Getting to Know You ... another fabulous idea that you can add to your teacher toolbox to be ready for the first week of school.
I am all about building community and making our classroom a "school family" where we can feel safe, learn about each other, take care of each other and do our best together as a "family".
The classroom is a place where we can solve problems, feel comfortable and make our environment one in which all students have the opportunity to learn, grow and do their best!
So this activity is just what you need to promote classroom community!
So this activity is just what you need to promote classroom community!
BUT...before we dive into this Back to School activity, it is important to understand
Why BUILDING CLASSROOM COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT FROM DAY ONE
1. Establishing Trust and Comfort:
Building a classroom community from day one helps create a safe and comfortable environment where students feel valued and respected. This trust is crucial for fostering open communication, collaboration, and a positive learning atmosphere throughout the school year.
2. Promoting Engagement and Participation:
When students feel connected to their peers and teacher, they are more likely to actively participate in classroom activities, discussions, and projects. A strong classroom community encourages students to share ideas, ask questions, and take risks, leading to deeper learning experiences.
3. Supporting Social and Emotional Development:
Classroom communities provide opportunities for students to develop important social and emotional skills such as empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution. By promoting a sense of belonging and inclusivity, educators can help students build healthy relationships and navigate various social situations effectively.
With that being said, this back to school ready to use printable activity can be used the first day of school, first week, as a getting to know you activity or as an anytime activity.
This activity is perfret for the first day or week to "BREAK THE ICE" and get students up and moving in a safe and non threatening way!
- An I LIKE and I can sheet to fill in and see how you and a partner are alike and different.
- Differentiated sheets to use to meet student needs in writing.
- Frames for students to draw self portraits.
- Directions for use and put it all together and it makes a great Back to School Night display or bulletin board idea
I think it would be safe to say that this Back to School activity is a mini unit for you and your students to get to know each other!
🍎 Have students bring in their favorite book to share with a partner or small group.
🍎 Have students create a ME Bag 
🍎 Have students meet with a partner and share a few things about themselves. After a few minutes, ring a bell and students switch partners. The best way to organize this is to have an inner and outer circle and when the bell rings, the inner circle moves to their right or left while the outer circle does not move. You can use visual directions with hand movements if students don't know which way is left or right or have students wear a rubber band on the right wrist,
🍎 Have students work with partners and create a partner drawing.
🍎 Have students write an ACROSTIC poem about their partners using their likes and what they can do from the sheets they have filled out.
