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As I reflect on the many blog posts I’ve written over the years, one thing becomes very clear: there are certain ideas I keep coming back to. I sometimes joke that I sound like a broken record, but the truth is, these ideas mattered to me then, and they still do now because I’ve seen how well they work.  Over time, I’ve realized that much of my writing returns to core beliefs about teaching, meeting children where they are, building confidence, and recognizing that learning doesn’t occur in isolation. These beliefs quietly shaped my teaching, even when I didn’t always stop to name them.  When I was teaching full-time, I probably wouldn’t have sat down and listed my core values. But looking back, I can see how strongly they influenced my choices. I believed every child could learn, and I knew that attitude played a big role in how children approached challenges. Those beliefs showed up in how I planned, how I responded when things didn’t go smoothly, and how I supported students who needed extra encouragement. In recent years, as I’ve spent time volunteering in classrooms since retiring, those beliefs have only been reinforced. Programs change, and new ideas come and go, but the things that really matter tend to stay the same. Respect, optimism, and belief in children still sit at the heart of good teaching.  This series is my way of stepping back and pulling together some of those recurring ideas from past blog posts. Rather than revisiting each one individually, I want to highlight the key themes that continue to feel important and look at how they’ve held up over time. In some ways, this feels like a roundup. In other ways, it’s a chance to reflect on the final years of my teaching career and what I’ve learned since.  As I work through these reflections, drawing on the ideas and experiences of the last several years, I’m sure there will be moments of affirmation and moments of rethinking. I hope that what I share offers a broader view of how our core values, our understanding of children, and the curriculum we’re asked to teach can work together in meaningful ways.  I’ll focus on one area at a time so things don’t get too overwhelming, although there will naturally be some overlap. Teaching rarely fits into neat categories, and my thinking doesn’t either.    Related Posts Are you looking for ways to help your kids share their knowledge and understanding in meaningful ways? With the wide range of abilities and needs in classrooms today, written assignments and presentations are not always the best ways for kids to shine. I discovered years ago that providing different choices and ways to share through projects was a better way for children to successfully share what they knew. When I was still teaching, I made sure to do one or two projects with my class each year. Most of them were social studies projects, but I included some science ones.  Our Solar System Project was one of my favourite projects. Every time I did this project, the results were incredible. The kids were fascinated with the planets and eager to learn about them.  I would start with finding out what they already knew about the solar system. This was a real eye opener. I would get them to draw, write, or make diagrams on large sheets of paper. It was amazing to see the range of understanding in the group. Some children had a vast knowledge and understanding of the solar system and how it works. Others had very little background knowledge and they were unaware of what the solar system is. This gave me insight as to how much teaching would be necessary in order to gain a good understanding of the subject.  Once I had an idea of what was needed, I gathered materials, divided the class into small groups and assigned them different planets to research. I told them they would be the experts and teach the rest of the class what they had learned. They took this responsibility seriously and did a good job. To find out more about some of the activities and research done by children in grades 2 and 3, check out Our Space Adventures.  Once the class had a basic understanding of the solar system, I introduced the projects and explained how they worked. They had a few choices for how to share their knowledge. They could create models, make postcards, invitations, or brochures, do an interview, or write an essay or a written report. I believe that engaging them in their learning with hands on activities and projects that they chose made a difference.  I feel that the home/school link is so important. With this project, the family had the opportunity to work together and share the learning. They could help with suggestions and materials, but the child was responsible for doing most of the work. The children presented the projects to the class and visitors during a celebration display. They explained their projects and answered questions. They were given a criteria sheet and a marking sheet at the beginning of the project so that they knew what was expected of them. Most of the children far exceeded the expectations, and they were so proud to share their projects with parents and the rest of the school. The parents were amazed at the variety of projects and the information that the students shared.  After studying the solar system and doing their projects, I gave them another large piece of paper and had them share what they knew about the solar system. Many children needed to use both sides of the paper to share their knowledge. The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind. New faces, new names, new routines and the to-do list that never seems to end. If you’re already feeling the weight of it all, know this: you are not alone. And it’s completely okay to take a step back, breathe, and approach the start of the year gently. Here are some ideas to help you avoid overwhelm while still building the classroom you dream of.  Try A Three Bucket StrategyThink of your day in three buckets:
 Give Yourself Permission to SimplifyYour classroom doesn’t need to be flashy or packed with activities all at once. Build in some breathing room. Read-alouds are magic. Outdoor learning is grounding. Open-ended activities give kids space to be themselves. It’s okay to ease in. Your students will still thrive with your attention and care.  If you are looking for some low prep, ready to go activities, worksheets and teacher forms, check out this back to school ready to go kit. It can save you time and give you some space to plan out your lessons and units while keeping the kids active and reviewing skills and concepts.  Connection Comes Before ContentBefore jumping into academics, spend time learning about your students:
 Pace YourselfSome days will be packed and productive. Others will be slow and messy, and that’s okay. Try to plan your week with flexibility in mind. Celebrate small wins, like one smooth transition or one child who tries a new activity.  Check In With Yourself, TooTeaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Make space for rest, connection with friends or family, and moments of joy outside the classroom. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself why you do this work and give yourself grace.  The start of the school year isn’t a race to the finish line. It’s a gentle unfolding: building routines, relationships, and confidence step by step. You don’t have to do it all today or even this week. Your students will benefit most from your calm presence, steady encouragement, and patience. You are enough. Your pace is perfect. Here’s to a kind, hopeful, and joyful beginning. Related Posts There’s a lot of talk about classroom routines, and for good reason. But here’s the thing: routines aren’t just about order. They’re about creating a sense of safety and belonging for your students. In the early weeks of school, your kids are learning far more than letters and numbers. They’re learning how your classroom works, how to interact with you and each other, and how to move through their day with confidence. It doesn’t have to be perfect. But choosing a few routines to teach really well can make your classroom feel calmer, more predictable, and more joyful for everyone, including you. Here are some routines worth focusing on right from the start:  Morning EntryThe way students arrive can set the tone for the entire day. A few guiding questions:
Keep it simple. Once they know the pattern, it becomes automatic and gives you a smoother start, too.  Transitions and Moving Around the RoomTeaching kids how to move from the carpet to their desks (and back again), line up quietly, or clean up centers is pure gold. Whether you use a bell, a chime, or a simple hand signal, teach kids what to do when it’s time to shift from one activity to another. It’s tempting to think “they’ll figure it out,” but clear, consistent routines save hours of redirecting later. Try this:
 Asking for HelpThis one gets overlooked, but it’s a game-changer. Do students know:
Kids want to do well, they just need to know the steps.  Tidying Up and Organizing SuppliesIf you don’t show them where the glue sticks go… they’ll guess. 😅 Take time to show:
 What To Do When You're DoneThis might be the most important one of all. Without a plan for early finishers, you’ll end up with a dozen hands waving in the air while you’re trying to work with a small group. Avoid that chorus of "I'm done!" by giving kids clear choices for early finisher activities. Here are a few examples: A “When I’m Done” board or visual A bin of drawing paper, puzzles, math games, or writing prompts A choice board or fast finisher folder Teach it early. Practice it together. Then you’ll be free to actually focus when working one-on-one or in small groups.  It’s okay to take your time with routines. In fact, it’s better that way. The more clearly you teach them now, the more smoothly your days will run later. There will be fewer interruptions, less frustration, and more time for real learning (and laughter!). And if it feels like you're repeating the same thing for the tenth day in a row? You probably are. That’s not a sign you’re behind, it’s a sign you’re laying a strong foundation.  Are you looking for routine or schedule cards for you daily work? Check out these cards. They are great for both English and French classrooms. Remember: Your routines are more than rules, they’re the heartbeat of your classroom. You’ve got this! Related Posts Let’s be honest, there are very few jobs where people assume you'll spend your evenings and weekends catching up… except teaching. And at the start of the school year, it’s easy to fall into that rhythm. The to-do list is endless, the supplies are everywhere, and you feel the pressure to make everything just right. If you’ve ever found yourself still at school long after dismissal, wondering where the time went... you're not alone. Early in my teaching career, I thought staying late meant I was being more prepared. But all it did was leave me drained. You deserve to go home at a reasonable time. You deserve to have a life outside the classroom, even during back-to-school season. So let’s talk about some small shifts and time-saving tips that can help you manage your day without living at school.  Start With One or Two Core RoutinesWe all want our classrooms to run smoothly. But trying to introduce every routine all at once will leave you and your students exhausted. Instead, choose 1–2 key routines to focus on for the first few days. Here are some suggestions:
 Batch What You CanYou know how hard it is to get anything done when you're being interrupted every five minutes? That’s why batching is your new best friend. Pick one afternoon a week to prep your materials for centers or group work. Print, copy, and organize everything at once. Try grouping your tasks like this:
 Let Your Students HelpYou don’t have to do everything yourself. Even little ones can pass out papers, stack chairs, or tidy supplies. These aren’t just time-savers. They build responsibility and help create a sense of ownership in your classroom community.  Use Systems That Reduce Decision FatigueIf you’ve ever stood in front of a stack of books wondering which to read aloud next, or tried to decide which early finisher activity to pull from your files, this one’s for you. Try having “go-to” systems like:
 Here are some classroom labels that will help with organizing things so they are ready to when needed. Get a free set of supplies labels.  Create a Clear "End of Day" CutoffThis one’s not a trick, it’s a boundary. For some people this is difficult, believe me I know because I was one who could keep going on for ever if I didn't set a time limit. Pick a time each day when you’ll stop working. Not just leave the building, but truly stop. Even if you take work home, give yourself a limit: 30 minutes of marking, then done. One evening a week for prep, not five. Whatever works for you, but make it clear, and stick to it as best you can. You are not more prepared just because you stayed later. You are not a better teacher because you didn’t rest.  The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind, but they don’t have to be all-consuming. A few thoughtful routines, small systems, and gentle boundaries can give you back some time and energy for the things that matter most, both in and outside of the classroom. You’re allowed to work hard and rest. You’re allowed to care deeply without doing it all. And you’re doing a great job, whether you left early or not. Related Posts It’s that time again. The calendar flips closer to the end of summer, and a mix of emotions starts to bubble up. Maybe it’s excitement for a fresh start, nerves about a new class, or even a little grief that summer is slipping away. All of that is completely normal. The first week of school is a big one. It sets the tone for the whole year. But here’s something I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way): you don’t need to have everything perfect on Day 1. Really. Whether you’re someone who loves the look of a clean, organized classroom or you’re clinging to the last slow mornings of summer, it’s okay to ease in. You don’t have to go from vacation mode to super teacher overnight. In fact, you’re not supposed to. Here are a few gentle reminders and practical tips to help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed as you head into those first few days with your new students.  Pick Your Non-Negotiables There are a million things you could do to prep for the first week. But what actually needs to get done? With the constant change in class sizes, enrollment, and grade reorganization at the beginning of the year, it's better to pick 3–5 essentials that will make your first weeks run smoother. Here are some possibilities that might work for you.
 If you really want a checklist to make sure you have things covered. I have just the resource for you. Here's a teacher's checklist with most things you will want to do as you get started. Feel free to add more if you need to.  Your Classroom Doesn’t Have to Be “Pinterest Ready”If decorating brings you joy, go for it. But if the thought of a fully themed room with color-coded bins makes you want to run for the hills, here’s your permission to keep it simple.
The most important thing in the room is you and the connections you’ll build with your students.  Have a “First Day” Plan You Can Flex WithYou don’t need a full month mapped out. For now, plan the first day or two with flexibility built in. Expect things to take longer than you think. Practice routines together. Leave time for unexpected questions, lost water bottles, and new shoes that need tying. Here are some possible activities you could try.
Remember to leave extra time between everything. You’ll thank yourself.  Focus on Feelings Over ChecklistsThe truth? Your students won’t remember how pretty the schedule cards were. But they’ll remember how they felt. Start by building trust, safety, and comfort. Let them talk. Let them move. Let them feel seen. That first week is less about teaching content and more about setting the stage for a year of belonging. Include activities that help to build the classroom community, trust, and respect. This will go a long ways in making for a positive environment for learning.  Plan Your Evenings, Too (But for Rest)It’s tempting to go home and keep working after the first day, especially if you feel behind. But you need a soft landing, too. Set a boundary: One hour of prep, then unplug. Anyone who has been teaching for any length of time knows that the beginning of the school year can be exhausting. Taking care of yourself and getting rest are as important as planning for your students. Do something unrelated to teaching: walk, eat something cozy, watch a show you’ve already seen three times. Let your brain rest. You’ll be a better teacher for it tomorrow.  You don’t need to be the perfect version of yourself to start the year. You just need to be present, prepared enough, and kind to your students and yourself. Remember, connection comes first. The rest can be built step by step. Wishing you a peaceful, positive start. You’ve got this. Related Posts Summer is a much-needed break from the school routine—but it doesn’t have to be a break from learning. If you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or parent of a primary-aged child, you know how easy it is for kids to forget important skills during those sunny months. The good news? Learning can still happen in simple, natural ways that feel more like play than schoolwork. In fact, summer is the perfect time to connect real-life experiences with essential academic skills across all subject areas.  Over the next few weeks I will be sharing tips and activities that help kids practice skills with real world situations. Check below for a summary of each upcoming blog post. Math in the Real WorldFrom counting coins at the lemonade stand to measuring ingredients in the kitchen, math is everywhere in summer. This post will be packed with fun, hands-on ideas to keep those number sense skills fresh—without pulling out a worksheet. Topics include:
 Simple Summer ScienceWhether you're chasing bugs in the backyard or building a simple water filter, summer is full of curiosity-driven science learning. Help kids explore nature, ask questions, and become scientists in their own environment. Topics include:
 Language Arts That Feels Like FunReading and writing don’t have to stop when school ends! With playful prompts, letters to friends, and backyard storytelling, literacy learning can feel like an adventure. Topics include:
 Everyday Social StudiesSocial Studies comes to life through community exploration, cultural traditions, and conversations about fairness, history, and identity. Summer is full of real-world ways to learn about how people live and work together. Topics include:
 Kids don’t need to sit at a desk all summer to keep their minds growing. With a little creativity and the right mindset, everyday experiences can be full of opportunities to practice important academic skills—and build a love of learning that lasts all year long. Whether you're planning a road trip, a backyard staycation, or something in between, these summer learning ideas will help make every day count.  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
Halloween brings an incredible buzz of excitement to the primary classroom. The costumes, candy, and spooky stories are all kids can think about, which often makes it difficult for them to stay focused on their usual lessons. But instead of fighting against that energy, why not harness it? By weaving fun, Halloween-themed activities into your literacy and math routines, you can keep students engaged and learning while still embracing the festive atmosphere. The key is to balance the excitement with simple, effective activities that capture their attention without overwhelming them—or you!  Managing Excitement And InclusivityOne of the challenges of Halloween is managing students’ excitement while ensuring that those who may not celebrate the holiday still feel included. To balance the two, focus on fun, skill-building activities that fit within your regular literacy and math routines. You can incorporate fall or pumpkin themes to engage everyone, regardless of their personal participation in Halloween.  Low Prep Literacy Activities For Halloween1. Halloween Parts of Speech Silly Sentences This hands-on activity allows students to create spooky, silly sentences by practicing parts of speech. Students choose from a variety of Halloween-themed nouns, verbs, and adjectives to form sentences that are both funny and educational. It’s a great way to practice grammar while keeping the mood light and festive. Teacher Benefits: - Low-prep: Just print and cut the cards. - Minimal instruction: Students can work independently or with a partner. - Differentiation: Include fewer cards or use the numbers on the cards to create sentences. - Use the Fall themed set to include those who don't participate in Halloween.
2. Vocabulary Games And Activities For Halloween Word games are a fun way to build Halloween-themed vocabulary. This resource includes multiple games and activities that can be played individually or in groups. Students can sort words, play matching games, or use vocabulary cards to build sentences. Teacher Benefits: - Low-prep: Ready-to-use vocabulary cards. - Engaging: Students enjoy the playful, interactive nature of the games. - Differentiation: Choose the different card options (words and images together, or words and images on separate cards) for different reading levels. - Use the Fall themed set to include those who don't participate in Halloween.
3. I Was So Scared: Poetry Writing Activity In this scaffolded poetry activity, students describe a time when they were scared, using descriptive language to reflect on their feelings. This activity ties into the Halloween theme of spooky emotions but remains inclusive for those who do not celebrate the holiday. Teacher Benefits: - Low-prep: Printable templates with clear writing prompts. - Emotional engagement: Students can connect personally with the topic. - Differentiation: The scaffold can support different writing levels, from beginners to more advanced students.  Simple Math Activities For Halloween1. Pumpkin Glyphs: A Data Activity This glyph activity is perfect for integrating math into a fun, seasonal theme. Students create pumpkin glyphs by answering questions, with each answer determining a part of their pumpkin’s appearance (e.g., color, number of eyes, etc.). Once completed, students can analyze the class's pumpkins to compare data and identify patterns. Teacher Benefits: - Engaging data activity: Combines art and math in an interactive way. - Low-prep: Simple printable templates. - Differentiation: Tailor the questions to match students' abilities and interests.  2. Fall And Halloween Odd And Even Tallies This activity helps students practice identifying odd and even numbers through fun, fall-themed tallying. Using pumpkins and other Halloween imagery, students work to tally numbers and then classify them as odd or even. Teacher Benefits: - Low-prep: Print and go! - Minimal instruction: Students can work independently once they understand the tallying process. - Differentiation: Offer larger or smaller number ranges to challenge different students.  3. Halloween Math Activities This resource includes a variety of math activities, from counting to addition and subtraction. The Halloween theme keeps students engaged while they practice core math skills, and the worksheets are perfect for math centers or small group work. Teacher Benefits: - Quick setup: Print-and-go worksheets. - Engaging visuals: Halloween-themed graphics keep students interested. - Differentiation: A range of difficulty levels ensures all students can participate.  Why These Activities WorkThese Halloween-themed literacy and math activities are designed to make your life easier. They require minimal preparation, allowing you to spend more time supporting students rather than planning and prepping. Plus, the variety of activities means you can cater to different learning levels while keeping everyone engaged.  By incorporating these activities into your classroom, you’ll not only manage the excitement of the season but also ensure that learning continues in a meaningful, fun way. And for students who may not celebrate Halloween, the inclusion of neutral, fall-themed tasks like **Pumpkin Glyphs** and math games ensures that everyone can participate. 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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