BACK TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS
Use these 15 activities and assignments during your first days back to school to help build classroom community and develop relationships. The one-page assignments or activities allow students to set goals, form relationships, learn about each other, and have fun! Some of the assignments are meant to be completed independently, while others are interactive and have students work in pairs / small groups or even circulate the classroom to interact with multiple classmates.
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BACK TO SCHOOL HUMAN BINGO
Students circulate the room and find classmates who fit into the categories listed on the bingo card and have them sign their sheet. Their goal is to fill up a line either vertically horizontally, or diagonally. Once they have filled up your line, yell, “BINGO!” and have a seat. This engaging activity is a fun and low-stress way to start your year off on a positive note!
ALPHABET INTRODUCTIONS
This alphabet introduction icebreaker has students think of words that begin with each of the provided letters that relate to them in someway. The words could relate to their interests, personality traits, hobbies, memories, or anything else that connects to them! Students use the spaces provided to explain why they chose each of the words.
When you are doing attendance, have each student share a few of the most important words from their list with the class, or have them share with a partner!
WOULD YOU RATHER ...
The activity has students work in pairs to discuss "would you rather" questions with a partner! Each person must select which they would personally prefer and explain their reasoning to their partner. This is a low-stress, fun first days activity to get students comfortable in the classroom
LOST STUDENT WANTED POSTER
The assignment has students create their own "Wanted Poster" incase they happen to go missing at any point during the year. This poster is meant to provide information about the student that will help classmates and teachers with the hunt! Students will draw a picture of themselves and share other information (a description, known hangouts, personality traits, know associates, interests, and more!). This looks great on display in a classroom or hallway bulletin board.
LAST YEAR FLASHBACK GOAL SETTING
Use this resource during the first days of schools to help your students reflect on the last school year and set goals for the upcoming year! The assignment has students respond to the prompts based on what you remember from the last school year and they use this information to set goals and make a plan for improvements.
BACK TO SCHOOL INTERNET HISTORY
Your Internet browsing history reveals a lot about your personality. This assignment has students write down the top 3 websites (or Google searches) that they might visit/make. Students explain why you like these sites or how these searches relate to them personally!
GET TO KNOW ME CAKE LAYERS
The assignment tells students that just like a tiered cake, their personality is made up of many layers! Students use this fun metaphor to describe some of the “layers” about themselves based on specific prompts.
SUMMER SNAPSHOTS
Students choose two memorable moments from their summer, draw a picture of them, and describe the event explaining why it is such a lasting memory in your mind. When they are completed, have students share their choices with the rest of the class!
HELLO, MY NAME IS
In this 'Hello, My Name is..." activity, students circulate the room and talk to at least 4 different classmates. The goal of the discussion is for students to learn something interesting about the person, so they need to ask lots of questions. Students write the names down of those they chatted with and write down what they learned about them.
BACK TO SCHOOL HASHTAGS
The purpose of this activity is for students to share information about themselves based on hashtag categories. In the spaces provided, students will write five social media updates that relate to each of the specific hashtags and how it relates to them (hobbies, family, friends, favorites, role models, proudest moment).
DISCUSSION ROLL
Pair your students up with a classmate and have them roll a die to determine which question they should discuss. Students spend at least 3-4 minutes discussing the question, then roll again for the next question. Once they are done, each person writes down some things they learned about their partner and share with the rest of the class.
CLASSMATE INTERVIEW
Pair your students up with a classmate and have them complete an interview asking their partner 4 questions. During the interview, students take notes, and when it is time to take attendance, each partner shares what they learned about each other!
CLASS RULES: MY THOUGHTS
Use this resource during the first days of schools to allow your students to provide their thoughts and insights on what they think are fair rules and procedures for the classroom. The assignment asks students to share their thoughts on rules and procedures for handling incomplete or late work, class discussions, attendance, lateness, school and personal property, and other general rules.
This works great as a small group activity. Put students into groups of 3-4 and have them fill in the sheet together. Go through each of the topics and have each group share their thoughts with the rest of the class.
MY TOP 5 LISTS
In this activity, students create "Top 5 Lists" for 4 different categories that allow them to share information about themselves!
A LETTER TO THE FUTURE ME
Students write a letter to themselves at the end of the year!
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