Getting ready for the first week of school? Even a few weeks into summer, I’m already searching for fresh ideas to make that busy week smooth and fun. The secret is to over plan. The more prepared you are, the less stress you’ll feel when things don’t go perfectly. Here’s a list of ideas to help you kick off a successful first week.
For a whole first day plan, check out this post: First Day of School Activities for 1st or 2nd Grade
Scavenger Hunt
I enjoy doing a scavenger hunt game with my students. It gets them moving and gives them a chance to explore all the nooks and crannies in the classroom. I always have at least one curious student who asks a lot of questions about the room. This is the perfect opportunity for those students to walk around, observe, and satisfy their curiosity.
All About the Rules
Talking about school rules on the first day, but also throughout the first week of school is so important. You want to make sure your students have the information they need to succeed. Clearly explaining the rules and having a discussion helps set everyone up for a smooth year.
Instead of just telling my class the rules, we write them out together. This makes the rules more meaningful and helps the kids feel more responsible about following them.
Set Goals
Writing goals is a good way to motivate students who are a little shy or discouraged. Not all kids will come to you on the first day feeling driven and inspired. It’s your job to help them come up with a goal that will drive them to learn and try new things.
Learn About Friendship
Sure, most students know how to be friendly, but do they know what makes a good friend? The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to tap into these skills. Students are just getting to know each other, and their new teacher, so why not working on building friendship skills together. Use these resources as a mini social emotional learning unit.
Create a Class Book
Many of your students may already know most of their classmates if they were at your school last year. But they might not have been in the same class, and you’ll likely have some new students too. A class collaboration project like creating a class book is a fun way to help students make new friends and develop teamwork skills. The kids enjoy working together on a project they can all be proud of. Plus, they love taking the finished book home to share with their families and show off the wonderful friends they’ve made.
Reward Progress
At the end of the first week, don’t forget to reward your students. For many, this first week is very stressful. Let them know that their teacher loves them and is proud of them by sending them home with a certificate!
Fore more first week of school read aloud ideas, check out this post.
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