First Week of School...with purpose

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The first week back is all about:

  • building positive, trusting relationships with your students 
  • firmly setting your class expectations
  • teaching routines/procedures
  • creating your classroom community. 
This a time to pull fun activities out of your hat, BUT remember that the way you run your classroom during these initial days sets the stage! Pick your first week activities carefully and use them to practice for class expectations. 

EXAMPLE: During a "get to know you" activity, your kids are...
⭐️ practicing volume control
⭐️ practicing safe movement throughout the classroom
⭐️ following communication norms
⭐️ responding to attention getters
⭐️ etc 

Everything during these activities can be teachable moments for how you want your classroom to function during an actual instructional activity. Take note of behaviors and handle them quickly and discretely right from the beginning. 

Aside from icebreakers, every time that you have a "first" with your class (handing out Chromebooks, walking in the hall, lining up for rotation, going to recess, etc), set your students up for success by clearly lay out the expectations and procedures BEFOREHAND. Then, practice practice practice and praise praise praise when your class gets it right to reinforce the behavior you want to see. Some routines and expectations will take some time to get right, so just keep with it if you really want it to work. Consistency is key.

🤗 Icebreakers for Elementary:

https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/classroom-getting-to-know-you-icebreaker-games-us/

https://www.weareteachers.com/elementary-icebreakers/

https://proudtobeprimary.com/get-to-know-you-games/

https://www.waterford.org/education/back-to-school-activities-for-elementary-students/


😎 Relationship builders for Jr High: 

https://www.weareteachers.com/middle-school-icebreakers/

https://www.signupgenius.com/school/icebreaker-activities-middle-school-high-school.cfm  

https://classful.com/25-middle-school-icebreakers/