3,044 products added recently
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.
Back-to-School Icebreakers After Winter Break - 3 Lesson Pack
January, Months, Holiday & Seasonal, Back To School, Holidays, Elementary, High School, Middle School, Homeschool Resources, Lesson Plans, Teacher Tools, Worksheets & Printables
Reset your classroom with confidence using this Back to School Icebreakers Bundle for After Winter Break . Designed for elementary, middle, and high school , this ready-to-use collection helps students reconnect, reflect, and refocus as they return in January. The bundle includes three differentiated resources , one for each grade band. Every set features structured icebreakers, guided reflection prompts, writing activities, discussion questions, and community-building tasks . Clear teacher directions make implementation simple and stress free. Students share winter break highlights, rebuild peer connections, and set academic and personal goals for the new semester. Activities encourage meaningful conversation while easing students back into routines. The structure keeps engagement high without overwhelming learners on the first day back. These lessons take little preparation and are ideal for January reset days, advising, homeroom, morning work, small group discussions, or SEL blocks. Simply print or assign digitally, then get started. Across all grade levels, students improve their writing reflection, goal-setting, speaking and listening abilities, and classroom cooperation. Realistic. suitable for the age of the child. community-oriented. A straightforward method for transforming post-break enthusiasm into constructive momentum for the upcoming months.
Author Bright Classroom Ideas Marketplace
Rating
Tags Back-to-school, Icebreaker, Winter, Break, January, Lesson, Plan, Worksheet
Writing Activities - Back to School
ELA, Writing, Creative Writing, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Writing Prompts
This Writing Activities – Back to School resource is perfect for helping students ease into the school year while practicing both their writing and creative thinking skills. Each activity includes a clear instruction for students to read, followed by a fun task where they first draw their response and then write a short paragraph about it. This combination of drawing and writing encourages students to visualize their ideas before putting them into words, making it especially engaging for reluctant writers. The activities are themed around back to school topics such as summer memories, personal goals, favorite subjects, and “getting to know you” prompts. The resource is suitable for elementary classrooms and can be used in journals, as morning work, or for quick, low prep icebreakers. It’s a great way to assess writing skills early in the year while building a positive and creative classroom atmosphere. Ways to Use: First week of school icebreakers Morning work or bell ringers Journal writing Fast finisher activities Sub plans for the first weeks Advantages: Combines art and writing for engagement Encourages creativity and self-expression Helps assess early year writing skills Easy to prep and use Suitable for multiple grade levels Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Writing, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Writing, September Writing Activities, Writing Prompts, First Week Of School Activities
Weekly Teacher Schedule - Lesson Plans Template
Holiday & Seasonal, ELA, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Resources for Teachers, Classroom Management, Writing, Not Grade Specific, Worksheets & Printables, Teacher Tools, Charts, Templates, Lesson Plans, Graphic Organizers
Make your week smoother and more organized with this Weekly Teacher Schedule! It’s a simple, teacher-friendly planner designed to help you stay on top of lessons, meetings, and everything in between. Whether you're planning for one subject or juggling multiple classes, this layout keeps your week clear and manageable. How You Can Use It: Plan out your lessons for each day Keep track of meetings, duties, or prep time Jot down homework, activities, or notes Use it digitally or print it for your binder Keep everything you need in one spot Why You’ll Love It: Clean and simple layout that’s easy to follow Helps you stay prepared and save time Reduces stress from last-minute planning Works great for any grade level or subject Reusable and perfect for the whole year Each page gives you a full view of your week, Monday through Friday. It’s just what you need to feel more in control and less overwhelmed. A great tool for keeping things running smoothly in your classroom all year long! Pdf file includes 12 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Teacher Schedule, Class Planner, Teacher Planner, Back To School, Back To School Planner, Back To School Activities, Classroom Forms, Planner
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
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
Rating
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
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
Rating
Tags Grammar, Grammar Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Sentence Structure, Phonics, September Activities, Writing 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
CVC Short e - 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 E – Roll and Read a Sentence Activity is a fun and engaging way to help young learners practice short “e” vowel sounds in simple sentences. Students roll a die and read a sentence that features CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words such as bed , net , pen , and red . This hands-on activity supports early reading development by helping students connect phonics skills with real sentence reading, improving fluency, decoding, and comprehension in a playful format. Perfect for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and ESL classrooms, this activity can be used in a variety of settings throughout the year. It's designed to be easy to prep and fun for students, making it a great addition to any literacy block. Ways to Use: Use in small group instruction or guided reading warm-ups Add to literacy centers for independent or partner work Laminate and reuse during fluency practice Send home for extra reading fun Use as a morning activity or early finisher task Advantages: Reinforces CVC short E word recognition in context Builds reading fluency and confidence Encourages repeated reading through play Easy to set up, use, and store Keeps students engaged while practicing essential skills Pdf file includes 5 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Cvc, Cvc Short E, Cvc Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Literacy, Back To School Literacy, Reading, Short E, Phonics
Letter V Puzzles - Letter V 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, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers, Games
Make learning the letter V exciting with this Letter V Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this hands-on resource helps young children build early literacy skills by connecting the letter Vv with its beginning sound. Each puzzle includes two pieces: one features the uppercase and lowercase letter “V,” and the other shows a picture and word that starts with V, like “vet.” Children match the pieces while practicing sound recognition, building vocabulary, and developing fine motor skills. This activity is easy to preparejust print, cut, and you’re ready to go. It works great for literacy centers, morning tubs, small groups, or quiet individual practice. Whether you’re introducing the letter V for the first time or reviewing letter sounds, these puzzles make learning interactive and fun. Ways to Use: Letter of the week lessons Literacy or phonics centers Independent or partner activities Small group support or intervention Morning work or early finisher bins Advantages: Builds letter recognition and phonics skills Encourages hands-on, independent learning Enhances vocabulary through word-picture matching Strengthens fine motor coordination Easy to prep – PDF format only A simple, fun way to help kids master the letter V! Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letter V, Letter V Puzzles, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Beginning Sound, Literacy Centers, Alphabet, Alphabet Games
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
Rating
Tags Phonics, Cvc, Cvc Short I, Cvc Activities, Phonics Activities, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Literacy, Literacy
Sight Words Tracing Worksheets - Human Body Parts Name
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Writing, Handwriting, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Seasons, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Let’s face it—kids love learning about body parts. Whether they’re wiggling their fingers, touching their noses, or giggling about elbows, why not turn that curiosity into a fun sight word activity? These Sight Word Tracing Worksheets – Body Parts Edition help young learners build essential literacy skills while tracing and recognizing common body part names. Ways to Use: ✔ Morning Work or Literacy Centers – No prep, just print and go! ✔ Handwriting Practice – Because writing “elbow” neatly is a life skill, right? ✔ Science Integration – Teach body parts while reinforcing sight words. Two lessons in one! ✔ Early Finisher Activity – Keep those quick learners engaged without disrupting the class. ✔ Homework or Take-Home Practice – Parents will love a structured way to help at home. Advantages: ✔ Builds Vocabulary – Students learn body parts AND how to spell them correctly. ✔ Develops Fine Motor Skills – Tracing helps improve handwriting and pencil control. ✔ Boosts Confidence – Sight word mastery makes reading less scary. ✔ Fun & Interactive – Kids will love recognizing words for their hands, feet, and maybe even their funny bone! Perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, or any young learner ready to master both body parts and sight words! Pdf file includes 4 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Sight Word, Sight Words, Tracing Practice, Handwriting, Sight Words Handwriting, Back To School, Esl, Body Parts, Fall Activities, Winter Activities
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
Rating
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
Letter A Puzzles - Beginning Sound
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Months, October, September, Phonics, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Games, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Make learning the letter A fun and interactive with this Letter A Puzzle activity! Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten, this simple resource helps young learners connect the letter “A” with words and pictures that begin with that sound—like “A is for ant.” Each puzzle has two pieces: one with the uppercase and lowercase letter, and the other with a picture and matching word. Kids match the pieces to complete the puzzle, making it a playful way to build beginning sound skills. This is a great hands-on activity for little learners who are just starting their alphabet journey. It’s easy to use, engaging, and perfect for small groups, centers, or early finishers. Ways to Use: Literacy centers or phonics practice Small group work Morning tubs or early finishers One-on-one support Why It’s Helpful: Reinforces beginning sounds and letter recognition Builds early reading confidence Supports matching and visual skills Easy to prep and use (PDF format only) A fun, no-stress way to introduce the letter A and its sound through play and connection!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Beginning Sound, Phonics, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Back To School Centers, Alphabet, Alphabet Puzzles, Beginning Sounds
Letters Cursive Tracing - Trace and Color
ELA, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Writing, Handwriting, Months, August, September, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities, Centers
Make cursive writing fun and approachable with this Letters Cursive Tracing – Trace and Color activity pack! These easy-to-use printables are perfect for helping young learners practice their cursive handwriting one letter at a time. Each page focuses on a single letter and gives kids the chance to trace both the uppercase and lowercase forms before coloring a picture that starts with that letter. This resource is great for students just getting started with cursive or those who need a little extra practice in a relaxed, creative way. The coloring part adds fun to the routine and helps keep students engaged while reinforcing letter sounds. Ways to Use: Daily cursive practice Morning work or early finisher activity Literacy or handwriting centers Take-home practice Why Teachers Love It: Simple, no-prep print-and-go pages (PDF only) Great for building muscle memory and fine motor skills Combines handwriting with creativity Encourages a positive attitude toward writing This pack makes learning cursive less intimidating and more enjoyable, perfect for adding a little joy to handwriting time! Pdf file includes 26 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letter A, Coloring Pages, Letters, Alphabet, Handwriting, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Alphabet Handwriting, Tracing, Cursive
Back to School Reading Comprehension Passages
ELA, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Months, August, September, Grade 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Activities
Start the new school year with stories your students will enjoy and relate to. Back to School Reading Comprehension Passages are made for grades 3–5 and include short, engaging texts about first day jitters, meeting new friends, and settling into classroom life. While reading, students practice important skills like finding the main idea, recalling details, and understanding what they read. Ways to Use: Morning work to help students settle in and start the day calmly. Small group reading to encourage conversation and teamwork. Homework to give extra practice at home. Literacy centers for independent or partner reading. Quick reading checks to see how well students understand texts early in the year. Advantages: Makes the first days of school smoother with familiar, relatable topics. Keeps students engaged with stories that feel real and age appropriate. Saves planning time with ready to print passages. Works for different reading levels so everyone can take part. Helps build reading confidence right from the start. These passages bring together fun, connection, and learning, helping you set a positive, productive tone for the rest of the year. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Week Of School Activities, First Week Of School Reading
Sight Words Tracing Worksheets - Animal Name
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Writing, Handwriting, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, Seasons, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Let’s be honest—getting kids excited about handwriting practice isn’t always easy. But throw in some animals, and suddenly, tracing letters becomes way more fun! These Sight Word Tracing Worksheets turn ordinary practice into a wild learning adventure. Whether your students love roaring like lions, hopping like frogs, or waddling like penguins, they’ll enjoy tracing and learning animal names without even realizing they’re working. How to Use: ✔️ Handwriting Practice – Because writing “elephant” neatly is basically a superpower. ✔️ Vocabulary Booster – Expands their animal knowledge beyond “dog” and “cat.” ✔️ Morning Work or Early Finishers – A quiet, engaging task that doesn’t require your constant supervision. ✔️ Science Tie-In – Perfect for animal units, habitat lessons, or just sparking curiosity (because every kid needs to know that a group of flamingos is called a “flamboyance”). ✔️ ESL-Friendly – Helps English learners connect words with creatures they already know and love. Why You’ll Love It: 🦊 Zero Prep – Just print and go. Seriously, that’s it. 🐢 Kid-Approved – Learning without complaints? Yes, please! 🐯 Versatile & Fun – Great for all ages and skill levels. Make handwriting practice exciting—grab your set today! Pdf file includes 4 pages.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Tags Sight Word, Sight Words, Tracing, Tracing Worksheets, Handwriting, Back To School, Spring Activities, Fall Activities, Esl, Animals
Letter A Activities Pack
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Writing, Handwriting, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Classroom Decor
Get your little learners excited about the alphabet with this Letter A Activities Pack ! It’s full of fun, engaging worksheets that help kids learn to recognize, trace, write, and say the letter A. Designed for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten, this pack makes learning feel like play. How You Can Use It: Introduce the letter A during your alphabet lessons Add to morning work, centers, or small group time Use as part of your letter of the week routine Send home for extra practice or homework Great for both classroom and homeschool use Why You’ll Love It: Helps kids recognize uppercase and lowercase A Builds fine motor skills with tracing and coloring Reinforces beginning sound awareness No prep needed, just print and go (PDF format) Fun, simple activities kids enjoy doing This pack includes a variety of worksheets, tracing, coloring, letter hunts, flashcards, and more, all focused on the letter A. It’s a fun and easy way to support early reading and writing skills while keeping your students engaged and confident. A great start to any alphabet learning journey! PDF file includes 7 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letters, Letter A, Alphabet, Back To School Activities, Letter Of The Week, Back To School, First Day Of School, Handwriting, First Day Of School Activities
Student Questionnaire - Back to School Activity
ELA, Language Development, ESL, Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Special Resources, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Activities, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans, Centers
Start your school year off right with this Student Questionnaire – Back to School Activity. It’s a fun, thoughtful way to get to know your students beyond their names. With easy-to-answer questions about their interests, goals, and how they like to learn, this activity helps you build stronger connections from day one. Ways to Use: Great for the first day or week of school Use as morning work or a writing assignment Spark small group or partner conversations Keep responses in folders to look back on later Share with families during conferences Revisit during the year to reflect on growth Why Teachers Love It: Helps you learn what makes each student unique Builds trust and classroom community Encourages kids to open up and feel heard Gives you helpful insight for planning lessons and seating Simple to prep and easy to use with any grade Works in any setting, whole group, small group, or at home Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Back To School, Back To School Activities, Questionnaire, Student Questionnaire, Student Survey, First Day Of School Activities, Classroom Forms, First Day Of School
Back-to-School Icebreakers after Winter Break (for Middle School)
Back To School, Holidays, Holiday & Seasonal, First Day of School, New Year's Day, January, Months, Winter, Seasons, Grade 6, 7, 8, Activities, Lesson Plans, Teacher Tools, Worksheets & Printables
Start the new semester with confidence and connection. This 90-minute Back-to-School Icebreakers lesson is designed for middle school (Grades 6–8) and works perfectly after winter break. It helps students reconnect, reflect, and reset in a calm and supportive way. The lesson includes engaging icebreakers, goal-setting tasks, movement activities, and guided reflection . Students share break highlights, set academic and personal goals, and think about the year ahead. Low-pressure discussions help rebuild trust and classroom community. Clear routines help students shift from vacation mode to a learning mindset. Everything is ready to use . You get structured activities, clear timing, and a printable student worksheet that guides the entire lesson. No extra prep is needed. Activities balance writing, talking, and movement, so all learners can participate. SEL, communication skills, and classroom culture are all supported in this session. Additionally, it provides teachers with important information on the needs and perspectives of their students. Ideal for the first day back. Set a cheerful tone. Gain momentum. Get the semester off to a great start.
Author Bright Classroom Ideas Marketplace
Rating
Tags Icebreaker, Middle School, Back-to-school, Winter, Lesson, Lesson Plan, Worksheet
Long 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 Vowels Activity – Back to School Edition is a great way to review and reinforce long vowel sounds at the start of the school year. In this engaging worksheet set, students read simple, back-to-school-themed sentences and fill in the blanks using the correct long vowel word. It’s a fun and focused activity that supports reading fluency, vocabulary, and phonics skills, all tied to familiar classroom topics. This resource is ideal for 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and ESL learners who are working on common long vowel patterns (like a_e , ee , oa , ai , ue , and more). The themed sentences help create a meaningful connection between phonics practice and real-world language, making the learning experience more engaging and relevant for young readers. Ways to Use: Beginning-of-year literacy centers Small group instruction or partner work Morning work or early finisher task Homework or review activity Informal phonics assessment Advantages: Strengthens long vowel recognition and spelling Builds sentence-level comprehension Easy to use and low prep, just print and go Helps students ease into reading routines with confidence Encourages independent thinking and word choice Pdf file includes 2 pages. Enjoy!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Vowels, Long Vowels, Long And Short Vowels, Phonics, Phonics Worksheets, Long Vowels Worksheets, Back To School, Back To School Activities
Read and Draw - Back to School Activitiy
Holiday & Seasonal, Holidays, Back To School, First Day of School, Kindergarten, Preschool, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Worksheets & Printables, Activities, Centers, Teacher Tools, Assessments, Lesson Plans
Start the school year with a fun and educational activity that strengthens early reading and comprehension skills! This Read and Draw, Back to School Activities resource is designed for kindergarten and first grade students who are learning to read simple sentences. Each page includes a short sentence featuring basic sight words and CVC word patterns , making it perfect for beginning readers. After reading the sentence, students get to draw a picture that matches what they’ve read. This creative step encourages students to think about meaning, supports comprehension, and builds confidence in reading. Ways to Use: Morning work to settle students at the start of the day Literacy centers or reading stations Independent seatwork during back to school weeks Homework practice for reading and drawing Quick informal assessment of reading understanding Advantages: Supports phonics and sight word recognition Strengthens reading comprehension through visual expression Builds confidence in early readers Encourages creativity and attention to detail Easy to prep, just print and go! This activity is a great way to combine literacy with drawing while helping students feel successful in their reading journey right from the start of the school year.
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Reading, Back To School, Back To School Activities, September Activities, Drawing, Sight Words, August Activities, Reading Centers
Letter H 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
Help your students build strong letter-sound connections with this engaging Letter H Puzzle activity! Perfect for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten learners, this hands-on resource supports early reading development by focusing on the letter H and its beginning sound. Each puzzle includes two parts: one piece shows the uppercase and lowercase letter H, and the other features a picture and word that begins with H, such as “horse.” Children match the pieces together, reinforcing their understanding of the letter and its sound in a simple, playful way. This activity is great for independent work, centers, morning tubs, or small groups. It’s a fun and low-prep way to give your students meaningful phonics practice. Ways to Use: Letter of the week activity Literacy or phonics centers Early finisher task One-on-one or small group instruction Advantages: Supports letter recognition and beginning sounds Encourages hands-on and visual learning Builds early phonemic awareness Strengthens fine motor and matching skills No prep required – just print, cut, and use (PDF format only) A fun, effective, and easy way to explore the letter H with your early learners!
Author Ponder Palette Plazza
Rating
Tags Letter H, Alphabet, Letter Puzzles, Back To School, Back To School Activities, Phonics, Beginning Sound, Beginning Sounds, Literacy Centers
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
Rating
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
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
Rating
Tags Reading, Reading Comprehension, Back To School, Back To School Reading, Back To School Activities, First Fay Of School Activities, Reading Centers























