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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 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
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Tags Back-to-school, Winter, Break, Icebreaker, Worksheet, Lesson, Plan, Activities, High School
Roll and Draw Your Name or Favorite Word Alphabet Game Sheets
Holiday & Seasonal, Creative Arts, Art, Holidays, Back To School, Fine Arts, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Games, Projects
Roll and Draw Your Name or Favorite Word Alphabet Game Sheets | Typography Art Project This is a great enrichment drawing resource that is easy-to-implement and low prep teaching resource that focuses on typography artwork depicting students' names or favorite words. This resource brings a fun and engaging approach to regular classroom lessons, homeschooling activities, letter of the week activities, back-to-school projects or even in making homework assignments more interesting. Ideal for K-5th graders, this roll and draw game sheet integrates fine arts into everyday lessons. With a dice, blank paper, pencil, and coloring tools at hand, students can independently explore their drawing skills or cooperatively engage with their peers. The accompanying pattern poster is equally beneficial as it serves as a visual support during gameplay, and doubles up as standalone handout. For more creative ideas and resources, visit Doodle Thinks website. Usage and Versatility: Fosters creativity Enhances focus Supplement to other art curriculum For early finishers, mornings, and brain breaks Enhance focus on subsequent academic tasks Useful for whole group instruction to small group collaborative Useful for independent work Included in this download: A-Z Roll and Draw Game Sheets (13 pages) Black and White Printer-Friendly Version Included 1 Example and Instructions Page 1 Intro Page (For Teacher) Like this resource?Check out more autumn theme roll and draw games: Roll and Draw Autumn Fun - A Bird Design Roll and Draw Autumn Fun - A Wise Owl Roll and Draw Autumn Fun - An Adorable Acorn Roll and Draw Autumn Fun - A Pleasant Pie Roll and Draw A Spring Flower Roll and Draw A Cozy Squirrel Roll and Draw A Candy Corn Bandit Roll and Draw A Flower Box Garden Thank you for downloading Doodle Thinks resources and have fun drawing!
Author Doodle Thinks
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Tags Roll And Draw, Alphabet Game, Language Arts, Art Activity, Creative Learning, Drawing Activity, Art Supplement, Art Enrichment, Typography Art, Art Integration
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
Math & Me Pennant – All About Me Back to School Activity (Grades K–3)
Early Math, Math, Counting, Numbers, Shapes, Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Classroom Decor, Banners, Crafts, Projects
Math & Me Pennant – All about Me Back to School Activity (Grades K–3)... Get the school year off to a fun start with this hands-on “Math & Me” pennant activity. Each student makes their own pennant to show a little about themselves—their name, age, birthday, favorite number—and practices some early math skills at the same time. They’ll count letters, make tally marks, & draw shapes like circles, squares, triangles, hearts, and starsss. When finished, the pennants can be hung together to make a bright;) cheerful display that shows off every student and helps the class get to know each other. What’s Included: - Instruction Pages: 2 editable PowerPoint slides with clear prompts, plus 2 PDF pages ready to print and useee;) - Student Pennant Template: B&W PDF (1 page) for students to fill innn;) - Example Pennant: Colored PDF (1 page) to use as a guideee;) Skills Covered;) - Counting letters, consonants, & vowelsss:) - Drawing basic shapesss;) - Using tally marksss;) - Practicing early number senseee;) - Sharing personal information creativelyyy;) Grades: Great for 1st–3rd grade, but can also work for Kindergarten students who are ready to count and make shapes. This activity is quick to prep, hands-on, and lets kids show who they are while practicing math at the same time.
Author 1 Teaches 2 Learn
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Tags Back To School Activity, All About Me, Name Pennant Craft, Early Math Practice, Counting Letters Activity, Shapes And Tally Marks, First Week Of School Project, Classroom Display Craft, Kindergarten Math Activity
Number of the Week - Morning Work
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, September, Months, ELA, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Worksheets, Worksheets & Printables
Start each day with meaningful number practice using this Number of the Week – Morning Work resource! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, and early first grade, this printable pack is designed to help young learners build strong number sense, one number at a time. Each page focuses on a single number and includes a variety of engaging activities such as tracing, writing, coloring, finding, and counting. Students will explore numbers in multiple ways, which helps them understand what each number represents, how to write it, and how to recognize it in different formats. It’s a great way to introduce or review numbers as part of your daily morning routine. Ways to Use: Daily morning work or bell ringer Number of the week focus during math time Centers or independent practice Homework or take-home packet Advantages: Strengthens number recognition and writing Encourages consistent daily number practice Builds fine motor skills through tracing and coloring Reinforces counting and one-to-one correspondence No prep – just print and go (PDF format only) A simple and effective way to build number confidence in young learners! Pdf file inclides 10 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Morning Work, Numbers, Number Of The Week, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, First Week Activities, August Activities
Routines & Procedures Bingo, Back to school Classroom rules Game
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Classroom Management, Resources for Teachers, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Special Resources, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Games, Activities
Kick off your school year with fun and structure using this Routines & Procedures Bingo Game ! This interactive activity helps young learners become familiar with your classroom rules and daily routines in an engaging and stress-free way. Perfect for the first week of school, this no-prep game will support your classroom management plan while building a positive and respectful environment from day one. What’s Included In This Routines & Procedures Bingo Game Pack? 40 Unique Bingo Boards Routine & rule-based calling cards (e.g., “Raise your hand,” “Walking feet,” “Clean up time”) 1 Bingo Marker Bright & Colorful Bingo Boards Simple instructions for easy setup Why You’ll Love It: Turns classroom expectations into a fun group activity Reinforces daily procedures through repetition and play Supports SEL and positive behavior Great icebreaker for new students No prep – just print and play! This Bingo Game Pack is Great For: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st–3rd Grade First week of school Morning meetings Behavior review or classroom refresh Sub plans and early finishers Start the year strong with a classroom full of excited, well-informed students using this Routines & Procedures Bingo Game!
Author Perfect_Printables
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Tags Routines And Procedures Bingo, Classroom Rules Game, Back To School Bingo, Classroom Expectations Game, Classroom Procedures Activity, First Day Of School Game, School Routine Bingo, Classroom Management Printable, Classroom Rules Activity, Behavior Expectations Game
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 U Words List Posters
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Reading, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters, Teacher Tools, Anchor Charts, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The CVC Short U Word List Posters are a great resource to help early readers learn and practice short “u” words. Each poster features clear, easy-to-read lists of CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like sun , mud , bug , and cup . These posters make it easier for young learners to recognize word patterns, improve their decoding skills, and build a strong foundation in reading and spelling. Designed with a simple layout and kid-friendly font, these posters are ideal for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL classrooms. They can be used throughout the day to support phonics lessons, writing activities, and independent learning. Whether you're introducing the short U sound or reviewing it, these posters are a handy tool to keep students focused and confident. Ways to Use: Display on your classroom wall or phonics board Use during mini-lessons or small group instruction Keep at writing centers for spelling support Refer to during reading practice and guided reading Send home to reinforce learning with families Advantages: Reinforces short U sound and CVC word recognition Supports early reading, writing, and spelling development Encourages independent learning Easy to print, laminate, and use year after year Makes phonics instruction more visual and accessible Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Cvc, Cvc Activities, Cvc Posters, Cvc Short U, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Posters, Back To School Literacy, Literacy
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
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, August Reading, September Reading, First Day Of School Activities
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
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
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Tags Centers, Shapes, 2d Shapes, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Songs, Songs, Reading, Math Lessons, Shape Songs
Letter L Puzzles - Beginning Sound Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, 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
Introduce the letter L in a fun and interactive way with this Letter L Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this resource helps children recognize the letter Ll and connect it to beginning sounds using simple, two-piece puzzles. Each puzzle features the uppercase and lowercase letter “L” on one piece, and a picture with a matching word, like “L is for lion”, on the other. Kids match the pieces, reinforcing their understanding of the letter and its sound while also working on early literacy skills. This activity is easy to prep and fits perfectly into your literacy centers, morning tubs, or small group time. It makes learning feel like play while supporting important phonics and motor skills development. Ways to Use: Letter of the week practice Literacy or phonics centers Independent or partner activity Morning work or early finishers One-on-one instruction Advantages: Builds confidence in recognizing letters and sounds Strengthens matching and visual skills Supports fine motor development through puzzle play Encourages hands-on, independent learning Ready to use – just print, cut, and go (PDF format only) A fun, simple way to help kids master the sound of the letter L!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letter Pauzzles, Letter L, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy 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
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Tags Long Vowel, Short Vowel, Vowels, Phonics, Phonics Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Color By Code, Literacy, Phonics Worksheets
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
CVC Short o Word List Posters
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Reading, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Anchor Charts
The CVC Short O Word List Posters are a simple and effective tool to help young learners build confidence in reading and spelling short “o” words. Each poster includes a list of easy-to-read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like dog , pot , log , and mop . These words are perfect for helping early readers spot patterns, sound out words, and improve their phonics skills. The clean layout and child-friendly font make the posters easy to use and appealing for young learners. These posters work well in Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL classrooms. They can be used during reading and writing lessons, or as a daily reference at literacy centers. Whether you're introducing short vowel sounds or reinforcing them, these posters are a reliable support for phonics instruction. Ways to Use: Display on classroom walls or bulletin boards Use during small group or whole-class phonics lessons Add to writing centers to support spelling Refer to during guided reading sessions Send home for extra practice Advantages: Reinforces the short O vowel sound in a clear, visual way Helps students build reading and spelling skills Encourages independent learning Easy to print, laminate, and reuse Supports consistent, year-round phonics instruction Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Cvc, Cvc Activities, Cvc Posters, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Posters, Back To School Literacy, Literacy, Cvc Short O
Sentence Editing - Punctuation Practice
ELA, Language Development, Grammar, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Seasons, Fall, Winter, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Help your students become stronger writers, one sentence at a time! This Sentence Editing, Punctuation Practice resource gives young learners the chance to build essential grammar skills through hands-on editing. Each sentence invites students to rewrite it using correct capitalization and punctuation, while also practicing their best handwriting. Perfect for daily writing warm-ups or as part of your language arts block, this simple activity encourages students to slow down, pay attention to detail, and reinforce the writing rules they’ve learned. It’s an easy way to keep grammar skills sharp without needing a lot of prep time. How You Can Use It: Morning work or bell ringers Literacy centers or small group instruction Independent practice or early finisher work Homework or extra support for struggling writers What Teachers Love: ✔ Focuses on basic sentence structure ✔ Encourages neat handwriting and clear thinking ✔ Supports grammar lessons in a low stress way ✔ Ideal for grades 1 to 3 or ESL learners ✔ Easy to print and use right away This resource makes writing practice meaningful, consistent, and engaging for young students! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Punctuation, Capitalization, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Grammar, Grammar Activities, Sentence Editing
Letter Z Puzzles - Letter Z 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 little learners get excited about the letter Z with this fun and easy-to-use Letter Zz puzzle! This hands-on activity helps children connect the letter Zz to its beginning sound by matching it with the word zebra and a clear picture of the animal. Kids will love putting the pieces together and seeing how the letter and picture match, while learning without even realizing it! Perfect for preschool, Pre-K, or kindergarten classrooms, this resource is great for building early reading skills in a playful way. All you need to do is print and cut the puzzles, and you're ready to go! How You Can Use It: During letter of the week lessons In small groups or literacy centers As a quiet activity for early finishers For extra support with ESL students As a take-home learning game Why Teachers and Kids Love It: Makes learning letters and sounds fun Easy to prep and use again and again Helps kids recognize letters and their sounds Encourages independent thinking and problem-solving Builds confidence with every correct match Make the letter Z stick with this simple, engaging puzzle that turns learning into play! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter Z Puzzles, Letter Puzzles, Beginning Sound, Back To School, Back To School Activity, Phonics, Literacy Centers, Alphabet
My First Day of School – Reading Passage
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
Make your students’ first day memorable and meaningful with this engaging My First Day of School, Reading Passage resource! Designed for Kindergarten to 2nd grade learners, this simple and relatable passage helps young readers build confidence while connecting with the excitement and nerves of starting school. The text uses age-appropriate vocabulary , basic sight words , and short sentences perfect for early readers. This resource includes a short reading passage followed by comprehension questions , allowing students to practice reading fluency and understanding in a fun, school-themed context. Ways to Use: First week of school reading activity Small group or guided reading lesson Independent reading and comprehension practice Morning work or early finisher task Assessment of reading level and comprehension Advantages: Helps students relate personally to the school experience Builds reading confidence with simple vocabulary and structure Encourages discussion about school routines and emotions Provides a quick and easy prep literacy activity Offers an early look into each student's comprehension skills This resource is a perfect way to kick off the school year with purposeful literacy practice while helping students feel seen, heard, and excited to read!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, Reading Comprehension, First Day Of School Activities, First Day Of School Reading, Reading
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
Word Sort - Real or Silly
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
This fun and interactive Real or Silly Word Sort is a great way to help young learners practice reading and identifying CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. Students will read a set of short words, then decide if each one is a real word or a made-up (silly) one. Once they've made their choices, they’ll cut out the words and paste them into the correct column. This hands-on activity makes phonics practice engaging and effective, encouraging students to sound out each word and build early decoding skills. Ways to Use: Morning work or early finisher activity Literacy centers or phonics stations Homework or take-home review Small group or one-on-one instruction Benefits: Encourages careful reading and decoding Supports word recognition and vocabulary development Easy to prep and fun to complete Adds variety to your phonics lessons Perfect for Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 1st Grade classrooms, this resource helps students build strong reading foundations while having fun sorting silly and real words! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Word Sort, Phonics, Cvc Words, Real Words, Nonsense Words, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy Centers, Back To School Literacy
Meet My Teacher - Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Language Development, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
Meet My Teacher is a warm and friendly reading passage that helps young students get excited about the new school year. Told from a student’s point of view, the story introduces a kind teacher and what to expect in the classroom. With short sentences and simple words, it’s just right for early readers in kindergarten through second grade. How You Can Use It: Read it together as a class during the first week of school. Use it in small reading groups to build confidence. Send it home as a light homework assignment. Add it to your literacy centers or use with early finishers. Use it as a gentle way to check students’ reading understanding. Why It’s Helpful: Helps students feel more comfortable about meeting a new teacher. Comes with five easy comprehension questions to spark conversation. Supports vocabulary and fluency using familiar school related language. Simple and ready to use, just print and go! Fits nicely into your back to school plans. This reading passage is a great way to start the year with a smile and support young readers as they settle into their new classroom. 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 Activities, First Day Of School
Rhyming Words - Color by Code
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, End Of Year, Months, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
"Rhyming Words - Color by Code" is a playful and effective way to help young learners strengthen their reading and rhyming skills. Designed for early elementary students, this resource turns learning into a fun coloring activity where kids find and match rhyming words, then use a simple color code to complete a picture. How You Can Use It: As a quick and easy morning warm-up In literacy centers or small groups For homework or extra practice at home With early finishers who need something meaningful As a quiet, no-prep activity for substitute days Why Teachers Love It: Keeps students engaged while learning Helps kids hear and understand rhyming patterns Builds confidence with independent work Encourages creativity and strengthens fine motor skills Requires no prep, just print and you’re ready to go Offers variety, with different worksheets and skill levels With this resource, students aren’t just coloring—they’re actively thinking, reading, and learning. It’s a simple, stress-free way to add some joy and color to your reading block while reinforcing a key early literacy skill. Great for classrooms, homeschool, or take-home packets! Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Rhyming, Rhyming Words, Vowels, Short Vowels, Cvc, Cvc Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Short Vowels Worksheets
Thanksgiving traditions Writing Prompt - Thanksgiving Activity
Common Core, Creative Arts, Art, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, ELA, ESL, Language Development, Vocabulary, Writing, Creative Writing, Formal Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Months, Seasons, 100's Day, 4th Of July, April Fools, Back To School, Birthdays, Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Christmas, End Of Year, First Day of School, Halloween, Hanukkah, New Year's Day, Last Day of School, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, April, August, December, February, January, July, November, October, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Hispanic Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples Day, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Writing Prompts, Coloring Pages
Get ready to gobble up some creativity with the Thanksgiving Traditions Writing Prompt! This fun and festive activity gets kids thinking about what makes their Thanksgiving celebrations uniquely theirs, whether it’s a feast fit for royalty or a day spent dodging burnt stuffing disasters. Writing and drawing take center stage in this perfect blend of reflection and hilarity. First, students will dive into their family’s traditions. Do they watch football with a side of pie? Go on a turkey trot that’s more “stroll” than “run”? Or perhaps their family’s tradition involves grandma’s famous sweet potato casserole (with a marshmallow topping so high it needs its own zip code). Kids will craft their best descriptive writing, sharing the quirks, laughs, and delicious details of their Thanksgiving Day. Next comes the artistic twist! Students will illustrate their favorite tradition. Whether it’s a turkey-shaped centerpiece, a chaotic kitchen scene, or Uncle Bob snoozing in front of the TV with pumpkin pie crumbs, these drawings bring their stories to life. This activity isn’t just about celebrating Thanksgiving traditions, it’s about discovering what makes the holiday truly special: food, family, and enough laughs to stuff your heart as full as your plate! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Thanksgiving Writing, Writing Prompts, Thanksgiving Craft, Fall Craft, Fall Math, Writing Essays, Winter Craft, Drawing, Thanksgiving Math
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