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You've taught your children about communities and you've done activities to explore how communities vary and what each type of community might need or contribute to the areas around them. Now what? Try building a 3D community. Building a 3D community model is a fantastic way to engage kids in learning about urban, suburban, and rural communities. This project is a unique combination of teamwork, creativity, and real-world application. By involving families, kids get a chance to connect their learning at school with their experiences at home, resulting in a truly collaborative effort.  The Project FrameworkI have had great success with this project over the years and it was always a favorite for my students. The best part is that my students were the planners and designers so they took ownership from the very beginning. Check out Types of Communities: Urban, Suburban, Rural Communities & Creating A Community Model. This resource includes detailed lesson plans and templates to help guide the process from start to finish. It's class-designed, so each student takes responsibility for working on the design and type of community chosen. They are also responsible for their own parcel of land. Students work in pairs to create essential service buildings, while families provide support by helping design and construct individual properties. For homeschooled kids, the family members would share those responsibilities.  Step 1: Choosing a Community TypeBegin by discussing the three main types of communities: urban, suburban, and rural. Use your lessons to review the characteristics of each, including population density, common types of buildings, and services. Encourage kids to decide as a group which type of community they want to create for their model. This decision can be made through a class vote, ensuring everyone feels included in the process. Once the decision is made, collaboratively brainstorm the community’s overall design, including zones for housing, services, and recreation. This resource may help. Types Of Communities|Urban Suburban Rural Communities|What Is A Community Bundle  Step 2: Identifying Key Buildings and ServicesOnce the type of community is chosen, brainstorm what buildings and services are essential. For example:
Divide children into small groups to research and design specific buildings, considering their purpose and importance to the community. Beyond their homes, kids work in pairs to create vital community buildings, such as:
 Step 3: City PlanningCity planning is where creativity and strategy come into play. Start with a discussion about why certain buildings need to be placed in specific locations. For instance:
Once the plan is finalized, assign groups to start constructing their buildings using materials such as cardboard, clay, or other craft supplies.  Step 4: Assigning Parcels of LandEach child receives a parcel of land—a small piece of the community to call their own. Their task is to create their home, incorporating features they feel are important. Encourage them to think about:
 Step 5: Collaborating with FamiliesThis project extends into the home, giving families an opportunity to get involved. Encourage families to:
 Step 6: Building the 3D ModelWith the blueprint as a guide, children can bring their vision to life. Provide materials like recycled boxes, craft paper, paint, and glue. Assign each group a section of the community to build. As the model takes shape, encourage collaboration between groups to ensure the pieces fit together seamlessly. Step 7: Assembling the Community ModelOnce all individual parcels and service buildings are completed, it’s time to assemble the community! Bring everything together on a large base (like a piece of plywood or cardboard) and arrange the parcels according to the class design. Discuss as a group how to ensure roads, pathways, and other shared spaces connect seamlessly. Note: I used a section of the classroom and marked off the area with tape. The different parcels of land and service buildings were fitted into the area. I cut out pieces of cardboard for each parcel of land and placed it on the floor area ahead of time to ensure that all of the parts would fit within the given space when it was assembled. Then I handed out the pieces of cardboard to each student to use as their base. Check out some photos from some of my previous classes' 3D communities
Step 8: Culminating CelebrationThe highlight of the project is a community celebration where students and families come together to showcase their work. Ideas for the event include:
 By giving each child ownership of their parcel and involving families in the process, this 3D community model project becomes a rich learning experience. It teaches children about the functions of communities, encourages collaboration, and bridges the gap between home and school. With teamwork, creativity, and celebration, your class can create something truly special!   Related Posts
Guided reading is a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction, and incorporating seasonal themes can add a touch of magic to your lessons. Winter provides a wealth of opportunities to engage students with relatable content while helping them grow as readers. In this post, we'll explore strategies for implementing guided reading using novel studies and winter themes to captivate your primary students and boost their literacy skills.  Selecting Winter-Themed TextsChoosing the right texts is the foundation of successful guided reading. Consider selecting books that feature winter settings or themes to create a sense of connection and excitement. Picture Books: For early readers, winter-themed picture books like "Owl At Home" by Arnold Lobelor provide rich illustrations and simple text perfect for group discussions. Short Chapter Books: For more advanced readers, books like "Emma's Magic Winter" by Jean Little or "The Kids In Ms Coleman's Class - Snow War" by Ann M. Martin can offer more depth and complexity while maintaining a seasonal theme. Using guided reading studies helps to adapt discussions and activities for winter topics, incorporating the themes into vocabulary and comprehension exercises.  Pre-Reading ActivitiesSet the stage for success with pre-reading activities that build background knowledge and excitement. Winter Word Wall: Create a word wall with winter-themed vocabulary. Encourage students to make predictions about the text using these words. Picture Walk: If using picture books, take a "picture walk" through the book—previewing illustrations and discussing what might happen in the story. Sensory Exploration: Bring in winter-related items like mittens, scarves, or even a bowl of snow (if feasible) to spark curiosity and connect students to the setting.  Guided Reading SessionsDuring guided reading, focus on key literacy skills while leveraging the winter theme to keep students engaged. Comprehension Questions: Tailor questions to reflect the seasonal content. For example, ask, "How does the character stay warm in the story?" or "What challenges do they face because of the snow?" Vocabulary Work: Highlight winter-specific words and discuss their meanings. Encourage students to use these words in their responses. Fluency Practice: Have students take turns reading aloud passages that describe winter scenes, focusing on expression and pacing.  Post-Reading ActivitiesExtend learning with engaging post-reading activities that tie in with the winter theme. Descriptive Writing: Have students write about a favorite scene from the book. Encourage them to include sensory details like what the snow feels like or how a warm fire smells. Creative Projects: Have students draw their interpretation of a key winter scene from the book or create a diorama to represent the setting. Discussion Circles: Facilitate a group discussion about the story’s themes and how the characters adapt to winter challenges.  Integrating Centers with Guided Reading ThemesUse your winter-themed guided reading texts as a springboard for literacy centers. Vocabulary Center: Provide word cards from the story and have students match them with definitions or use them in sentences. Writing Center: Encourage students to write alternate endings or sequels to the story. Comprehension Center: Create a matching game with questions and answers based on the text’s content. Tips for Managing Guided Reading GroupsBalancing multiple groups in guided reading can be challenging. Here are some tips to streamline the process: Plan Rotations: Create a clear schedule for group rotations and ensure independent activities are meaningful and self-explanatory. Use Visual Aids: Post visual instructions for each center to minimize interruptions. Check-In Time: Schedule brief one-on-one check-ins with students to assess their progress and provide feedback.  By incorporating winter themes into your guided reading sessions, you can make literacy instruction both meaningful and memorable. Using seasonal texts, creative activities, and guided reading novel studies, you’ll create a rich learning experience that students will enjoy and remember.  Related Posts
We all know how important it is to teach sight words — those high-frequency words that pop up constantly in texts. Being able to recognize them instantly makes a huge difference in reading fluency. Sight words don’t always follow regular phonetic rules, so sounding them out can be tricky for beginners. Although high frequency sight words are key to developing reading fluency, practicing them can get repetitive and kids can lose interest in studying them.  Why It’s So Important to Teach Sight WordsSight words are everywhere in the texts we read, and being able to recognize them on sight allows students to read smoothly without getting bogged down by decoding. This fluency frees up their minds to focus on the story and meaning, which is the real goal of reading. By making sight word practice fun and seasonal, we’re not only building reading fluency but also helping kids see reading as something enjoyable and achievable. That confidence boost goes a long way!  Why Small Groups Matter for Sight Word MasteryLet's face it, not everyone is ready to learn the same things at the same time. The wide range of abilities and readiness in classes these days makes small group instruction necessary if we want our students to be successful in their learning. Small group instruction lets you tailor sight word activities to individual students’ needs, providing ample practice with the support of the teacher and peers. Small groups also create a safe space where they feel more comfortable participating, making mistakes, and trying new strategies for learning. While they play sight word games, you can provide real-time feedback, correct misconceptions, and offer hints to guide them towards the correct answer. This also helps them practice self-correction—a valuable skill in reading development.  Small Group Games: Making Practice Fun and InteractiveGames naturally engage kids and make repetitive practice feel fresh and exciting. Sight word games can be customized to target the specific sight words each child needs to practice. Small group games allow children to participate actively, supporting each other and benefiting from guided feedback. Here are some different games and activities that can engage them and keep them learning.  Sight Word Bingo with Various ThemesBingo is a classroom classic, and switching things up with various themes can keep it feeling fresh. I use 220 High-Frequency Sight Words Bingo Cards and 95 Common Nouns Sight Word Bingo Cards and add in different themed cards that I’ve created. The kids love it! They stay engaged while practicing those essential sight words that will help them read more fluidly. I’m not changing the words, just the visuals, so the game feels new without needing extra prep time. Plus, as they recognize these words faster, their reading confidence grows, and they’re better prepared to tackle new texts independently.  Memory Match With a TwistMemory Match is another simple game that’s great for reinforcing sight words in small groups. I just switch up the images to match the time of year or theme—pumpkin pie cards in the fall, winter sports, valentines or groundhogs in February, animals, planets, etc. The words stay consistent, but the themed visuals keep the kids’ attention. They’re practicing the same high-frequency words over and over in a way that feels new. This consistency is what helps them recognize these words instantly, which really pays off when they encounter them in books or lessons. I make 2 sets of the words to play the match game and choose different sets of words to practice based on the needs of the students.  Pairing Sight Words with Actions: Kinesthetic LearningFor students who benefit from movement, adding physical activity to sight word practice can help solidify word recognition. Sight Word Hopscotch Tape or write sight words on the floor, creating a hopscotch path. As students hop through, they read each word aloud. This game can be adapted for different sight word lists, whether focusing on high-frequency words or common nouns. It's a fantastic way to incorporate a movement break while practicing reading skills. Swat the Word for Extra Movement For those high-energy days, try Swat The Word. Spread themed sight word cards on the table or wall, hand out flyswatters, and call out words for the kids to “swat.” Whether they’re swatting groundhogs in February or sports in May, they’re practicing those sight words without even realizing it. It’s hands-on, keeps them engaged, and gives them a break from sitting still while they focus on their sight words.  Why Themed Sight Word Practice WorksKeeping the same set of words while switching up visuals works wonders. The new visuals keep it fresh, and kids build that solid sight word base without getting bored. Each time they see those words with different images, it reinforces their recognition—plus, they get to try out a new theme. If you’re looking to keep sight word practice fun and effective all year, I have a bunch of themed resources in my store’s sight word category. Here's a sampler of my construction kids sight word games for you to try out. You can check out the full set here.   Whether you’re trying out Sight Word Bingo or playing Hopscotch in the classroom, the goal is to create a fun, supportive environment where students can build confidence and fluency with sight words. With the right tools and activities, sight word recognition becomes less of a challenge and more of an adventure! Here’s to helping our students become confident readers! 🎉 Related Posts
Glyphs are a fun and creative way to collect data in the classroom while engaging students in math and critical thinking. They allow students to visually represent information about themselves or a specific topic, then use these representations for data analysis, comparison, and graphing. If you’re looking for an interactive, hands-on approach to teaching data collection and interpretation, glyphs are a fantastic option.  What Is a Glyph?A glyph is a simple picture or symbol that students create by following a set of directions based on their personal preferences, experiences, or answers to specific questions. Each aspect of the glyph represents different data points. For example, in a pumpkin glyph, a student’s choice of pumpkin shape, stem color, or facial expression may reflect their preferences for different topics, their favorite activities, characteristics, or even survey results about the class.  Collecting Data with GlyphsData collection with glyphs is both straightforward and engaging. Begin by designing a set of questions or prompts, where each student’s answer corresponds to a part of the glyph. For example, in my 'Pumpkin Glyphs resource, students might choose different colored stems to represent if they are left or right handed or different shaped eyes based on the color of their eyes. The result is a unique pumpkin glyph for each student, where each detail represents a piece of information about them. This process turns a typical survey into a creative activity, allowing students to express themselves while generating real, usable data.  Comparing DataOnce students have completed their glyphs, you can begin comparing data across the class. Display the pumpkin glyphs on the board and have students identify similarities and differences in their glyphs based on specific criteria. For instance, students can compare how many chose the same eye shapes, indicating they share the same characteristic. This promotes discussion about similarities and differences, helping students recognize patterns and analyze group data. In a more structured comparison, you can sort the glyphs into categories. For example, in the 'Pumpkin Glyphs activity, students might group all the pumpkins with round eyes together, then count and compare them to those with triangle eyes. This visual sorting activity can easily lead into creating graphs to represent the data.  Graphing Glyph DataGlyphs naturally lend themselves to graphing activities. After comparing their glyphs, students can create bar graphs, pictographs, or tally charts to represent the data they’ve gathered. For instance, in my pumpkin-themed activity, after sorting by eye shape, students could create a bar graph showing how many students chose each type of eye. This helps students connect the abstract idea of data collection to a visual representation, reinforcing both their graphing skills and their understanding of data. You can extend the graphing activity by asking follow-up questions: "What is the most common pumpkin shape in the class?" or "How many more students chose green stems than brown?" These kinds of questions challenge students to interpret the graph and make inferences based on the data. Cross-Curricular ConnectionsGlyphs are a great tool for cross-curricular learning. While primarily a math-focused activity, glyphs can also tie into literacy and social studies. You can create glyphs based on books the class has read, social topics like traditions or holidays, or even science topics such as weather preferences. This provides a meaningful way to integrate data collection and graphing with other subjects.  Here is step by step guide and templates for using glyphs in your classroom.  This baby block glyph was a favorite of mine for student led conferences because it gave the parents and kids a chance to talk about when the kids were babies. Afterwards the class looked at the glyphs and made comparisons and connections.  Using glyphs for data collection, comparisons, and graphing is an exciting way to help students understand the power of data in a visual and engaging manner. The best part is that glyphs provide students with a hands-on, artistic way to express themselves while practicing important math skills like data sorting, comparison, and graph creation.  If you're interested in implementing glyphs in your classroom, check out my Glyphs Bundle in my Teachers Pay Teachers store to add a creative twist to your data lessons. Happy teaching! Related Posts
November 11, known as Remembrance Day or Veterans Day, is a time to remember the brave people who have fought to protect our freedom. In school, it’s important to help students understand why we honor this day and teach them about the importance of peace and kindness. It’s also important to make sure all students, including those who may have come to our country as refugees, feel safe and included during these conversations.  Why we rememberOn Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, we often think about the soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, which happened many years ago. But it’s important for students to know that wars are still happening around the world today, and people are still fighting to protect freedom. There are soldiers right now who are working to keep people safe, and there are families who have left their homes because of war. This is why we remember—not just for the past, but for the present and the future, too. Talking about these ideas can be difficult for students, especially those who may have experienced war or had to leave their home countries as refugees. It’s important to create a classroom environment where all students feel cared for and supported.  Classroom Activities to Celebrate Remembrance Day/Veterans DayHere are some simple and meaningful activities to help students understand the importance of November 11, while making sure everyone feels welcome. Two Minutes of Silence At 11:00 a.m., many people stay silent for two minutes to honor those who fought in wars. It’s a time to think about peace and those who help protect it. Let students know it’s okay if they feel quiet or even sad during this moment. I used to play the video A Pittance Of Time by Terry Kelly for my class that focuses on this idea.  Poppy Art The red poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day. Students can create their own poppy art projects using paper, markers, or paint. Explain how the poppy helps us remember soldiers who fought in wars. This can also be a good time to talk about how people are still fighting for peace today and why we need to support each other, including people who have come to our country to be safe.  Reading Stories Share simple stories about bravery, friendship, and helping others. Some stories might be about soldiers, while others could talk about kindness to people who are in need, including refugees. This helps students understand that we can all make a difference by being kind and caring toward others. Peace Doves Students can create peace doves to display in the classroom. Talk about what peace means and how we can work for peace in our own lives. Explain that welcoming people who are affected by war is one way we can show kindness and help bring peace to the world.  Writing Letters Encourage students to write letters of thanks to soldiers or veterans. You can also have students write welcome letters to refugees or new families who have joined the school, showing that they are part of the community and that everyone cares about them. Class Wreath Work together to create a class wreath using paper poppies. Each student can write a message of peace or hope on their poppy. Make sure these messages include thoughts about being kind and helping others, especially those who are new to the country or affected by war.  Talk About Peace Have a class discussion about what peace means and how we can all work toward peace. Encourage students to think of ways they can be peacemakers in school, at home, and in their communities. Talk about how helping refugees and being kind to people who are different from us is a way to spread peace.  Here is a writing page that might be helpful. Check out this blog post for how I used it. For more resources, check out my Remembrance Day/Veterans Day category in my TPT store.
For students who may have experienced war, like those who came to the country as refugees, these conversations can bring up difficult feelings. It’s important to let them know they are safe and give them space to share their feelings if they want. Showing kindness and understanding will help them feel included and valued.  By doing these activities, you’re helping students learn about the importance of remembering those who fought for freedom, while also teaching them to care for others and work toward peace. November 11 is not just a day to look back at the past, but also to think about how we can create a better future together. Related Posts
As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and gold, fall presents the perfect opportunity to take learning outside before the chill of winter sets in. For primary classrooms, outdoor activities can be a refreshing break from the regular indoor routine while also offering rich, hands-on learning experiences. Here are a few engaging outdoor activities that can make the most of the fall season.  1. Leaf Scavenger HuntTake advantage of the changing foliage by organizing a leaf scavenger hunt. Provide students with a list of different types of leaves to find—based on color, shape, or size. Not only does this encourage observational skills, but it also introduces students to different types of trees, helping them to appreciate nature’s diversity. Bonus points for integrating a science lesson on photosynthesis or the life cycle of trees!  2. Outdoor Storytelling CircleFall’s crisp air and soft breezes make it the perfect setting for storytelling. Gather students in a circle and encourage them to create or share stories inspired by the season. You could also bring in books with autumn themes and read them aloud in the natural setting. Being surrounded by nature can enhance the storytelling experience and spark students' imaginations.  3. Nature ArtEncourage students to explore their surroundings and gather natural materials like acorns, pinecones, twigs, and stones. Then, let their creativity flow as they use these objects to create nature-inspired art. Whether it’s building tiny structures or arranging materials into patterns, this activity encourages both artistic expression and appreciation for the environment.  4. Counting And SortingIncorporating math into outdoor activities is easy and fun! Ask students to collect a specific number of items—such as 10 pinecones, 15 leaves, or 5 sticks—and then sort them based on characteristics like size, color, or texture. This hands-on activity can help reinforce counting, sorting, and grouping skills while connecting math to the natural world.  5. Outdoor ScienceThere’s no better time to engage students in science experiments than when they can get a bit messy in nature! For example, you could explore how animals prepare for winter by studying birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, then encourage students to observe and record what they see. Or, explore wind and weather patterns by making simple wind vanes or kites and observing how they react in the breeze.  6. Fall-Themed Movement GamesTurn traditional outdoor games into fall-themed fun! Play a game of “Pumpkin Patch Tag,” where students pretend to be pumpkins trying to avoid being "picked." Or, set up an obstacle course with stations that involve jumping over “logs,” crawling under “branches,” and balancing on “fallen leaves.” These activities help kids stay active and engaged, while enjoying the fresh air.  7. Outdoor JournalsEncourage students to find a quiet spot outdoors and spend some time reflecting on what they see, hear, and feel. Provide them with journals where they can draw or write about their observations of nature. This can be a calming and introspective activity, helping students develop mindfulness and a deeper connection with their surroundings.  Taking advantage of the fall season with outdoor activities allows primary students to learn and explore in ways that engage their senses and imaginations. As the weather starts to cool, these activities can provide memorable learning experiences that enrich your curriculum while also connecting students to the natural world. So, grab your jackets and head outside—the fall air is calling!  Related Posts
As summer winds down and fall begins to make its mark, it's the perfect time to transition students into a new season filled with exciting learning opportunities. The changing colors, cooler weather, and unique traditions of fall offer endless inspiration for engaging classroom activities. Here’s how you can use the theme of fall to help primary students adjust to the new school year while making learning fun.  Science activityFall provides a natural opportunity to dive into hands-on science learning. From observing changes in the environment to exploring how plants and animals prepare for winter, young students can become scientists by observing the world around them. Activity Idea Take your students on a nature walk to collect fallen leaves. Back in the classroom, have them examine the different shapes, sizes, and colors. Use magnifying glasses to study the veins and texture of the leaves, and discuss why they change color in the fall. You could even create a leaf identification chart, teaching children about different types of trees. Indoor Alternative If collecting real leaves isn’t possible, print out pictures of different fall leaves, or use templates for students to cut out. They can sort these paper leaves by shape, size, or color, and discuss different tree species. Math activityMath skills can be reinforced through the abundance of natural materials found in fall. Pumpkins, apples, acorns, and pinecones can all serve as tools for learning counting, patterns, and basic addition and subtraction. Activity Idea Bring small pumpkins or gourds into the classroom and have students practice weighing, measuring, and estimating how many seeds are inside. You can expand this by cutting the pumpkins open and having students count the seeds, comparing their estimations with actual results. Indoor Alternative: Instead of using acorns or pinecones, gather common objects like buttons, counters, or beads in fall colors (orange, yellow, brown). Use them for counting, pattern-making, or sorting activities.  Story telling and creative writingThe cozy, reflective nature of fall lends itself to storytelling and creative writing. Encourage students to create fall-themed stories or practice their writing skills by describing the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn. You can spark children’s imagination for storytelling or creative writing even if they don't get outdoors. Activity Idea Have students use descriptive words to write a poem or story about fall. Provide them with a list of fall-themed writing prompts, such as: - What do you see when the leaves change color? - How does the air feel on a chilly autumn morning? - Imagine you’re a squirrel preparing for winter. What do you do? - If the trees could talk, what would they say when their leaves change color? - Write a story about a fall adventure at a pumpkin patch.  Fall art activityFall is full of rich colors and textures that make for engaging art projects. Incorporating nature into art allows children to express their creativity while celebrating the season. Activity Idea Provide students with a variety of leaves and have them create leaf rubbings using crayons and paper. They can combine these rubbings with other natural elements like twigs and pinecones to create a fall collage. Indoor Alternative Instead of using real leaves, students can create fall leaves using tissue paper in autumn colors (red, orange, yellow). They can tear or cut pieces of tissue paper and glue them to leaf templates, creating a colorful and textured piece of art.  Harvest festivalsFall is also the time when many cultural festivals and holidays are celebrated. This provides an excellent opportunity to teach children about different cultures and traditions. Activity Idea Share stories or short videos about harvest festivals and traditions from different cultures. Afterward, have students draw pictures or write about how their families celebrate fall or create their own unique fall traditions.  Sensory activityYounger students thrive with sensory activities that engage their senses while developing fine motor skills. The fall season provides plenty of opportunities for these types of activities. Activity Idea Create a sensory bin filled with fall-themed items like dried corn, small pumpkins, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. Encourage students to explore the different textures, scents, and shapes. You can add small measuring cups or scoops to let children practice measuring and pouring. Indoor Alternative Fill a bin with dried rice or pasta, and dye it in fall colors using food coloring (orange, yellow, brown). Add classroom-friendly tools like small cups, spoons, and funnels for pouring and measuring. You can also hide small toys or objects in the rice/pasta that students can search for, adding an extra layer of fun.  Physical activityPhysical activity and play are crucial for primary students. You can create fall-themed games that help them develop gross motor skills and teamwork. Activity Idea Set up a simple obstacle course using hay bales, pumpkins, and autumn leaves. Students can race through the course, balancing things on their heads or jumping over piles of leaves. This will not only be fun but also help with coordination and movement. Indoor Alternative Create a "Leaf Hop" game by cutting out large leaf shapes from construction paper and placing them around the classroom. Students can hop from leaf to leaf, practicing motor skills or answering fall-related questions (like naming something they see in fall) each time they land on a leaf.  As we transition from summer to fall, there are countless ways to incorporate the beauty and richness of the season into your classroom. These activities not only engage primary students but also help them make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. By embracing the season, teachers can create a warm, welcoming environment that sparks curiosity and excitement for learning. Let the colors of fall inspire your classroom!  Related Posts
Back to school time can be exciting, or stressful and overwhelming. Kids are full of energy and not in routine mode any more. Some will be excited and eager to get back to school, but others may be anxious or unmotivated to be back. Nowadays teachers often do some basic planning to get started the first few weeks, but with all the possible changes to class configurations due to budgets and enrolment, it doesn't always work to do extensive planning too early. Here is a roundup of some resources that can help with first weeks planning for primary grades. They cover several different subject areas.  Back to School First Weeks ActivitiesThese 6 different resources help with getting started and engaging kids while reviewing some basic skills. They are a collection of games, worksheets, task cards and activities.
Back to School Classroom ManagementEffective classroom management is key for creating a positive and successful learning environment. Here are some tools for helping to create a caring and respectful environment in your classroom.
SELBack to school SEL activities are important as well. Here are a few different resources that might help to promote a positive attitude in your classroom. For more specific SEL resources, check out these social stories and activities.
Back to School MathThis set has basic fact sheets for addition and subtraction, place value activities, glyphs, fact family worksheets, and several other review activities to help kids review basic skills and concepts.
Back to School ScienceScience experiments are fun to do and help develop the different components of the scientific method. This kit includes experiments, a scientific method poster, some amazing weather facts posters, a plant life cycle and needs resource, a bean plant journal, a life cycle of an apple resource and animal research templates.
Back to School LiteracyGet literacy activities that focus on word development, parts of speech, vocabulary, idioms, writing using the five senses, and looking for evidence when reading with this kit. These are fun activities and task cards that are sure to engage students as they practice these skills.
The Ultimate Primary Teachers Ready To Go KitIf you would like to have a resource that contains all the above items you should check out the Ultimate Primary Teachers Ready To Go Kit. It has 65+ resources to make your prep easy and can be used to jumpstart your new school year. It can also be a go to kit for unexpected situations when you need to have someone take over your class.
The Ready To Go Sampler KitIf you aren't sure about getting the whole kit or you only want a few items from a variety of subjects, try out this sampler kit. It gives you a few activities for back to school, classroom management, literacy, math, science, self esteem, team building, and brain breaks.
If you are wanting a good start to your year that doesn't have you stressed out or overwhelmed with planning give one or more of these resources a try. The previews also have some sample pages to use. Check them out in my TPT store. I wish you a happy and successful school year. Happy teaching.  Related Post As the new school year approaches, many teachers are already feeling the familiar pangs of stress and overwhelm. Balancing lesson planning, classroom organization, and administrative tasks can feel like a juggling act. Fortunately, there’s a solution that can help you tackle these challenges head-on: this “Start of the Year Resource Bundle” from Teachers Pay Teachers. Here’s how this ultimate kit can make a significant difference in easing your back-to-school stress and setting you up for a successful year.  Engaging and Interactive MaterialsResource Highlight: Ready To Go Lesson Activities The bundle includes ready-to-go lesson activities that cover a range of subjects and grade levels. These activities provide many different back to school review skills and concepts. They are interactive activities and worksheets designed to engage students and support their learning from day one. How It Helps: By using these pre-made lesson activities, you can save hours of planning time and ensure that your day is well-organized and effective. This helps reduce the stress of starting from scratch and allows you to focus more on engaging with your students. By having access to engaging materials, you can quickly capture your students’ interest and make learning enjoyable. This helps reduce the stress of creating new activities and allows you to focus on delivering dynamic lessons.  Efficient Classroom ManagementResource Highlight: Classroom Management Tools This kit features tools for managing classroom behavior and organization, including behavior charts, routines and schedules cards, calming strategies, behavior posters and task cards for accommodating different physical abilities in the classroom. How It Helps: Implementing these management tools can streamline your classroom procedures and create a positive learning environment. This reduces the stress associated with behavior issues and helps you maintain order and focus in the classroom.  Back To School Forms And NoticesResource Highlight: Back-to-School Forms and Notices The bundle offers a variety of forms and notices to help you organize your classroom setup, track student information, and prepare for the first day of school. How It Helps: These ready-to-use forms and notices help with organization and back to school preparation. This reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and helps you start the school year with confidence.  Communication ToolsResource Highlight: Parent Communication Templates The kit provides templates for communicating with parents, including getting acquainted with the students and how to do home reading. How It Helps: These templates facilitate clear and consistent communication with parents, which can ease the administrative burden and help build strong home-school connections. Effective communication reduces misunderstandings and supports a collaborative approach to student success.  Flexible Use Across Grade LevelsResource Highlight: Adaptable Resources The bundle is designed to be flexible and adaptable for different grade levels and classroom settings. How It Helps: Whether you teach kindergarten or primary grades, the adaptable nature of these resources ensures that you can find materials that fit your specific needs, saving you time and effort in customizing resources.  Immediate UseResource Highlight: Ready-to-Go Kit One of the standout features of the bundle is that it’s a ready-to-go kit, meaning you can start using the resources immediately without additional preparation. How It Helps: The immediate availability of these resources allows you to hit the ground running and tackle your back-to-school tasks with ease. This reduces the stress of last-minute preparation and helps you start the year on a strong note.  By leveraging this “Start of the Year Resource Bundle,” you can tackle the common pain points of the new school year with confidence. From lesson planning and classroom management to communication and organization, this comprehensive kit provides the tools you need to reduce stress and enhance your teaching experience. Embrace these resources to make the start of the school year smoother and more manageable. Here’s to a successful and stress-free school year ahead!  Related Posts Going back to school after a summer break creates different emotions for each child. The first weeks of school it's important to do things that help kids transition back into work mode and adjust to a new classroom environment. Here are some activities that are fun to do and help engage young children those first few days or weeks as they adjust and start to build a class community.  1. Classroom Scavenger or Treasure Hunt 2. All About Me Posters 3. Friendship Chain 4. Guess Who? 5. Classroom Puzzle 6. First Day Photo Booth 7. I Am Poem 8. Self Portrait Art 9. Team Building Games 10. Storytelling Circle 11. Nature Walk 12. Time Capsule 13. Chain Reaction Story 14. Getting To Know You Jenga 15. Guess My Drawing 1. Classroom Scavenger or Treasure HuntScavenger Hunt Materials Needed: List of items or areas to find, such as the art corner, the reading nook, etc. How To Play: Children work in pairs or small groups to find the listed items or locations around the classroom. This helps them become familiar with their new environment. Treasure Hunt Materials Needed: Clues or a treasure map. How To Play: Set up a treasure hunt in the classroom. Create clues that lead children to different areas (e.g., the library corner, art supplies). The final clue leads to a small treasure, like stickers or bookmarks, to take home.  2. All About Me PostersMaterials Needed: Poster board, markers, crayons, stickers, and magazines How To Play: Each child creates a poster about themselves, including favorite things, family, hobbies, etc. They can present their posters to the class to share about themselves. 3. Friendship ChainMaterials Needed: Strips of colored paper, markers, and glue or tape How To Play: Each child writes their name and one thing about themselves on a strip of paper. They then connect their strip with others to create a classroom friendship chain that can be displayed as a decoration.  4. Guess Who? Materials Needed: Index cards and pencils How To Play: Each student writes three interesting facts about themselves on an index card (without their name). Collect the cards, shuffle them, and read them aloud one by one while the class guesses who wrote each one. 5. Classroom PuzzleMaterials Needed: Large blank puzzle pieces (you can cut a large piece of paper into pieces) How To Play: Give each child a blank puzzle piece to decorate with their name and drawings representing themselves. Once completed, assemble the puzzle on a bulletin board to symbolize how each student is an important part of the class. 6. First Day Photo BoothMaterials Needed: Fun props, a backdrop, and a camera or smartphone How To Play: Set up a photo booth with props like hats, glasses, and signs. Take photos of each student to create a "Class of [Year]" bulletin board. You can send these home as a first-day keepsake.  7. I Am PoemMaterials Needed: Paper and pencils How To Write: Provide a simple template for an "I Am" poem, such as: - I am... - I like... - I feel... - I hope... - Children fill in the blanks with their own words, and then share their poems with the class. 8. Self Portrait ArtMaterials Needed: Paper, markers, crayons, mirrors How To Do: Provide each child with a piece of paper and art supplies to create a self-portrait. Set up mirrors so they can look at themselves while drawing. Display their artwork around the classroom.  9. Team Building GamesMaterials Needed: Various, depending on the game How To Play: Organize simple team-building games like "Tug of War," "Balloon Pop Relay," or "Egg and Spoon Race." These games help children build teamwork skills and make friends. 10. Storytelling CircleMaterials Needed: None, optional props for storytelling How To Do: Gather the children in a circle and start a storytelling chain where each child adds a sentence to create a collaborative story. For a twist, use a story dice or cards to guide the plot.  11. Nature WalkMaterials Needed: None, optional clipboards and pencils How To Do: If possible, take the children on a nature walk around the school grounds. Encourage them to observe their surroundings and collect interesting leaves or rocks. Back in the classroom, have them share what they found. 12.Time CapsuleMaterials Needed: Box or container, paper, art supplies How To Do: Have each child write a letter to their future selves, draw a picture, or include a small item that represents them. Seal everything in a time capsule to be opened at the end of the school year.  13. Chain Reaction StoryMaterials Needed: Paper and pencil How To Play: Start a story with a few sentences and pass it around the class for each child to add to. Read the final story aloud 14. Getting To Know You JengaMaterials Needed: Jenga set, marker How To Play: Write a question or prompt on each Jenga block (e.g., "What's your favorite color?", "Name a fun fact about you"). As children play, they answer the question on the block they pull.  15. Guess My DrawingMaterials Needed: Paper and pencils How To Play: Have each child draw a picture without showing anyone. Then, they hold it up, and the class guesses what it is.  This is a sampling of activities that can be done to build classroom community and help students to get comfortable with their classmates. If you are looking for some other activities that provide information for you and also help with transitioning back into school routines and academics, check out my Back To School bundle of 7 ready made resources.   Related Posts
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About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
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