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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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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 Reading Comprehension bundle
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Worksheets, Activities
This Back to School Reading Comprehension Bundle is your new best friend for those first few weeks of school. It’s packed with short, fun stories that early readers can actually read, and relate to. From lost lunchboxes to surprise filled backpacks, these stories cover the real life drama of the school day (well... the kind of drama a 6 year old might face). The best part? These stories do more than just get kids reading, they help them settle in, learn the rules, and see that school can be a pretty great place to be. Whether you're reading them together as a class, using them in small groups, or handing them to early finishers who ask, “What do I do now?”, they just work. Why you’ll love it: The stories are short, sweet, and actually make sense to your students. They cover real topics like nerves, friendship, and classroom rules (without sounding like a lecture). Each one comes with a few easy questions, no extra work for you. No prep needed. Just print, pass out, and teach like the rockstar you are. It’s reading with purpose... and a little fun, too. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Fay Of School Activities, Reading Centers
Read and Draw - Back to School Activities
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Reading, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Phonics, Months, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make the first weeks of school fun and meaningful with this Read and Draw, Back to School Activities pack! This resource is designed to help early readers strengthen their reading comprehension, sight word recognition, and sentence structure, all while having fun drawing! Each page includes a simple sentence using basic sight words and CVC word patterns . After reading the sentence, students are asked to illustrate what they read. It’s a great way to connect reading and creativity, especially for young learners in kindergarten and first grade. Ways to Use: Use as a morning work or early finisher activity. Add to your literacy centers or small group rotations. Great for independent work or homework during the first weeks of school. Use to assess basic reading and comprehension skills. Advantages: Reinforces phonics, sight word fluency, and sentence comprehension . Encourages students to read closely and visualize what they read. Builds confidence in early readers through success with simple texts. Low prep and print and go friendly! Adds creativity and fun to your back to school routine. This activity is both educational and enjoyable, perfect for easing students into the school year while practicing key literacy skills. Pdf file includes 10 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Read And Draw, Drawing, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Cvc, Cvc Words, Sight Words, Phonics
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
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
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
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Tags Rhyming, Rhyming Words, Rhyming Words Worksheets, Cvc Words, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Poem, Short Vowels, Vowels
No-Prep Digital Expected vs. Unexpected Behaviors Jeopardy Review Game
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Special Resources, Social Skills, Life Skills, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Games, Worksheets & Printables
Help students build social awareness with this no-prep digital jeopardy game! This jeopardy game is the perfect way to incorporate school rules while promoting behavior management. With both digital and print copies, the game can be played wherever you please! This Counseling Game Is: ⭐ No-Prep ⭐ Perfect for Back To School ⭐ Impactful for students ⭐ Makes teaching expectations meaningful ⭐ Keeping students involved with game play This jeopardy game is perfect for small groups, classroom lessons and even can be turned into a challenge for individual sessions as well! Whether you are trying to target behavior management, teach behavior expectations, or are looking for school rules activities, this game is perfect for you! Includes: ❤️ Digital Game Play With Built In Directions ❤️ Printable Game Play ❤️ Answer Key ❤️ Black and White Copy This game can be played either before or after teaching of expected and unexpected behaviors within the school environment to help assess several different IEP goals! These Activities Are Perfect For: ⭐ Gen-Ed Students ⭐ Students with Learning Disabilities ⭐ Small groups ⭐ Individual sessions ⭐ Elementary Aged Students (Grades 1-3)
Author The Feelings and Friends Teacher
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Tags Expected Vs Unexpected Behaviors, Jeopardy, Jeopardy Template Google Slides, Back To School Jeopardy, School Rules Activity, Behavior Management, Social Awareness, Counseling Games
Back to School Sudoku Game + Solution
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, May, Seasons, Fall, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Start the school year with a fun and engaging activity that gets students thinking! This Back to School Sudoku Game + Solution is the perfect way to build focus, problem-solving skills, and classroom routines from day one. With a school-themed twist, this logic puzzle features familiar back-to-school images or vocabulary that students can relate to, making it both enjoyable and educational. This resource includes: A printable back-to-school-themed Sudoku puzzle A complete solution for easy checking Ways to Use: First-week-of-school activity to warm up young minds Morning work or bell-ringer task A quiet challenge for early finishers Logic station in math centers Homework or a take-home brain teaser Icebreaker activity to promote focus and calm Advantages: Builds critical thinking and attention to detail Encourages independent learning and persistence Requires no prep, just print and go Promotes a calm and focused classroom environment Ideal for upper elementary and middle school students This Back to School Sudoku puzzle is a great way to combine fun and learning while helping students ease back into school routines. Pdf file includes 12 pages Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Back To School, Sudoku, Back To School Sudoku, Fall Activities, Numbers, Back To School Games, Math Games
This Is Me: My Self Portrait - First Day of School Activity
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, Activities, Centers, Crafts, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Teacher Tools, Lesson Plans, Worksheets & Printables
Start the school year with creativity and confidence using This Is Me: My Self Portrait , a simple and engaging activity perfect for young learners. Students are invited to draw a picture of themselves and write their names, making it an excellent way to introduce self-expression while helping teachers learn names and faces quickly. Ways to Use: First day or first week of school icebreaker Morning work or art center activity Create a classroom gallery or “Meet Our Class” bulletin board Use as a keepsake for student portfolios Pair with an oral presentation or class introduction Great for early finishers and sub plans Advantages: Encourages creativity and self-awareness Helps students feel seen and valued Supports name recognition and fine motor skills Builds classroom community from the start Easy to differentiate for various ability levels Low-prep and printer-friendly resource Ideal for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and early elementary grades Pdf file includes 1 page. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Crafts, Back To School Craft, First Day Of School, First Day Of School Activities, All About Me
A special thanksgiving memory 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, Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Cinco De Mayo, Columbus Day, First Day of School, Indigenous Peoples Day, Last Day of School, Memorial Day, New Year's Day, President's Day, Thanksgiving, April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, End Of Year, Infant, Toddler, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Writing Prompts
Turn Thanksgiving nostalgia into a creative masterpiece with the A Special Thanksgiving Memory Writing Prompt! This activity invites kids to stroll down memory lane (or at least last year’s kitchen chaos) to write and draw about their favorite Thanksgiving moment. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous pumpkin pie, a hilarious turkey mishap, or the time Uncle Joe fell asleep mid-sentence, no memory is too big or small to make the cut. First, students will put their storytelling hats on, probably stretchy ones to accommodate post-Thanksgiving feast bellies, and write about a memory that makes them smile, laugh, or even drool a little. Was it the parade, a backyard football game, or sneaking the first bite of dessert? This writing prompt gets their creative juices flowing faster than cranberry sauce out of a can. Once the words are on the page, it’s time to bring the memory to life with a colorful drawing. Turkeys with personality, pies with sparkle, and family portraits (possibly featuring stick figures) turn the story into a visual masterpiece. This activity isn’t just fun, it’s a great way for kids to practice descriptive writing and reflect on what makes Thanksgiving truly special. Bonus: it’s calorie-free, but just as satisfying as a second helping of stuffing! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Thanksgiving Writing, Thabksgiving Writing Prompts, Thanksgiving Craft, Fall Craft, Fall Math, Winter Craft, Writing Essays, Writing Prompts
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
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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
Letter Recognition - Match Capital and Small Letters
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Start the school year with this interactive Letter Recognition – Match Capital and Small Letters activity, designed to strengthen foundational literacy and handwriting skills in young learners. This engaging back-to-school resource helps students identify and match uppercase and lowercase letters while practicing handwriting through guided tracing and writing. Each worksheet includes a variety of fun and age-appropriate matching tasks where students draw lines between corresponding letters, trace both uppercase and lowercase forms, and write them independently. With a clear and simple layout, it supports learners in building letter-sound knowledge, visual discrimination, and fine motor control, perfect for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade classrooms. Ways to Use: Morning work or literacy warm-up Alphabet and handwriting centers Independent seat work Homework or take-home packets Early finisher activity Small group intervention practice Assessment or review tool Advantages: Reinforces uppercase and lowercase letter recognition Encourages correct letter formation and handwriting practice Builds early literacy and visual matching skills Supports fine motor development Easy to print and use – no prep required Fun and engaging for the beginning of the school year Help students confidently build letter knowledge from day one! Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter Recognintion, Letters, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School Activities, First Week Of School Activities, Back To School Literacy
Letter P Puzzles - Beginning Sound
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
Help your little learners explore the letter P in a fun, hands-on way with this Letter P Puzzle activity! It’s perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students who are learning to connect letters with sounds. Each puzzle comes with two pieces: one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter P, and the other has a matching picture and word, like “pencil.” Kids match the two pieces together while practicing letter recognition and beginning sounds. This activity is easy to prepare, just print, cut, and it’s ready to use. It works great for literacy centers, morning work, small groups, or as an independent task. As children complete each puzzle, they’re not just learning about the letter P, they’re also building early reading skills, boosting their vocabulary, and strengthening fine motor coordination. Use it for: Letter of the week activities Literacy centers Independent practice Small group instruction Why teachers love it: Helps kids recognize and connect letter sounds Simple, playful learning Encourages matching and vocabulary building No prep needed – just print and go (PDF format only) A fun, easy way to make the letter P stick! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letter Puzzles, Letter P, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Centers
The Mystery of the Locked Desk - Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning about spring extra fun with this engaging reading comprehension activity! Students will read a short, kid-friendly passage about spring and then answer multiple choice questions to check their understanding. It’s perfect for keeping students thinking and practicing reading skills while enjoying a seasonal theme. Designed for grades 3-5, this resource works well for independent work, small groups, or even whole class lessons. Ways to Use: As a morning warm-up activity to get students focused For guided reading practice in small groups As part of a spring themed literacy center For extra reading practice during homework As a quick assessment to see how well students understand what they read Benefits: Makes reading comprehension more fun with a seasonal topic Encourages students to read carefully and think about details Easy to use, just print and go Helps improve reading fluency and comprehension skills Great for keeping students engaged during the spring season Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, September Reading, August Reading, Reading Centers
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
Fractions Flashcards - Matching Game
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Seasons, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, Math, Fractions, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Flashcards, Centers, Activities, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Posters, Word Walls
If fractions have ever made your students’ eyes glaze over faster than Monday morning math, say hello to your new best friend: Fractions Flashcards – Matching Game ! This fun and hands-on activity helps kids actually get fractions without anyone falling asleep at their desk, or dramatically asking, “But when will I use this in real life?!” Each card in this set shows either a fraction or a circle model that visually represents that fraction. The goal? Match the number with the picture. It’s simple, effective, and low-key genius. Plus, it feels like a game, so students won’t even realize they’re learning. Ways to use it: ✔️ Partner games – Because math is better with a buddy. ✔️ Small group work – Keep it cozy and interactive. ✔️ Math centers – Just print, shuffle, and let the matching begin. ✔️ Early finishers – A smart and quiet way to keep brains working. ✔️ Homework – Send it home and impress the grown-ups. Why it works: 🟡 Visual learning made easy 🟡 Builds confidence with fractions 🟡 No prep, no stress 🟡 Engaging, hands-on, and no glitter involved Basically, it's fractions,but make it fun. Pdf file includes 4 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Fractions, Fractions Flashcards, Math, Math Flashcards, Fractions Worksheets, Fractions Activities, Fractions Posters, Math Posters, Fractions Game
Back To School Capybara Fortune Teller
Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Special Resources, Social Skills, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Back To School, Seasons, Fall, Elementary, Activities
In this fun Back to School and Getting to Know You activity, students will make a fortune teller with cute capybara images they can color and that inspire a chill out vibe. There are 8 questions that students can ask one another. Some of the questions are; What were your favorite things you did over the summer? What was a good book you read? What are your favorite things to do at recess? What are 3 things we both have in common? What is your favorite part of the school day? What is a superpower you would like to have? What is a goal you have for this year? What are 3 things you are looking forward to this year? This activity is perfect for the first week of school and in any new class you have with students. This is appropriate for lower and upper elementary (some reading required). The directions on how to fold this fortune teller is included. For other back to school resources, please check out my store and these resources below: https://teachsimple.com/contributor/jennifer-moyer-taylor https://teachsimple.com/product/sports-themed-get-to-know-you-sel-coloring-pages (In this product you will get 5 sports' themed get to know you activities. These are perfect for PE teachers, classroom teachers, school counselors, and sports coaches. You can help the team or class get to know each other in a fun way!) https://teachsimple.com/product/back-to-school-handout-introducing-my-selfie-editable (back to school emoji selfies.) https://teachsimple.com/product/icebreaker-back-to-school-battle-brackets (Brackets are not just for basketball! These are icebreaker battle brackets. A great class or group activity for students to get to know one another and has a splash of competition involved.) https://teachsimple.com/product/teddy-bear-sel-coloring-pages-based-on-likes-and-dislikes (This is a cute Would You Rather coloring activity that students can do and color based on their preferences. Students then can compare and contrast their different teddy bears! This is a fun thing to do at the start of the year or anytime, really, to help students connect.)
Author Jennifer Moyer Taylor
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Tags Back To School, Icebreaker, Back To School Icebreaker, Fortune Teller, Capybara, Getting To Know You, Fall, September, Sel, Social Emotional Learning
Rhyming Words - Word Families
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Ready to turn your classroom into a rhyme-time party? This no-prep activity helps young learners master CVC word families while having a little fun with language. You’ll get six starter words like cat and sun , and your students get the joy (and giggles) of coming up with as many rhyming words as their brilliant minds can think of! Great for centers, early finishers, or those “we-have-10-minutes-before-lunch” moments, this resource makes phonics feel less like work and more like a game. Ways to Use It: Literacy stations without the chaos Small groups with big results Solo work that’s actually quiet (you’re welcome) Homework that won’t make parents groan Why You’ll Love It: Teaches rhyming in a hands-on, memorable way Boosts confidence in early readers Encourages word play (and maybe a little friendly competition) Saves your planning time for, you know, coffee It’s simple, effective, and gives your students that “I can read!” sparkle. Rhyming has never been so fun, or so easy for you. Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Rhyming Words, Phonics, Literacy Centers, Back To School Literacy, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Cvc Words
Long and Short Vowels Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Spelling, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, End Of Year, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The Long and Short Vowels Activity is a simple, engaging, and effective way for students to practice identifying vowel sounds and using them in context. In this two-part activity, students first read words in a table and color them, green for short vowels and orange for long vowels. Then, they complete sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct word from the list. It’s a great blend of phonics, reading comprehension, and decision-making. This resource is ideal for 1st and 2nd graders, as well as ESL students, who are learning to distinguish between long and short vowel sounds. The color-coding makes the activity visual and fun, while the sentence work encourages careful reading and word choice. Ways to Use: Literacy centers Small group instruction Independent practice or early finisher work Morning work or homework Informal phonics check Advantages: Reinforces long and short vowel sound recognition Combines visual learning with sentence reading Encourages vocabulary development and comprehension Low-prep and easy to use, just print and go Suitable for a range of learning levels Pdf file includes 4 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Long And Short Vowels, Vowels, Long Vowels, Short Vowels, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Phonics Worksheets, Literacy
Book Companion for 'The School Bus Driver from the Black Lagoon'
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, Special Resources, Speech Therapy, Special Education Needs (SEN), Not Grade Specific, Activities, Crafts, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages
Do you work with students who have emergent literacy skills? Do you work with students who use AAC or have complex communication needs? Or do you work with early elementary students who have a language delay or disorder? If so, my book companions are for you! This book companion provides you with multiple language, communication, shared reading, and shared writing tasks. Instructions and guidance for the shared reading activities of a picture walk through and repeated readings is provided. Additional activities to provide practice with identifying the focus letter through repetition with variety are also included. Story props are provided to help increase participation during shared reading activities. They can also be used to aide with story retell activities. There is a focus on balancing explicit exposure and targeted practice for both core and fringe vocabulary. CROWD questions can be used to further increase comprehension of the target book and elicit a wide range of language and communication skills. The provided sentence stems can be used in isolation or in conjunction with the predictable chart writing protocol. The character description webs provide a platform to target multiple language and communication targets. These book companions include 1-3 hands-on art or science themed activities. This product can be used individually, in small groups, or for whole class instruction.
Author Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative (BASSC)
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Tags Aac, Book Companion, Back To School, Language And Literacy, The School Bus Drive From The Black Lagoon, Aac Literacy
Tally Marks - Numbers Practice
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Math, Early Math, Basic Operations, Counting, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning numbers fun and interactive with this simple matching activity! This worksheet helps young learners connect tally marks with the numbers 1 to 10 in a visual and hands on way. Students will draw lines from each group of tally marks to the correct number. It’s a great way to reinforce early math skills while also practicing fine motor control. How to Use: Use it as a morning warm up or quick math review Add it to your math centers or small group stations Assign it for independent practice or homework Great for substitute days or fast finishers Why Teachers Love It: No prep, just print and go Easy for students to follow Helps children see number patterns through tally marks Perfect for Pre K, Kindergarten, and early 1st grade Encourages counting and visual recognition This is a great addition to your early math resources. Whether you're introducing tally marks or giving extra practice, this activity supports essential skills in a fun and meaningful way! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Tally Marks, Numbers, Math Worksheets, First Grade Math, Back To School, Back To School Math, Math Centers, September Activities, Math Activities
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
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Day Of School Activities, First Day Of School
R-Blends Activity - Color by Code
ELA, Language Development, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers
Make practicing consonant blends engaging and colorful with this R Blends: Color by Code activity! This resource focuses on the beginning blends fr, cr, dr, and tr . Students will complete each word by writing the correct R blend at the beginning, then use the color code to color the matching pictures. It’s a great way to combine phonics practice with a fun, hands-on coloring task. Perfect for early readers, this activity helps reinforce word recognition, sound blending, and beginning spelling skills, all while keeping students entertained. Ways to Use: Literacy centers Morning work Phonics small groups Homework or review Sub plans or early finisher tasks Why Teachers Love It: Strengthens decoding and phonics skills Builds fluency with R blends in a fun way Supports fine motor skills through coloring and writing Low-prep and easy to implement Ideal for Kindergarten and 1st Grade This no-prep printable is a great way to bring phonics to life in your classroom. With this resource, learning R blends becomes an activity your students will look forward to!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags R Blends, R Blend, Blends, R-blends, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy Centers, Phonics, September Activities, Phonics Activities
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