The First Few Days of School

As a brand new teacher, I asked about the school's procedure regarding lesson plans. My principal, Mr. Smith, answered, "Just create a checklist for the first few days of school." This was great practical advice that I followed year after year.  

Here's a sample list of what I put on my back-to-school Day 1 Lesson Plan:

1. Greet students at the door, and ask them to find their seats.

2. Briefly introduce yourself and any other adults such as aides and student teachers working with you.

3. Collect any papers or forms.

4. Confirm and list am and pm bus 🚌 numbers and other transportation methods with students. Collecting this information gives you plenty of time to check records or consult with the office before pm dismissal if necessary. 

5. Take lunch count and attendance (at least remember on the first day of school!)

6. Have students unpack all those shiny back-to-school supplies and put them away inside their desks.

7. Show students where to keep their backpacks, lunch boxes, and jackets. 

8. Briefly explain bathroom rules and take a class bathroom break. By this time, they will have to go!

9. Now they're probably hungry. Eating schedules are most likely out of sync. Consider a quick class snack to help curb those hunger pains until lunch.

10. Explain the class rules or develop them as a class.

11. Time for an icebreaker. Grab a FREE one here: Back to School Ice Breaker

12. Go over emergency procedures such as a fire 🔥 drill. 

13. Explain the lunch and recess procedures. It's probably close to lunch by now. Show students where to line up and meet you after lunch.

14. Story Time - Start with a chapter book such as The Worst Best School Year Ever.

15. Tour the school! One year, on the last day of school, we were discussing our favorite moments of the year. One student commented that the tour on the first day of school was his favorite. He further explained that being new to the school, the tour made him feel more at ease. Other students liked that they got to see their "old" teachers and changes in the building.

16. Go over first-day homework. Consider a fun assignment such as a Me Bag. You can get a FREE one here: Me Bag

17. If you have an early dismissal 🕜, start dismissal procedures.

18. If you have a full day, make a time capsule! This printable time capsule is easy to use and easy to store until the last day of school: Back to School Time Capsule

Need fresh ideas for Back to School? Try...

Back to School Games

Just for fun...

The Last Week of Summer

Wishing you a smooth back-to-school transition! 

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With faith and friendship,

Fun Back to School Games

Back to School games can be a fun way to help students get to know each other and build community.  Try mixing up some printable activities with some interactive games for back-to-school fun!

1. Duck and Cover

Students form a circle. One student stands in the middle, spins around, stops, and points to a classmate saying, "Duck and cover!" The student that was pointed at ducks and covers their head. The students on either side of the student ducking try to say the other classmate's name first. The slowest to respond loses the round and goes to the middle. The student who was just in the middle takes that student's place in the circle. Begin the next round and continue as time permits. What a fun and fast-paced way to learn classmates' names!

2. FREE Printable Icebreaker

This is the one where students try to find classmates who share the same interests or experiences. Grab a FREE Back-to-School Icebreaker HERE!

3. Following Directions Game

Students love this game! You can even time students, and have them try to beat their best score throughout the school year! 

4. Fishing Game

This game helps students who are shy or introverted participate. Students fish for questions with straightforward answers.

Mix these games into your first-day (or second-day) plans and watch your class family connections form!

Make sure to have some fun yourself before you go back to school...

The Last Week of Summer

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Stay Ahead of the Game: Early Preparation is Key for Teachers Preparing for a New School Year

The end of the school year can be hectic and exhausting, but next year will be here before you know it! Preparing early is the key to starting the year off on the right foot. Catch your breath and then consider these practical strategies to help you stay ahead of the game:

1. Reflect on the Current School Year.

What lessons were successful? What didn't go as planned? Did you have any behavior management challenges? Reflecting on the current year can help you make necessary adjustments for next year. Perhaps you noticed that your students struggled with a particular concept or skill. Or maybe you want to focus on building stronger relationships with your students and their families. By taking the time to reflect on the current year, you can set meaningful goals that will improve your teaching, your relationships, and your students' learning. 

2. Set Goals for Next Year.

Reflecting on the previous year can help you set goals for the upcoming school year. You could choose a few new strategies to try based on your reflections. By setting goals, you can find new and innovative ways to teach and improve learning. 

3. Plan Your Curriculum and Lessons in Advance.

Start by outlining your curriculum objectives and breaking them down into smaller, manageable units. This will allow you to focus on a few specific goals at a time and ensure that each lesson builds upon the previous one. When planning your lessons, consider the needs and interests of your students. Think about different learning styles and try to incorporate a variety of activities to keep students engaged and motivated. By planning ahead, you'll have more time to gather the necessary materials and resources for your lessons. 

4. Get Organized and Stock Up on Supplies.

Start by creating a list of the materials you need for your units. This could include books, workbooks, worksheets, manipulatives, and any other supplies you'll need for activities and projects. Consider creating a storage system that will make it easy for you to keep your materials organized throughout the year. Take some time to label your supplies and arrange them in a logical order. You could use color-coded bins or folders to identify the materials for each subject and unit. Finally, stock up on any additional supplies you may need throughout the year.  By taking advantage of the summer months, you can organize your classroom and label your supplies to save time and minimize stress once school begins. 

5. Attend Professional Development Opportunities.

Attending professional development opportunities is important to ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest teaching strategies and approaches. Professional development opportunities may include conferences, workshops, and online courses. These opportunities can provide you with new ideas, resources, and techniques to enhance your teaching skills. By attending professional development opportunities, you can network with other educators to share ideas and experiences. This can not only help to improve your teaching but also provide a sense of community. In addition, attending professional development opportunities can help you develop leadership skills. You could learn how to effectively lead teams and mentor other teachers, making you an invaluable asset to your school community.

6. Take Care of Yourself.

Teaching is an incredibly demanding job so it is important to take care of yourself. Make it a habit to prioritize your own physical and emotional well-being in order to avoid exhaustion and stay energized throughout the school year. One way to take care of yourself is to ensure you are getting enough sleep each night. Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining focus and concentration, as well as for regulating moods and emotions. In addition to getting enough rest, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Eating a nutritious diet can help you feel more alert and energized. Regular exercise can boost energy levels and reduce stress, allowing you to feel more balanced and focused. Lastly, make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with family and friends, or practicing mindfulness can all help promote overall well-being. By prioritizing self-care, you can ensure that you are able to bring your best self to the classroom each day.

In conclusion, early preparation is key for preparing for a new school year. Reflecting on the current year, setting goals, planning curriculum and lessons in advance, getting organized, attending professional development opportunities, and taking care of yourself are all practical strategies that can help you stay ahead of the game. Remember, don't wait until the last minute - start preparing now and feel confident and ready for the new year! 

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Help Kids Understand the True Meaning of Memorial Day - #HonorTheBrave

Memorial Day is more than a picnic and 3 day weekend! This federal holiday is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of the people who have served our country. Explaining the true meaning of Memorial Day to children is a significant and important way to honor those who've served and continue the tradition of remembering. 

1. Read The Wall by Eve Bunting

Check out Storytime With Tristan. There's an age-appropriate introduction and a lovely reading of the story.  Storytime Channel for Kids: Memorial Day Read Aloud - The Wall by Eve Bunting

2. Decorate a Bulletin Board or Make a Hallway Display

Find easy-to-make crafts and a quick writing prompt to create a display. Short on time? Check out this Memorial Day resource with writing prompts and crafts...

3. Learn About the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Consider these resources, but preview them first to determine appropriateness for your students...

Arlington National Cemetary Education Program - You'll find lesson plans, power points, links, and printables for elementary school and up.

Welcome to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetary

Depending on the maturity of your students, consider watching a changing of the guard ceremony as a conclusion to your lessons.

Get ready to make Memorial Day a meaningful and enriching experience for your students!

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100% Fun, 100% Educational: 3 End of School Year Math Games for Kids

Kids need a break from traditional math lessons as the end of the school year winds down. These math games are the perfect way to spice up the last few weeks of school by reviewing math concepts and having fun.

1. Math Bingo

Start by having students complete this FREE multiplication chart: 

Students then fold a blank piece of paper 4 times, unfold it, and trace over the fold lines. Using the multiplication chart, students fill in the 16 boxes with different products. Each product can only be used one time unless it appears on the chart more than once such as 24. Distribute bingo chips and begin play by calling out any multiplication problem on the chart. Students cover the product if they have it. The teacher can keep track of the facts called by crossing out the products as they are used. The first student to get 4 in a row wins! 

2. Math Scavenger Hunt

Write math problems on index cards and hide the cards around the classroom or outside. Pair students up and give them clues as to where to find each math problem. Students must solve each problem before trying to find the next one. The group that finishes first with correct answers wins!

3. Math Relay Race

Divide the class into 4 teams and have students form 4 lines outside. Divide a set of multiplication fact flashcards into sets of 4 and place them ahead so that students will run and pick one up. At your signal, the first student on each team runs, grabs a flash card, and brings it back to the next student in line to answer. When the correct answer is given, that student runs to the stack of flashcards, grabs one, and runs back to their team line. The teacher should supervise the lines to make sure the problems are being answered correctly. When an entire team finishes, that group sits down silently. The team that finishes and sits first wins!

Students will better understand math concepts and be better prepared for next year. Get ready for some math-filled fun!

Check out some more math games that your class will love to play!

Whole Group Math Games

Multiplication Facts Review Activity

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4 Spring Prompts For Writing Success

Spring is here and it's the perfect time to inspire your students to get creative with their writing. Students can respond to prompts in a spiral notebook. Try having them write from the top of the page to the second hole. The bottom half of the page can be used to draw a picture to match their writing.

Here are some fun and engaging spring writing prompts that will get your students excited to write:

1. Imagine you are a seed.

Describe your journey from being planted in the ground to growing into a beautiful flower.

2. Write a story about a group of animals preparing for a spring picnic.

What food do they bring and what games do they play?

3. Write about a new beginning.

Tell about a time when you had to start something new and how you overcame any challenges.

4. Describe your perfect spring day.

What activities would you do and who would you spend it with?

Journal writing can be used during your writing block, as morning work, or as an early finisher activity. Even reluctant writers may enjoy this form of expression!

Need something with a bit more structure? Try one of these spring craftivites:

Students will have some fun writing and you will have a great display! 

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5 Activities To Do After Standardized Testing

After standardized testing, students deserve some fun and engaging activities to unwind and celebrate their hard work!

Here are five fun activities that can be used to help students relax and recharge after testing:

1. Game Day

Have a day dedicated to games and fun activities such as board games and puzzles. This is a great way to provide a break from academics and promote teamwork and social skills.

2. Art Day

Let students explore their creative side by providing a variety of materials such as paint, markers, and clay. 

3. STEM Challenge Day

Engage your students in STEM challenges that will promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Activities such as building structures with toothpicks and marshmallows can be both fun and educational.

4. Outside Games Day

Students will love playing some old-fashioned outdoor games. Try reintroducing them to Duck, Duck, Goose, Hopscotch, and Baby In The Air. Add a variety of relay games and delight in watching your students step back in time.

5. Movie Day

Choose a movie that aligns with your curriculum and have a movie day. This can be a great way to reinforce concepts learned during the school year while also providing a fun and relaxing activity. Movie days are great for the very last day of testing. I can already smell the popcorn! 

After all the hard work of standardized testing, these fun and engaging activities can help your students relax and recharge while also promoting teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

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