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Back To School Lesson Plans
Ease your students into the new academic year with back-to-school lesson plans designed to build community and set expectations. These activities promote teamwork, establish routines, and help students feel comfortable. Implement these plans to create a positive start and foster a supportive classroom environment.
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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
The Missing Schedule - Reading Passage
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The Case of the Missing Schedule is a fun and easy story that adds a little mystery to your reading block. The story takes place in a regular classroom where the daily schedule has suddenly gone missing. A group of students decides to solve the mystery, using clues, asking questions, and working together to figure out what happened. It’s just the right mix of realistic and playful to keep students interested from beginning to end. How You Can Use It: Read it together as a class to start a fun discussion. Use it in small groups to practice comprehension skills. Assign it as independent reading or homework. Review story elements like characters, setting, and plot. Pair it with a lesson about teamwork or classroom routines. Why It’s a Good Fit for Your Classroom: The story is relatable and keeps students curious. It helps build reading skills in a way that feels natural. It includes questions that are easy to understand and useful for checking comprehension. It encourages students to think, ask questions, and pay attention to details. It’s quick to prep, just print and go. A simple and fun way to make reading time meaningful. Pdf file includes 2 pages. 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, Reading Centers, First Day Of School Activities
Letter X Puzzles - Letter X Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, Spelling, 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
Make learning the letter X exciting with these hands-on puzzles! This resource helps young learners connect the letter Xx with its beginning sound, using a familiar word like "X-ray" and a clear matching picture. Kids will enjoy putting the puzzle pieces together, one piece shows the letter, and the other shows the word and image. These puzzles are great for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten students. They're simple to prep, just print and cut, and can be used over and over. Whether you're working with a whole class or a small group, these puzzles are a fun and engaging way to build phonics skills. How You Can Use Them: In literacy centers or small groups As part of your letter of the week activities For early finishers or morning tubs As a take-home activity to reinforce learning Why Teachers Love It: Helps kids learn letter sounds in a visual, hands-on way Builds vocabulary with real-world images Supports fine motor skills Encourages independence and confidence Easy to set up and reuse A simple and playful way to help your students master the sound of X!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter X Puzzles, Letter X Beginning Sound, Beginning Sound, Back To School Activities, Back To School, Literacy Centers, Phonics, Letter Puzzles
Letter G Puzzles - Letter G Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, October, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning the letter G both fun and hands-on with this Letter G Puzzle activity! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this resource helps kids connect the letter Gg with words and pictures that begin with the same sound, like “G is for gift.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter G, and the other with a simple image and the matching word. Children match the pieces together to reinforce the beginning sound and build early phonics skills. This activity is easy to prep and perfect for literacy centers, morning work, or early finishers. It offers a fun way to introduce or review the letter G while helping kids develop fine motor skills and confidence in identifying sounds and letters. Ways to Use: Literacy or phonics centers Letter of the week activities Morning tubs or quiet work Small group or one-on-one practice Advantages: Builds letter and sound recognition Encourages hands-on, visual learning Strengthens matching and fine motor skills Easy to prep – just print, cut, and go (PDF only) A fun and engaging way to help young learners grow their alphabet knowledge!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Alphabet, Letter G, Letter Puzzles, Phonics, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds
Letter R Puzzles - Letter R Beginning Sounds
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Support early literacy with this fun and engaging Letter R Puzzle activity! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this hands-on resource helps children build confidence in letter recognition and beginning sounds. Each puzzle includes two pieces: one displays the uppercase and lowercase letter R, and the other features a picture and word that begin with R, like “rabbit.” Students match the two pieces together, strengthening their understanding of the letter and the sound it makes. This activity is simple to prepare, just print, cut, and use. It’s a great fit for literacy centers, small groups, morning tubs, or early finisher bins. While playing with the puzzles, children are also working on their phonics skills, vocabulary development, and fine motor coordination. Ways to Use: Letter of the week activities Literacy or phonics centers Independent or partner work Small group instruction Extra practice or homework Advantages: Reinforces letter and sound connection Encourages hands-on, interactive learning Builds early reading and vocabulary skills Supports fine motor development Quick and easy to prep (PDF format only) A simple and effective way to help kids learn the letter R with confidence! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter R, Letter R Beginning Sound, Back To School, Back To School Coloring Pages, Beginning Sound, Phonivs, Literacy Centers, Letter Puzzles
Letter F Puzzles - Letter F Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, September, October, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Help your little learners explore the letter F in a fun, hands-on way! This Letter F Puzzle activity is perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten kids who are starting to learn their letters and sounds. Each puzzle comes in two pieces, one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter F, and the other shows a word and picture that begins with F, like “flower.” Kids match the pieces to complete the puzzle while practicing beginning sounds and building confidence with early reading skills. This activity is simple to use and a great fit for centers, morning work, small groups, or early finishers. It’s a fun and easy way to help kids connect letters to real words they recognize. Ways to Use: Literacy centers Letter of the week lessons Independent practice Small group activities Why Teachers Love It: Supports letter and sound recognition Encourages hands-on learning Builds matching and fine motor skills Quick to prep, just print and cut (PDF only) A playful and effective way to bring the letter F to life in your classroom! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter F, Alphabet, Letter Puzzles, Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Activities
My School Pledge Worksheet
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, August, Months, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Special Resources, Community Building, Resources for Teachers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Lesson Plans, Templates, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards
My School Pledge Worksheet is a great way to start the school year by helping students think about what it means to be part of a positive school community. It encourages them to reflect on their behavior, attitude, and how they treat others. Students get to write their own personal pledge, which makes them feel responsible and connected to the classroom rules. Ways to Use: A first week of school activity to set class expectations Part of a character education or SEL lesson A display piece for classroom or hallway bulletin boards A reflection tool during classroom discussions Why Teachers Love It: Simple to use with no prep required Encourages positive thinking and accountability Helps build classroom community and respect Supports writing and critical thinking skills This worksheet is meaningful, age-appropriate, and works well with students from various grade levels. It’s a thoughtful way to begin the year and build a respectful, united classroom environment.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Pledge, School Pledge, Student Pledge, First Day Of School, First Day Of School Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Classroom Management
Syllables Counting - Back to School Activities
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Kick off the school year with this interactive Syllables Counting – Back to School Activities resource! Designed to build phonological awareness, this activity helps students strengthen their listening and speaking skills by saying each word, clapping out the syllables, and writing the correct number of syllables. With engaging, school-themed vocabulary, it’s the perfect literacy activity for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade students. Each page includes pictures and words related to common school items, such as “backpack,” “pencil,” and “crayon.” Students will enjoy clapping out syllables and recording their answers in a fun and hands-on way that supports early reading readiness. This no-prep activity is ideal for both classroom and at-home learning. Ways to Use: Literacy centers or phonemic awareness stations Morning work or warm-up activity Whole group or small group instruction Independent practice Homework or take-home activity Early finisher task Advantages: Builds phonological awareness and syllable counting skills Reinforces school-related vocabulary Encourages active listening and oral language development Supports handwriting and number writing Promotes fine motor coordination Easy to use – just print and go! Fun and engaging for the back-to-school season Pdf file includes 3 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Syllables, Syllables Counting, Syllable, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Literacy, Literacy, First Day Of School Activities
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 T Puzzles - Letter T 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 young learners master the letter T with this fun and engaging Letter T Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this resource focuses on connecting the uppercase and lowercase letter Tt with its beginning sound. Each puzzle includes two pieces: one piece features the letter “T” in both uppercase and lowercase, and the other shows a matching image and word, like “turtle.” Children match the pieces while practicing early phonics and building strong letter-sound awareness. This activity is easy to prep, just print, cut, and it’s ready to use. It’s ideal for literacy centers, morning work, small groups, or independent practice. Not only does it reinforce phonemic skills, but it also helps develop vocabulary and fine motor skills. Ways to Use: Letter of the week activities Literacy centers Morning tubs or early finishers Small group instruction or one-on-one support Advantages: Encourages hands-on learning Builds early reading and sound recognition Strengthens fine motor skills through puzzle play Promotes independence and confidence Quick and easy prep (PDF format only) A simple, effective way to make learning the letter T fun and memorable!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter T, Beginning Sound, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy Centers, Back To School Games, Letter Puzzles, Phonics
Fall Writing Activities
ELA, Writing, Creative Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Seasons, Fall, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Writing Prompts, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
These Fall Writing Activities are the perfect way to combine creativity and literacy practice during the autumn season. Each activity features a simple, engaging instruction for students to read, followed by a fun two part task: first, they draw their response , and then, they write a short paragraph describing it. The mix of drawing and writing encourages students to visualize their ideas before putting them into words, making it especially appealing for reluctant writers and younger learners. The prompts are fall themed, covering topics such as colorful leaves, pumpkins, cozy weather, favorite autumn foods, and seasonal traditions. This resource works well for elementary classrooms and can be used as part of morning work, journal writing, or seasonal literacy centers. It’s a low-prep way to promote self expression, build writing fluency, and bring seasonal joy into the classroom. Ways to Use: Morning work or bell ringers Seasonal literacy centers First week of fall icebreakers Journal entries Fast finisher activities Sub plans during fall Advantages: Combines art and writing for engagement Encourages creativity and self-expression Develops paragraph writing skills Fun seasonal themes students love Easy to prep and implement Suitable for multiple grade levels Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Writing, Creative Writing, Writing Prompts, Fall Writing Prompts, Fall Literacy, Fall Writing, Fall Writing Activities, Pumpkins, Fall Activities
High School 2025 September ELA Bell Ringers
ELA, Writing, Creative Writing, Resources for Teachers, Research, Holiday & Seasonal, Back To School, Holidays, High School, Homeschool Resources, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Quizzes and Tests, Lesson Plans, Worksheets & Printables, Writing Prompts
As a homeschool mom of a high school daughter, I understand how vital it is to keep learning consistent, meaningful, and engaging—especially in the early fall when routines are still being established. That is exactly why I created this set of September 2025 ELA Bell Ringers. These prompts give teens a place to begin each school day with thoughtful, structured language work that strengthens critical thinking and writing. Whether you are teaching at home or in a classroom, this resource helps you guide your students/homeschoolers through grammar, analysis, vocabulary, and creativity—all in under 10 minutes a day. INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE: NO-PREP, time saver, ready-to-use resource 22 bell ringers for each weekday in September A variety of prompts cover grammar, analysis, writing, and vocabulary A variety of writing styles included: narrative, analytical, descriptive, and persuasive TOPICS INCLUDED: Grammar correction and sentence structure Literary analysis and poetry exploration Descriptive and narrative writing Vocabulary usage with challenging words September can set the tone for the rest of the school year. With these bell ringers, your student will be sharpening their writing, analysis, and language skills in manageable, meaningful ways. This kind of consistent practice builds the foundation for confident, college-ready communication—and helps students start the year with a strong sense of accomplishment and growth. If you and your students/homeschoolers enjoyed this resource, please leave a review. Thank you for your support! Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom
Author Homeschool with Big Easy Homeschooling Mom
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Tags Homeschool Writing Activities, September Bell Ringers, High School English Prompts, High School ELA Prompts, ELA Writing Warm-ups, September 2025 High School ELA Warm-ups, Homeschool English Bell Ringers For Teens, Grammar And Analysis Prompts For Fall, Daily Grammar Practice, Homeschool Language Arts
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
Letter i Puzzles - Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, September, October, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning the letter I fun and hands-on with this simple Letter I Puzzle activity! Great for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this resource helps kids connect the letter “I” with a word and picture that start with the same sound, like “I is for ice cream.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter I, and the other shows a picture and the word. Kids match the pieces to complete the puzzle while practicing beginning sounds. This is an easy and engaging way to build letter recognition and sound awareness. It’s perfect for centers, morning work, or small group time. No complicated prep, just print, cut, and you’re ready to go! You can use it for: Letter of the week lessons Literacy centers Early finishers Independent or partner practice Why it works: Makes phonics practice fun Helps with early reading and letter-sound skills Great for building fine motor skills Simple to prep and use (PDF only) A playful and effective way to explore the letter I in your classroom! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter I, Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy Centers, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, September Activities
Back to School Trace the Lines
Creative Arts, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, August, September, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Get your students excited to return to the classroom with Back to School Trace the Lines ! This engaging resource is perfect for helping young learners build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and pencil control at the start of the school year. Designed with fun, back-to-school themed illustrations, each page features dotted lines for students to trace, promoting early writing development in a stress-free and enjoyable way. Ideal for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and early elementary students, this resource can be used as a warm-up activity, independent work, or part of a morning routine. The variety of tracing patterns includes straight, curved, and zigzag lines, making it suitable for different learning stages and motor skill levels. Ways to Use: Morning work or bell-ringer activity Fine motor skills centers Early finisher activity Take-home practice Substitute teacher plans Occupational therapy sessions Advantages: Develops pencil grip and control Builds pre-writing and early handwriting skills Encourages focus and concentration Easy to prep, just print and go! Fun and engaging back-to-school themes Suitable for various learning levels and classroom settings Pdf file includes 6 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Trace, Tracing, Trace The Lines, Fine Motor Skills, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Worksheets, Fist Day Of School, First Week Of School
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
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Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letter K, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Centers
CVC Short i - Roll and Read Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Pre-Reading, Reading, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Activities, Centers, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
The CVC Short I – Roll and Read a Sentence Activity is a fun and effective way to help early readers build fluency and confidence with short “i” CVC words. This hands-on activity includes simple, decodable sentences featuring words like pig , lip , sit , and fin . Students roll a die, then read the matching sentence? making practice feel more like a game and less like work! Perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL students, this resource is ideal for reinforcing phonics skills, sentence structure, and reading comprehension. It encourages repeated reading, improves decoding skills, and keeps learners actively engaged. The sentences are short, clear, and great for building foundational literacy skills. Ways to Use: Use during small group reading sessions Add to literacy centers for partner or independent practice Include in morning work or early finisher tubs Laminate for repeated use throughout the year Send home for extra fluency practice Advantages: Reinforces short I sound within full sentences Supports decoding, fluency, and word recognition Encourages playful, low-pressure reading practice Easy to prep, store, and reuse Keeps students engaged with interactive learning Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Phonics, Cvc, Cvc Short I, Cvc Activities, Phonics Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Literacy, Literacy
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 E Puzzles - Letter E Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, September, October, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Let your little learners have fun while getting to know the letter E! This Letter E Puzzle activity is great for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten kids who are learning their letters and beginning sounds. Each puzzle has two parts, one shows the uppercase and lowercase letter “E,” and the other has a picture and word that starts with E, like “egg.” Kids match the two pieces, helping them make the connection between the letter and its sound. It’s simple, hands-on, and kids love it! This activity is perfect for centers, morning work, early finishers, or just a quiet moment of learning. No prep needed, just print, cut, and you’re ready to go. You can use it for: Letter of the week practice Literacy centers One-on-one or small group work Extra phonics practice Why teachers love it: It helps kids learn letters and beginning sounds It keeps kids engaged and active It supports early reading and fine motor skills It’s easy to use and ready when you are A simple and fun way to explore the letter E! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Letter E, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, Alphabet Puzzles, Phonics, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Beginning Sounds
The Lost Lunchbox - Reading Comprehension
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
The Lost Lunchbox is a short, engaging reading passage that tells the story of a student who can’t find their lunchbox at school. With the help of friends and a little problem solving, the lunchbox is finally found. The story is written in simple language and short sentences, making it easy for young readers in kindergarten through second grade to understand and enjoy. How You Can Use It: As a back-to-school activity to spark discussions about responsibility. During whole group reading to build fluency and comprehension. In small reading groups to support guided practice. For independent reading or take home work. As part of a unit on problem solving or friendship. Why Teachers Love It: The story is relatable and helps students connect to everyday school experiences. Includes five easy comprehension questions to check understanding. Encourages discussions about helping others and being responsible. Uses age appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure. Easy to prep, just print and use. Great for early finishers, literacy centers, or substitute plans. The Lost Lunchbox is a meaningful way to practice reading skills while teaching important life lessons in a fun and age appropriate way. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Reading, First Day Of School Activities, First Day Of School Reading
Back to School Blues - Reading Comprehension
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Months, August, September, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also bring a few nerves. Back to School Blues is a reading comprehension activity made for grades 3-5 that taps into those feelings students often have during the first week. The passage follows a relatable back to school experience and helps kids think about emotions, challenges, and the positives that come with starting fresh. Ways you can use it: Read together as a class and talk through the main ideas. Independent work for reading and comprehension practice. Small group reading to build fluency and encourage discussion. Homework for extra practice at home. Morning warm up to start the day with a thoughtful activity. Why it’s useful: Students relate to the theme, so they’re more engaged in reading. Builds reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Great conversation starter about emotions and coping with change. Works with a range of reading levels in grades 3-5. No prep needed, just print and use. It’s a simple, meaningful way to work on literacy skills while also helping students feel seen and understood as they head into a new school year. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
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Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Week Of School Activities, Reading Centers
Easter Missing Middles - Numbers 1 - 20
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Easter, Seasons, Spring, Math, Early Math, Numbers, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, Classroom Decor, Door Decor, Bulletin Boards, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Let’s face it, getting kids to focus on number sequences can feel like trying to herd jellybeans. But with Easter Missing Middles – Numbers 1–20 , you’ll have them cracking the code in no time (egg pun 100% intended). 🐣 Each egg in this no-prep activity is divided into three pieces. The top and bottom parts have numbers, and the middle? Well, that’s where the little mathematicians come in. Their job is to figure out what number is missing in the middle and write it in. It’s like detective work, but cuter and with pastel eggs. Ways to Use It: ✔️ Morning math warm-up – Easy, festive, and effective. ✔️ Easter-themed centers – Because math should get to wear a costume too. ✔️ Number sequence review – Sneaky skill-building in disguise. ✔️ Early finisher activity – Keeps them busy without chaos. ✔️ Small group work – A great way to hatch some math discussions. Why It Works: 🥚 Builds number sequencing skills 🥚 Encourages logical thinking 🥚 Easy to prep (just print and go!) 🥚 Fun, engaging, and totally classroom-approved Who knew eggs could teach math? Now if only they could grade papers too… Pdf files includes 10 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Numbers, Numbers In Between, Easter, Easter Math, Easter Missing Number, Missing Numbers, Missing Number, Easter Activities, Middle Numbers
Days of the Week Worksheets
ELA, Language Development, Writing, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, Seasons, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Classroom Decor, Bulletin Boards, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers
Help your students master the days of the week with this Days of the Week Worksheets pack! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this printable resource includes a variety of fun and hands-on activities to reinforce the names, order, and spelling of each day. Activities include coloring the days of the week, tracing and writing each day, circling the correct day in a group, finding days in a group of words, and putting the days in the correct order. These exercises are perfect for building early literacy, handwriting, and sequencing skills. Ways to Use: Morning work or calendar time Literacy or writing centers Days-of-the-week lessons Homework or extra practice Assessment or review Advantages: Reinforces day recognition and order Builds handwriting and fine motor skills Encourages independent learning Engaging and varied activities for young learners No prep – just print and go (PDF format only) This resource offers meaningful, repetitive practice in a fun way that helps students remember and understand the seven days of the week with confidence! Pdf file includes 7 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Days, Days Of The Week, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Morning Work, Literacy Printables, First Week Activities
Letter N Puzzles - Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Phonics, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, September, August, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning the alphabet fun and hands-on with this Letter N Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten students, this resource helps children recognize the letter Nn and connect it with a word and image that start with the same sound, like “N is for noodle.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter “N,” and the other with a picture and the matching word. Kids simply match the two pieces, reinforcing their understanding of beginning sounds while building early phonics skills. This activity is simple to prepare and great for use in literacy centers, morning tubs, small groups, or even quiet, independent practice. It combines fun with learning and helps develop fine motor skills at the same time. Ways to Use: Letter of the week lessons Literacy and phonics centers Early finisher or morning work One-on-one or small group support Advantages: Builds letter recognition and sound awareness Encourages hands-on, active learning Strengthens matching and vocabulary skills Supports fine motor development No prep required – just print, cut, and go (PDF format only) A fun and easy way to help kids master the letter N!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Letter Puzzles, Alphabet, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Literacy Centers, Letter N Puzzles