The first day and first week of school are all about setting expectations, getting to know each other, and building a positive classroom culture. These engaging and interactive ideas will capture your students’ attention and make going back to school a breeze!
One year during first period, I was asked to give out PTA issued student planners. Every single class looked the same. Classroom rules up on a PowerPoint, teachers struggling to be enthusiastic, and kids struggling not to yawn.
I vowed to never cover classroom rules and a syllabus on the first day again.
What will I do? Something impressive. Something that gets kids excited for the rest of the year.
So, what’s the plan? Let’s dive into some fun, and productive first-week activities that’ll guarantee your students are excited, engaged, and ready to learn.
1. Teach Something New
Why wait? Kick off the year by diving straight into the curriculum. Choose a fascinating topic that will grab their attention and set the tone for the year. One year I taught a lesson on misplaced modifiers. I started by telling them a story of my morning:
After pooping in the backyard, I went to the kitchen and fed my dogs their breakfast.
That got their attention all right. It also broke the tension. After kids practiced identifying and correcting misplaced modifiers, they had learned something new and made for a memorable lesson that kids referred to all year.
Why It Works
Students feel a sense of accomplishment right off the bat. They signed up for English, not a lecture on rules. Plus, it lets them know that your class is going to be an engaging, challenging, and interactive environment.
2. First Day of School Stations
Maybe you really have to go over the syllabus on the first day. Try presenting it in a fresh way. Set up different stations around the classroom with a v
ariety of activities: icebreakers, goal-setting tasks, and even a preview of the year’s syllabus.
Why It Works
This allows you to give them the necessary information, but in an interactive way. It keeps the energy high and allows students to move around, interact, and get a taste of what’s to come. It also gives you a chance to circulate and get to know your students better.
3. Read a Picture Book
Who says picture books are just for elementary school? Choose a powerful picture book that ties into your curriculum or has a strong message that you want to convey. One of my favorites is Don’t Eat Your Classmates.
Why It Works
Picture books are visually engaging and can be a great discussion starter. They’re also a fantastic way to ease into more complex texts.
4. Back to School Escape Room
Turn your classroom into an escape room where students solve puzzles to “escape” from the room. The puzzles can be an ELA review, like the ones below. They can focus on back to school topics, such as expectations and study skills. Or they can be strictly based on critical thinking and problem solving.
Why It Works
I wrote about what my students say they learn from escape rooms right here. I sprinkle them in all year long, but doing one during the first week of school is really a dynamic way to kick off the school year. Breakouts promote teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This Back-to-School one focuses on growth mindset, study skills, and classroom expectations. It even includes growth mindset classroom decor posters!
5. Salt and Pepper
This is a game of pairs and it’s great for setting up work partners for the first few days of school. Come up with a list of things that go together in pairs, such as salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, etc., Then write each one individually on index cards or slips of paper. Give one to each student and have them find their match. That person can their partner for the first group activity or for the first week of school.
Why It Works
It’s a simple, fun icebreaker that gets students talking and moving around. It also sets the stage for collaborative learning.
6. Create a Back-to-School One-Pager
Have students create a one-page sheet about themselves, including hobbies, favorite books, and what they’re looking forward to this year.
Why It Works
This is a fun, low-pressure way for students to introduce themselves, and it provides you with valuable insights into their interests.
7. Make a Name Tent
Students fold a piece of paper into a tent and decorate it with their name and a few fun facts about themselves. They can place this on their desks for the first week.
Why It Works
Name tents help you learn names quickly and give students a chance to express their creativity.
Click here for a combination back-to-school one-pager that is also a name tent!
8. Icebreaker Prompts or Activities
Cover the necessary “boring” stuff, but break up the monotony by peppering in some creative prompts or games to help students share about themselves. For example, “Describe your summer vacation in three emojis” or “If you were a superhero, what would your power be?”
Why It Works
Icebreakers make it easier for students to open up and share, helping to build a classroom community from day one.
9. Create a Student Contract
Have students write out a contract for themselves outlining the rules and expectations for the year. They can keep this and refer back to it throughout the year.
Why It Works
This encourages students to take ownership of their learning and set personal goals. It also provides a reference point for self-assessment.
10. Create a Teacher Contract
Share your own goals and expectations for the year. Or ask students to create a list of contract rules for you. This shows students that you’re in this together and sets a tone of mutual respect and collaboration.
Why It Works
Transparency is key. When students see that you’re committed to their success, they’re more likely to reciprocate.
I wrote in detail about starting the new school year with student and teacher contracts here.
11. Do a Goal Setting Activity
Encourage students to set personal goals for the year. This could be done through writing, drawing, or any other creative method.
Why It Works
Goal setting motivates students and gives them something to strive for throughout the year.
12. Write Photo Stories
Provide a series of photos around the room and have students circulate, adding to a collective story about each photo. It would be extra fun to provide school photos, such as photos of buses or books.
Why It Works
This is a great way to get students writing and collaborating from day one. It also sparks creativity and encourages them to think outside the box.
Play a Getting to Know You Game
Games like “Find Someone Who Bingo,” “Birthday Line Up,” or “10 Things in Common” are perfect for breaking the ice.
13. Find Someone Bingo
Create bingo cards with different attributes (e.g., “Has a pet,” “Loves pizza”) and have students find classmates that match these attributes.
Why It Works
It’s a fun way to get students mingling and learning about each other.
14. Birthday Line Up
Without speaking, have students line up in order of their birthdays.
Why It Works
It’s so funny and it’s a great way to foster creativity and teamwork.
15. Common Thread
Break students up into small groups and sit in a circle. Set a timer for 1-2 minutes and ask each group to find something they all have in common. It should not be about a feeling, rather a hobby, a favorite, or an experience. When the timer goes off, share the common threads aloud and then rotate to a different groups to find different common threads.
Why It Works
It builds a sense of unity and discovery.
16. Favorite Things Game
Make a circle. Give students a category, such as food, places, hobbies, and have each student share their favorite thing in each given category.
Here are some category ideas: food, music, places, hobbies, movies, television, books, local restaurants, stores, sports, sports teams, seasonal activites, video game, etc.
Why It Works
It’s about everyone’s favorite topic… themselves! And it’s a simple way to learn about each other’s interests.
17. Things in Common
This is such a simple concept, but it’s so effective. In pairs or small groups, have students find ten things they ALL have in common.
Why It Works
It can reveal surprising connections and foster camaraderie.
18. Rose, Thorn, Bud Game
Students share something positive (rose), something challenging (thorn), and something they’re looking forward to (bud).
Why It Works
It’s a balanced way to share personal experiences and build empathy.
The first week of middle school sets the tone for the entire year. By incorporating these engaging and fun activities, you’re not only helping your students feel welcomed and excited, but you’re also laying the groundwork for a productive and positive learning environment. Remember, there’s always time for the syllabus. Start the year with energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to making every student feel valued and engaged. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
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