As the new school year approaches, teachers everywhere are gearing up for the first day, preparing classrooms, lesson plans, and activities that will set the tone for a successful year. To help you save time and stress, I’ve compiled a list of five fantastic free resources from my TPT store that will make your back-to-school preparations a breeze.
Whether you’re looking to build classroom community, decorate your space, or introduce key concepts like growth mindset, these resources have got you covered!
5 Free Back To School Activities
#1 Student Activity Passport
Kick off the school year with a fun and interactive ice breaker that gets students moving and talking! The Student Activity Passport is a creative way to help students get to know each other while completing various activities around the classroom. This resource encourages teamwork, communication, and helps students build connections right from the start.
Check out the blog post on how to fold it here.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Easy-to-use printable passports guide students through activities.
- Promotes social interaction and a positive classroom environment.
- Perfect for the first week of school to break the ice and build community.
#2 Classroom Decor: Crayon Classroom Wreath
Looking for a simple yet impactful way to decorate your classroom?
This Crayon Classroom Wreath is an adorable and easy-to-make decoration that will brighten up your classroom door and welcome students in a colorful way. This craft is not only visually appealing but also serves as a fun and creative activity to engage your students in the first days of school.
Other teachers also love the Pencil Classroom Wreath as well, check it out!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Includes all the templates and instructions you need to create a vibrant wreath.
- A great craft project to start the year with creativity.
- Adds a welcoming and warm touch to your classroom decor.
#3 Social Emotional Learning Morning Meeting Slides
Bringing SEL into the classroom has gotten a lot easier! With just 15 minutes in the morning, you can just project these morning meeting slides that come with a fun prompt and easy activity for the students for the whole first month of school!
No Prep, just project and go! These prompts have drove a lot of great discussion in the classrooms. Just check out the reviews! 🙂
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ready-to-use slides save you planning time.
- Focuses on important SEL topics, perfect for starting the school year off right.
- Encourages student participation and helps build a caring classroom community.
#4 Writing Activities – First Day of Alien School
Kick off the school year by getting your students excited about writing with this engaging First Day of School Writing Activity!
Whether you pair it with a fun read-aloud or use it as a stand-alone exercise, this resource is perfect for introducing the writing process and personal narrative while sparking your students’ imaginations as they envision their first day at an alien school. It’s also a great way to get to know your students and assess their writing skills early on.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fun writing craft and allow your students to be creative.
- Provides insight into your students’ writing levels and thoughts on the new school year.
#5 Cute Meet the Teacher Template – Editable Google Slides
Start building relationships with your students and their families with this adorable Meet the Teacher Template! This editable Google Slides template makes it easy to introduce yourself, share classroom information, and set the tone for a welcoming and organized classroom. Customize it to fit your style and make that great first impression!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Editable and easy to customize with your own details.
- Professional and polished design helps you communicate important information clearly.
- Perfect for back-to-school night or as a handout to send home with students.
Bonus Resource: Growth Mindset Activities – The Magical Yet Pennant
This bonus resource is too good not to include! If you plan on introducing Growth Mindset in your classroom, The Magical Yet Pennant is an excellent activity to introduce your students to the concept of growth mindset.
By focusing on “The Power of Yet,” you can help students understand that challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. This resource is perfect for the beginning of the school year when setting the tone for perseverance and resilience.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Encourages a positive and growth-oriented mindset.
- Includes engaging, hands-on activities that reinforce the concept.
- Helps build a classroom culture that values effort and perseverance.
Which Activity Are You Using This Back To School?
Preparing for the school year can be overwhelming, but with these free resources, you can save time and focus on what really matters: creating a supportive and engaging environment for your students. From ice breakers and classroom decor to writing activities and SEL-focused morning meetings, these resources will help you start the year off strong.
Don’t forget to explore these links and download the resources that fit your classroom needs. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!
Here’s to a great start to the school year!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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Other Blog Posts That You Might Enjoy:
- 15 Minutes Daily Social And Emotional Learning Activities For The Classroom (SEL Made Easy)
- How To Offer Growth Mindset Praise Effectively
- 3 Activities To Introduce Growth Mindset
