehension skills. To introduce persuasive or opinion writing. For small group discussions or partner reading. As a quick assessment to check reading and critical thinking levels. Advantages for teachers: Ready to use, just print and go. Encourages students to think about both sides of an issue. Fits perfectly into reading, writing, or social studies lessons. Helps build skills in identifying main ideas, supporting details, and author’s purpose. Flexible, can be used for independent work, group work, or homework. This activity not only gets your students reading but also talking, thinking, and sharing their own ideas about something they care about, recess! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School, First Week Of School, First Week Of School Activities
Kindergarten PreK Brain Break PowerPoint Games | Spot The Differences
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Kindergarten, Preschool, Games, Activities
Find the fun with our bundle of 'Spot the 5 Differences PowerPoint games for Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st Grade. Our bundle of 31 'Spot the 5 Differences PowerPoint games makes learning a fun adventure. Each game is made to catch and challenge minds as they look for the 5 differences between two pictures. This is great for keeping kids entertained and helping them pay attention to details. Every game is saved separately. The fun does not end and each time feels new. Our interactive PowerPoint games are easy to use and perfect for kids at home or in the classroom. They are a must-have for parents or teachers who want to make learning fun. These games are great for starting the school day or during breaks. They are a way to make the school routine more fun. The games motivate kids give them fun breaks and are a treat. You can play a game every morning to get kids excited, about the school day. Try our 'Spot the 5 Differences PowerPoint game to test your skills. It is made for Preschool to 1st Grade students. The game has sounds and feedback. Kids will love 'Spot the 5 Differences PowerPoint game. You will see how happy your child is when they play these picture puzzles. They will have a lot of fun with our 'Spot the 5 Differences PowerPoint games.
Author Bambolina55
Rating
Tags Brain Break , Brain Break Games, Brain Break Kindergarten, Brain Break Powerpoint Games, Ppt Games, Spot The Differences Game, Power Point Spot The Differences, Kindergarten Powerpoint Games, Preschool Powerpoint Games
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
Grocery Game: Estimating, Adding, and Multiplying Decimals - Fall Edition
Holiday & Seasonal, Seasons, Fall, Holidays, Back To School, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Math, Decimals, Money, Grade 4, 5, 6, 7, Activities, Games
Do you want your students to practice loads of decimal operations and money math without using a worksheet? Try this fun math game that your whole class can play while they pretend to grocery shop and stick to a budget! Here is a brand new version of my popular grocery game. There are three rounds included (Back to School, Halloween, and Thanksgiving) with five food items in each round! This math game allows students to practice estimating, adding, and multiplying with decimal numbers in a fun and engaging way! It is a fun, whole class math game that you need to be able to project in your classroom on an interactive whiteboard. Students follow along using scrap paper or a mini whiteboard to complete their calculations. As students play, they practice estimating to stay within a pre-determined shopping budget. They have to multiply & add with decimal numbers: great applied math! Since this is a PowerPoint Presentation, you are able to move the boxes covering the price of each item after students make their guess: just like a real game show! Instructions: 1) Decide on a target range. A higher range will require more challenging multiplication. If the range is tighter, it will be more difficult to win. I usually use a range such as $50-$52. 2) Tell students they must buy at least 4 of the 5 products. Students need to have a piece of paper and a pencil for calculations. 3) Choose a student to pick the first product. She needs to estimate the price for one of them, decide how many she wants to buy, and estimate how much that will cost. “I think the cheese is about $5, I want 3, so that will be around $15.” 4) Then show the price (by moving the red box with your cursor), and all students calculate the cost by hand. For example, 3 x 5.75 = 17.25. This is the start of the running total. 5) Choose another student to buy the second product. Again, have him or her estimate before calculating. Then allow all the students to calculate the cost of the second product. For example 4 x 3.19 = 12.76. 6) Now students have to switch from multiplying to adding decimals. They add the price of the second product to their running total. 17.25 + 12.76 = 30.01 7) Continue with the third, fourth, and fifth (if necessary) product. 8) Students try to spend between $50-52. It’s not always easy! Talk to the class about different strategies such as saving an inexpensive product for the end. Grades to Use With: This is a fun math game for grades 4-7 when you are studying money, grocery shopping, and decimal operations. Even kids in middle school will have fun playing along! What's Included: 5-Page PowerPoint Presentation with 3 Rounds and Teacher Instructions If you enjoy this math game, check out my other rounds: Original Grocery Game Spring Grocery Game Winter Grocery Game
Author Grace Under Pressure
Rating
Tags Grocery Game, Multiplying Decimals , Estimating, Price Is Right, Money, Adding, Decimals, Adding Decimals Games, Thanksgiving Math, Halloween Math
Let's Get Ready For School Audio Book
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Read Alouds, Activities
It’s time to go back to school! Whether kids are going back to a regular classroom, or staying at home to learn, this audiobook is packed full of exciting stories. In “My First Day at School,” kids will meet a little girl named Amy. When Amy goes back to school, she is feeling a little nervous-- so her mother comes up with a great idea to help make Amy’s first day special. Then, find out what happens when a little yellow school bus discovers his voice, and decides to talk to the children when he drives them to school. Adorable stories will make going back to school a fun time for everyone!
Author Twin Sisters Digital Media
Tags School, First Day, Classroom, Learning, At Home
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
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
Rating
Tags Reading, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Drawing, Sight Words, August Activities, Reading Centers
If i were a turkey Writing Prompt - Thanksgiving Activity
Common Core, Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, ELA, Language Development, ESL, Vocabulary, Writing, Creative Writing, Formal Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, 100's Day, April Fools, Back To School, Birthdays, Christmas, Cinco De Mayo, Easter, End Of Year, First Day of School, Halloween, Hanukkah, Indigenous Peoples Day, Kwanzaa, New Year's Day, Last Day of School, Thanksgiving, November, October, January, February, December, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Writing Prompts
Gobble up some laughs with the If I Were a Turkey Writing Prompt! This Thanksgiving activity is perfect for kids with big imaginations and even bigger senses of humor. It’s a writing and drawing adventure that asks the all-important question: What would life be like as a turkey? Spoiler alert: It’s not all stuffing and gravy! Students will dive into the feathered life, describing their turkey alter ego. Will they be the class clown of the farm, the stealthiest turkey avoiding Thanksgiving dinner, or a celebrity turkey with fans lining up for selfies? The possibilities are as endless as a buffet line. This activity encourages descriptive writing, creativity, and maybe a little sympathy for our fine feathered friends. After writing, it’s time to add some artistic flair. Kids can draw themselves as turkeys, fancy feathers, silly hats, or maybe even a disguise to stay off the dinner table. Markers, crayons, and a sprinkle of imagination will turn these turkeys into stars of the season. Perfect for classrooms or at home fun, this activity is a hilarious way to bring Thanksgiving to life from a turkey’s perspective. Warning: You may find yourself laughing so hard you’ll start reconsidering that veggie option for dinner! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Thanksgiving Writing, Thanksgiving Craft, Fall Craft, Winter Craft, Fall Wriring, Thanksgiving Writing Prompts, Fall Math, Writing Essays, Drawing
School Supply Syllables - Syllables Counting
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Reading, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Get students excited for learning with this fun School Supply Syllables activity, perfect for back-to-school season! Designed to support phonological awareness, this engaging resource helps young learners practice counting syllables in common school supply words while reinforcing early literacy skills. Students will look at colorful images of school-related items (like pencil, notebook, scissors, etc.), say the word aloud, and identify how many syllables it contains. With cut-and-paste, clap-and-count, and circle-the-number tasks, this activity promotes interactive and hands-on learning. It’s ideal for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and early 1st Grade students who are building foundational reading and listening skills. Ways to Use: Phonemic awareness centers Morning work or warm-up activity Whole-class or small group instruction Homework or take-home literacy practice Intervention and review Early finisher or fast finisher activity Advantages: Reinforces syllable awareness and oral language development Connects literacy skills to real-world vocabulary (school supplies) Encourages hands-on, interactive learning Supports listening, speaking, and reading readiness Simple, no-prep print-and-go format Fun, seasonal theme perfect for the start of the school year Pdf file includes 3 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Syllables, Syllables Counting, Count Syllable, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy, Syllable, Back To School Literacy
All About Me Kindergarten - Preschool | Get to Know Me First Day
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, Activities, Projects
✨ All About Me Book – Back to School Activity | Student Writing Booklet | Preschool. 2Nd Grade ✨ I was looking for an activity to help my students get to know each other on the first day of school. This All About Me Book is a way to do that. It's a fun and meaningful resource that lets young learners express themselves creatively while learning to write and draw. This printable booklet is perfect for Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade students. You can use it on the day of school at a meet the teacher night or to add to their portfolios. * Here are 6 things my students will do: ✅They will draw a picture of themselves. ✅They will tell me their color. ✅They will write how old they are. ✅They will share their sport. ✅They will share their food. ✅ Whats Included: There are ready-to-use All About Me pages that I can print. The designs are black and white so they won't use much ink. There are colored and black and white boy and girl crafts. There are 2 designs for the book. My students can choose to color, draw or write and draw. There are 5 questions for them to answer. There are 2 cover sheets for the "All About Me Book". It's easy to use. I just need to print and staple the pages together. I can let my students do one page per day during the week of school. I can also use it as a writing center activity or morning work. I can display their finished books at parent-teacher conferences. I love that it's easy to prepare. I just print and go! It's flexible so I can use it with grade levels and abilities. It helps my students feel confident and share their thoughts. It's a keepsake for my students end-of-year memory folders. This activity helps my students with: Learning about themselves and who they're . Writing, which helps with fine motor skills. Learning words and building sentences. Getting to know each other and being kind, to one another.
Author Bambolina55
Rating
Tags All About Me, All About Me Book, Get To Know Me, First Day Of School, Back To School Kindergarten, Kindergarten Activities, Preschool Activities, Kindergarten Projects, Preschool Projects
Five Senses - Classroom Posters
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, September, August, Science, Human Body, Life Sciences, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Door Decor, Posters, Banners
Teach your students all about the five senses with this colorful and engaging Five Senses Classroom Posters set! Perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary grades, these printable posters introduce the five senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—with clear visuals and simple descriptions to help young learners make real-world connections. Each poster features one of the five senses, a related icon or image, and easy-to-read text. These visuals make a great addition to science walls, anchor charts, or classroom displays. They’re ideal for introducing or reviewing the five senses in a way that’s both fun and informative. Ways to Use: Display in your science or sensory learning area Use as visual aids during a five senses unit Introduce new vocabulary and real-life examples Support group discussions or circle time Reinforce concepts in centers or independent work Advantages: Makes abstract concepts easy to understand Supports visual learners and early readers Bright and inviting for classroom decor Encourages observation and curiosity Easy to print and display (PDF format only) This poster set helps young learners explore their world through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—building a strong foundation for science learning! Pdf file includes 15 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Five Senses, Five Senses Posters, Classroom Posters, Classroom Decor, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Decor, Science Posters
Long and Short Vowel Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The Long and Short Vowel Sound – Word Sorting Activity is a great way to help students master the difference between long and short vowel sounds. In this engaging resource, students are provided with a list of words and are asked to read each word carefully, then sort it into the correct column based on whether it has a long or short vowel sound. This task strengthens phonemic awareness and helps build strong decoding skills for early readers. Designed for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL learners, this resource offers a simple yet effective way to practice vowel sound recognition in an independent or group setting. It’s perfect for reinforcing phonics instruction and supporting foundational reading skills. Ways to Use: Literacy or phonics centers Independent practice or morning work Small group instruction Homework or review activity Assessment of vowel sound understanding Advantages: Builds awareness of vowel patterns and sounds Encourages careful reading and analysis of words Supports visual and auditory learning styles Simple, no-prep activity that’s easy to implement Reinforces key phonics concepts in a hands-on way Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Vowel, Vowels, Long Vowel, Short Vowel, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy, Long And Short Vowel, Phonics, Long And Short Vowels
Short Vowels Activity - Back to School
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 Vowels Activity – Back to School Edition is a fun and educational way to help students review and strengthen their short vowel skills at the start of the school year. In this engaging activity, students read simple sentences and fill in the blanks using the correct CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) word. It’s designed to reinforce early reading, phonics, and word recognition, all while getting into the back-to-school spirit. This resource is perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL learners who are practicing short vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u). The school-themed sentences make the activity feel familiar and fun, helping students ease into the new year with confidence. Ways to Use: Literacy centers Independent or small group practice Morning work or early finisher task Homework or review activity Back-to-school assessments Advantages: Builds short vowel recognition and decoding skills Encourages sentence-level reading and comprehension Supports phonics instruction in a meaningful way Easy to prep and use, just print and go Great for reinforcing routines and reviewing key skills Pdf file includes pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Vowels, Long And Short Vowels, Vowels Worksheets, Short Vowels, Viwels Activities, Short Vowels Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities
Letter S Puzzles - Letter S Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Spelling, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning the letter S fun and simple with this Letter S Puzzle activity! This hands-on resource is great for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students who are learning to match letters with sounds. Each puzzle comes with two pieces, one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter S, and the other features a picture and word that starts with the letter, like “sun.” Kids get to match the pieces and say the word, helping them build letter recognition and beginning sound skills in a fun and easy way. This is a no-fuss activity, just print, cut, and you're ready to go! It works well in literacy centers, small groups, or as independent work. It’s also great for building vocabulary and improving fine motor skills through hands-on play. You can use it for: Letter of the week activities Morning work or centers Small group or one-on-one practice Early finisher bins Why teachers love it: Fun and easy for kids Reinforces early reading skills Builds confidence with letters and sounds Low prep and ready to use (PDF format only) A playful way to help students connect the letter S to its sound! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letter S, Beginning Sound, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy Centers, Phonics, Letter S Beginning Sound
Letter Y Puzzles - Letter Y Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Help your students build early phonics skills with these interactive Letter Yy puzzles! Designed to reinforce the beginning sound of the letter Y, this resource uses a familiar word— yo-yo —paired with a clear, kid-friendly image. Each puzzle includes two pieces: one with the letter Yy and the other with a picture and word. Students match the two pieces to complete the puzzle and make the sound-letter connection. This activity is perfect for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten classrooms. It's easy to prep, just print, cut, and go! Whether used in literacy centers or small groups, these puzzles add hands-on fun to your alphabet lessons. Ways to Use: Literacy centers and phonics stations Letter of the week activities Morning work or early finisher tasks Take-home practice or homework Benefits for Students and Teachers: Reinforces letter recognition and beginning sounds Builds vocabulary and word-picture associations Supports fine motor development through puzzle play Encourages independent learning and confidence Easy to prep, use, and store Make learning the letter Y meaningful and fun with this simple, effective phonics resource! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letter Y, Letter Y Puzzles, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Beginning Sound, Phonics, Literacy Centers, Alphabet
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
Long Vowels Activity - Circle and Draw
Holiday & Seasonal, ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The Long Vowels Activity – Circle and Draw is a fun, hands-on way to help young learners get comfortable with long vowel sounds. In this activity, students read simple sentences, circle the words with long vowel spellings, and then draw a picture to show what the sentence is about. It’s a great way to practice phonics while also checking for understanding and encouraging a bit of creativity. This resource is ideal for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL students who are learning to recognize common long vowel patterns like a_e , ee , oa , and others. It gives children a chance to read, think about what they’ve read, and express their understanding through drawing, all in one activity. Ways to Use: Literacy or phonics centers Small group work or partner practice Early finisher or morning work Homework or take-home activity Quick phonics check Benefits: Helps students spot long vowel sounds in real sentences Supports reading comprehension through drawing Makes phonics practice more interactive and fun Easy to set up and doesn’t require special materials A great mix of reading, thinking, and creativity Pdf file includes 4 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Vowels, Long Vowels, Phonics, Phonics Worksheets, Short Vowels, Phonics Activities, Long Vowels Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities
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
Classroom Calendar and Weather Display - Spotty Brights
ELA, Language Development, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters, Word Walls, Worksheets & Printables
Brighten up your classroom and create a consistent daily routine with this Classroom Calendar and Weather Display – Spotty Brights Edition ! Designed with cheerful colors and clean visuals, this resource is perfect for morning meetings, circle time, and calendar routines at the beginning of the school year and beyond. Ways to Use: Set up an interactive calendar corner where students update the day, month, and date. Use the weather cards to discuss and track daily weather conditions. Incorporate into your morning meeting to build routine and reinforce calendar concepts. Use the visuals to support students learning the days of the week, months, seasons, and weather vocabulary. Advantages: Encourages student participation and responsibility. Supports time and weather concepts through daily repetition. Adds a cheerful, cohesive look to your classroom with the Spotty Brights theme. Easy to print, cut, and laminate for long-term use. Suitable for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary classrooms. Whether you’re setting up your classroom for the first time or refreshing your calendar area, this display helps build strong foundations in time and weather awareness, all while keeping your space bright and engaging!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Classroom Decor, Classroom Posters, Posters, Bulletin Board, Back To School, Classroom Calendar, Back To School Decor, Back To School Activities
Beginning Sound Worksheets
ELA, Language Development, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Kick‑start phonics with this set of Beginning Sound Worksheets ! Each printable page spotlights one letter and a mix of pictures. Learners identify which image starts with the target sound, then color the matching shape (star, circle, heart, etc.) around it. By pairing letter recognition with a fun coloring task, students strengthen phonemic awareness while building fine‑motor control. Ways to Use Letter‑of‑the‑week practice during literacy block Morning work or early‑finisher tubs Small‑group intervention for struggling readers Take‑home packets for extra reinforcement Quick assessments of beginning‑sound mastery Advantages Targets phonemic awareness, the first step toward fluent reading Visual discrimination boosts attention to initial sounds Coloring component develops pencil grip and hand‑eye coordination Self‑checking format lets children work independently and gain confidence Low prep: print and go Flexible for whole‑class, centers, or one‑on‑one settings With clear illustrations and bold letters, these worksheets keep young learners engaged while giving you an easy, structured way to monitor progress from A to Z. Add them to your phonics toolkit and watch beginning sounds click into place! Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Beginning Sound, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Beginning Sounds, Alphabet, Phonics, Letter Of The Week, Literacy, Morning Work
Thanksgiving Writing Prompts - Thanksgiving Activity
Common Core, Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, ELA, Language Development, ESL, Vocabulary, Writing, Creative Writing, Formal Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, 100's Day, April Fools, Back To School, Birthdays, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Cinco De Mayo, Easter, End Of Year, First Day of School, Halloween, Hanukkah, Hispanic Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples Day, Kwanzaa, Last Day of School, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, April, August, December, February, July, January, June, March, May, November, October, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Writing Prompts
Let’s turn Thanksgiving into a feast of creativity with Thanksgiving Writing Prompts! This fun-packed activity is stuffed with opportunities for kids to write, draw, and share their most hilarious and heartfelt Thanksgiving ideas. With topics like what they’re thankful for, their dream turkey dinner, or imagining life as an actual turkey (spoiler: it’s stressful), these prompts bring out the best of their imaginations, no gravy required. First, kids will gobble up the chance to write their thoughts, whether it’s a laugh-out-loud turkey escape plan or a sweet reflection on family traditions. Whether they’re describing how they’d turn stuffing into a world-class dessert or inventing a superpower to make the dishes magically clean themselves, the writing prompts keep things light, engaging, and oh-so-fun. Once the words are down, it’s time to add some artistic flair! Each writing prompt comes with space to draw, turkeys in disguise, Grandma’s famous pumpkin pie, or even a family food fight (oops). It’s the perfect excuse to get creative and colorful. These Thanksgiving Writing Prompts make writing less of a chore and more of a festive celebration. Perfect for classrooms, family gatherings, or just passing time before the pumpkin pie is served. Because who said creativity can’t be on the menu? Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Thanksgiving Writing Prompts, Thanksgiving Craft, Thanksgiving Writing, Winter Craft, Fall Craft, Fall Math, Drawing, Creative Writing, Writing Essays