Coding for Kids
For many, the arrival of a new school year brings about a mix of emotions—excitement, nerves, maybe even a little dread. But, for educators, it’s a chance to start fresh and create a positive learning environment from day one. This is where nailing those first week of school activities comes into play. The right activities can help you learn about your students and lay the foundation for a successful and engaging school year. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie stepping into the classroom for the first time, consider these creative and thoughtful “first week of school activities”.
Table Of Contents:
- Setting the Tone: Building a Strong Classroom Community
- Dive into Learning: Make it Meaningful and Engaging
- First Week of School Activities: A Recap
- FAQs About First Week of School Activities
- Conclusion
Setting the Tone: Building a Strong Classroom Community
The first few days of school are all about making your students feel welcome, comfortable, and excited to learn. Building a sense of community where everyone feels respected and valued is important for classroom culture.
Start with “Get to Know You” Icebreakers: Fun and Engaging
Don’t underestimate the power of a good icebreaker. These activities encourage interaction and give you valuable insights into your students’ personalities.
Instead of falling back on the usual “tell us something interesting about yourself” prompts, try something more interactive. “Two Truths and a Lie” is a classic icebreaker that’s always a hit. A game of “Find Someone Who Bingo” is a great way to get kids moving, chatting with different classmates, and maybe even discovering some school activity shared interests.
Establish Classroom Norms Together: Collaboration from the Start
A successful classroom runs on clear expectations and routines. Instead of simply dictating classroom management rules, involve your students in creating them. This will help students acclimate to their new classroom management environment.
Divide students into groups and assign each group a different aspect of classroom life, such as lining up, asking for help with lesson plans, or using classroom supplies. Have them brainstorm a list of rules that make sense to them. Then, come together as a class and discuss each group’s suggestions. This process makes kids feel more ownership of the classroom environment. It also sparks thoughtful discussions about respect, responsibility, and what it means to be part of a team.
Dive into Learning: Make it Meaningful and Engaging
Once you’ve built a solid foundation, you can seamlessly incorporate first week of school activities that blend learning with engagement. Choose activities on the bulletin board that get students excited about the learning journey ahead.
Turn Classroom Procedures into Interactive Games: Sneak in Some Learning.
Even mundane routines, like how to ask for help or use different classroom materials, can be transformed into interactive experiences. These beginning of the school year activities will set the tone for the rest of the year.
For younger students, create a scavenger hunt around the classroom. Plant resource type clues that lead them to different supplies and information about how to use them responsibly. With older kids, try a “Procedure Jenga” game: write different procedures on Jenga blocks and have students take turns pulling blocks. Each time a block is pulled, they have to explain the corresponding procedure to the class. This is a fun and memorable way to review expectations without boring lectures.
Embrace Student-Led Learning: Spark Curiosity Early On
Encourage active learning from the start by giving your students a taste of student-driven projects. A “Genius Hour” or “Passion Project” where students research and present on a topic they love is a great way to do this.
Worried about fitting it all in during a busy first week? Break it down into smaller, manageable steps, with dedicated time throughout the week for research, project planning, and even some brief presentations. This is a great way to gauge your students’ learning styles, encourage collaboration, and show them you value their interests.
First Week of School Activities: A Recap
A thoughtful and well-planned first week can be the key to a joyful and successful year. Remember: go slow to go fast. Don’t try to cram in too much academic content right away. Prioritize the first week of school activities that cultivate community, set clear expectations and fun lesson plans, and instill a love for learning.
FAQs About First Week of School Activities
What are some fun first day of school activities?
A “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker can get kids chatting and revealing some fun facts. “Would You Rather” questions are also a hit and a great way to get those conversations flowing.
How can I make the first week of school less stressful?
Preparation is key. Get your classroom set up, plan engaging activities, and have backup plans in case things run short (or long.). Also, don’t underestimate the power of connecting with your students; get to know them. Your calmness will help them to relax too.
What should teachers avoid during the first week of school?
Don’t overload students with too much information like complex school math or tpt work. Also, while routines are crucial, don’t get too hung up on strict adherence in the very beginning. Allow some flexibility for adjusting to a new classroom dynamic, which will happen more naturally as the year goes on. Most importantly, don’t forget to show your enthusiasm and let your students know how excited you are to be starting this new journey with them.
Conclusion
The first week of school activities are about much more than just checking off boxes. By weaving together opportunities for connection, setting expectations, and making learning fun like Tynker, those first few days become so much more than just a calendar date; they’re the start of something special.
