"You're never too old to set new goal or dream a new dream" - CJ Lewis


Recently I was asked to share a bit about myself with BOLD JOURNEY Magazine, which is an online publication that simply shares and publishes stories about people like you and ME.                                                                                                                            I am not sure how I was nominated and that really doesn't matter...BUT...this gave me an opportunity to reflect on my journey, work ethic, and personal philosophies as well as; some insights into my experience creating resources on Teachers Pay Teachers.                                                                                                                                                              
So, I thought I would share this with all of  YOU to offer a glimpse into my journey.

I hope you enjoy it!  

Meet Kathy Simpson





Children love to scribble and draw with pencils, crayons, paper and maybe even on the walls.  

I know my grandkids would scribble something on a piece of paper and I would say. "Read this to me." and they would "read" it back usually saying it says "I love you or I had fun or maybe something silly, but they knew what they wrote and what it said.

It is on this premise and experience that you and I know that kids have ideas tucked away in their heads ready to spill out on paper or walls!  


With that being said, this is Part One of a Series of Blog Posts about how to encourage your students or children to write more at home and at school using some basic principles I have learned through my years of parenting and teaching! Ideas that you can put into practice immediately after reading this post!


Writing is so important for all children, yet can be so difficult for some.  


They want to know how to spell but you as a teacher want to get them to get their ideas on the paper so their ideas...those thoughts, those experiences flow onto the paper easily without hesitation and still what echoes throughout your classroom, "How do you spell dog.  How do your spell because?  How do you spell where???"

So how do you support your students to feel confident and take risks with their writing?  Good question right? 



One way I found and I am sure many of you already use this method is to encourage “Kid Writing” everyday...everytime children are writing at home and/or at school.

Some kiddos are hesitant to take risks and write without knowing how to spell, but if you make it non-threatening and support young writers with positive feedback on what they are writing, they will take risks and begin to use creative spelling to spell more difficult words writing the sounds they hear.

This is a win-win situation.

As you circulate around the room, have the kiddos read what they have written. I always asked if it was okay to write adult spelling below their writing so I remembered what they wrote. If that doesn’t work, then write it on a sticky note with their name. Anyway you do it you are learning so much about your students!

Why is this Important?  

✎  You can learn so much about a student’s phonological awareness and other writing skills simply by analyzing Kid Writing! 


1.  Does the student have beginning sounds, ending sounds, digraph, affricates and/or medial vowels?

2.  Do they have an understanding of what letters spell a word but maybe they are not in the correct order?

3.  Are they using some conventional spellings of sight words? 

4.  What do they know and what do they still need to learn?

5.  Do they have capitals, end marks or an understanding of words and sentences?

I can tell from this sample:

  • The writer has some conventional spellings of my, his, love and is.
  • I notice the writer needs to work on blends and digraphs as the writing is missing "br" and "th" in the word brother, also "br" in Brady. "Pr" is missing from practice.  
  • The writer has learned that that the "ea" vowel combination says "e" but it is not used properly in the word he.  
  • Also, the silent "e" in the word name is not used. That is something to work on as well.
  • The writer does not hear the difference between "n" and "m": at the end of words.  
  • She is more on a Phonetic spelling level., but does understand some conventional spelling words and patterns. 


What do you notice?

So much data can be collected to discern where each child is to drive small group writing, phonics and reading instruction!



How can we encourage parents with supporting their children at home with writing?

✎  Now you have your students on board with "Kid Writing" but what about all the parents grinding their teeth with their children spelling words incorrectly at home?

1.  Talk to parents:  I always chatted at back to school night or in a special meeting, if needed, explaining what spelling expectations I have or the district has for the grade level taught.

2. Send an example of 'Kid Writing" like the one here to show them first hand why this type of spelling is desired.  

( this is a free resource in my TpT Shop)

3. At back to school night or conferences show exactly what you can learn using a sample of "Kid Writing" and show what phonemic skills and concepts that example demonstrates.




✎  Have parents consistently encourage writing at home.

To do this send home a list of ways to encourage children to integrate writing in their everyday life.

Here are some ideas to include in your list or for parents to try:

  • Write lists for gifts they might want at some future point.
  • Write thank you notes to grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers...anyone really!
  • Keep a daily or weekly journal to write about their experiences...what they like to do or don't like, how a sports game or ballet class went.
  • Keep a feelings journal.
  • Create the grocery list for family shopping.
  • Create a "to-do" list for the week.
  • Have your child write a list of chores that need to be completed.
  • Create a writing spot in your house or classroom where kids can simply write with various media: pens, colored pencils, markers, magnetic letters or whatever. Don't forget to include different types of paper!
  • Encourage writing to friends who live far away or not far away!
  • Label things around the house or draw pictures and hav your children label the picture.
  • Praise you children for what they do know..."Wow, you knew that beginning sound or ending sound...Way to go!"
  • Write some journal entries together where you write a sentence and then your child writes a sentence.
  • If your child wants something, have them write you a note convincing you to get what they want.
  • Respond in writing to a favorite book, movie or television show...even what they like about a favorite video game!
  • Make a list of what they observe on a car, airplane or train trip...even what they see around the house, restaurant or even while at a sibling's play, dance or game.
  • Create a non talking day where everything you need or want has to be written down!
  • Give your students or children some fancy pens and props to use while writing.

There are so many more ideas that you can come up with to add.


Remember this is the first part of a series focussing on writing at home and at school.  There is so much more to come...so don't forget to check back for more. I have so many ideas tucked away to add a little pizzazz to writing at home and at school!

See you next time!










Right from the get-go as soon as you can, make sure parents understand the importance of working together to ensure their child's academic, social and emotional growth.
Try to restate this idea every time you speak with parents/guardians, write an email, send a message through a text or anyway you communicate with parents/guardians.
At the bottom of homework sheets, e-mails, or even at the end of a conversation, I always would write or say, 

 Who Doesn't LOVE a FREEBIE?  


Get Back to School ready with tons of "Forever Freebies"and a Free Back to School 2024 BUNDLE that is only available for the next 24 hours! 

Click here for the one Month vanishing BUNDLE  available until September 18th.


Forever Freebies are the BEST! These are resources that you cab grab anytime during the year to use with your Kindergarten, First and Second Grade students.  They are ready to print and use and will add some fun to your everyday learning! Grab These Here 




Need Back to School Resources?  Check out these Back to School Freebies HERE. These are available ALL Year but are especially for BTS!




There you have it a Back to School SURPRISE!
That's all folks!  Smile...Grab the Freebies and have fun!!






Teaching responsibility in our classrooms is crucial for students' personal growth and academic success.  

Here are 5 ways to teach, reinforce and encourage responsibility in your classroom from DAY ONE plus a few resources to get you started.

If we want our students to be responsible, we also need to demonstrate responsibility by modeling positive behavior and expectations.

1.  Demonstrate responsibility through your actions. 

Show that you are organized, ready to begin your day on time, be prepared for everything (think on your feet) and show respect for others in your words and actions. 

I know, I know...there are THOSE days that this plan flies right out the window and it becomes "The Day Jimmy's Boa ate the Wash!"  We all have those days, but you know what I am saying...simply try your best!

One way to do this is to to talk about how you decide what you are doing each day. Maybe you have a schedule posted where all students can see it.

Share your decision-making processes and the importance of accountability. 

Students often emulate the behaviors they observe in their teachers.

 So how do I do this?

Accountability or taking responsibility for your actions and accepting the consequences of your choices. It's important for children to learn about accountability so they understand cause and effect. 

  • Explain the purpose: Explain why you've assigned a task or reading.
  • Set expectations: Be clear about what "good preparation" looks like and might even sound like.
  • Praise children for taking responsibility by praising specific big or small actions. For example, you could say "I noticed you completed your job this morning. That shows responsibility! " I really appreciate how you put your name on your paper your bed without a reminder!" 
  • Model your classroom expected behaviors the first day of school: Show or have a student model how they are expected to walk in the classroom, where they need to put their bookbags, lunch etc. You might even have a Morning Classroom Procedures Chart as a reminder.  Show them the first day or second day and role model throughout the week.  i always got a little silly with it to get a chuckle.
  • Make time to explain the consequences. For example, if your name is not on your paper, I will not know who the paper belongs to.  If your paper is not in your folder, then you might lose your work.  If you throw a pencil, someone may get hurt.
  • Allow students to see that we all make mistakes, but that is okay. We learn from our mistakes.

Here are some organizational ideas that ARE READY TO PRINT, REVIEW AND USE. 

An organized library with labels so students know what is where is so important for students and knowing classroom procedures for taking and returning books to and from the classroom library should be reole-modeled and practiced before giving your students free range of those precious books!
Take a closer look at these HERE!

Classroom supply labels help YOU as well as your students. if classroom supplies are in a specific spot, it saves time and supports students to find something they need in a timely fashion.If you have a supply manager or individual supply monitors like paper passer etc. as one of your classroom jobs, that is even better.
I NEED THESE!



Send home a brochure with all the information about your procedures in one place. This is easy to edit and use as well as a great way to keep parents and students organized at home. It can be kept on the refrigerator or in a special place in the student's home

Home and school ready to print and use communication forms to keep parent/teacher lines open, which in turn will create a strong positive classroom community. Home and school communication sheets, which includes self-portraits, weekly student self-reflection sheets and weekly news frames for students to communicate to their parents about what they have learned, liked, fun times and goals they are working on in school!  YES! THIS IS PERFECT FOR ME!

2.  Incorporate Classroom Jobs:   

Giving students specific jobs, such as organizing supplies, helping with attendance, or leading a group activity, helps them understand the importance of contributing to the classroom community and taking ownership of the activity they are assigned.  They understand if the lunch count person doesn't do their job or the paper passer forgets that it disrupts the procedures and take more time.

3.  Set Clear Expectations:  


Establish rules and expectations for behavior and academic goals or learning objectives.  Consistently reinforce the expectations so students understand the effects of their actions and how these actions support a calm and positive learning environment.

Establishing classroom expectations, routines and rules with your students and discussing the importance of each rule and why we need those boundaries, supports positive classroom management and builds a strong classroom community with responsible learners



When students understand the expectations and procedures of your classroom, you will see a difference.  During the first few weeks of school as these ideas and concepts are established, your students will safe, less confused and calmer knowing how the classroom runs.


4.  Encourage Goal Setting and Self Reflection:  


Support students in setting social and academic goals. Every so often have each student reflect on their growth and progress with these goals and how they can achieve them or be better with them.  This teaches them to take responsibility for their learning and personal growth.




  
  These behavior and academic goal setting sheets for students are perfect for encouraging and supporting your students with setting personal goals and creating a plan to achieve these goals. They can keep them in a personal growth folder and see how much they have grown each semester, week or month! 

5.  Encourage a Growth Mindset:  


Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Allow students to see the power of YeT and that everyone and grows at their own pace.  How they need to keep trying until they are PROUD! This approach helps students take responsibility for their learning and outcomes.  
Hang these posters and pencil icons around the room to refer to as needed to keep those positive vibes present and promote a growth mindset all year long.


Grab these GROWTH MINDSET and POSITIVE MINDSET POSTERS HERE...

These are my favorite posters. They are bright and colorful and can add a little sparkle to any classroom or school hallway!


I hope you back to school is filled with laughter, smiles and lots of sunshine!
Remember even on a cloudy day, the sun is still shining! 

Here is a sample of what they might look like in YOUR classroom.

Here are a few extra Back to School September resources you might like to start the year!

Before I dive into the background of this post, I want to share with you...

5 Reasons Why All Children Can Benefit From  Social Stories and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities



1.  Improved Emotional Regulation:

Social stories and SEL activities teach children how to identify and manage their emotions, which in turn helps then handle stress, anxiety and frustration more effectively...that is not to say these emotional feeling will disappear, but when they come, children will understand what to do to handle these "MUDDY FEELINGS."

2.  Enhance Social Skills:

These stories and activities support students to understand and recognize social cues, develop empathy, and learn appropriate behaviors for interacting with others.  This is so important for building positive relationships and effective communication skills.  Teaching children to "USE THEIR WORDS" and react in a more positive way to negative situations is key to deal effectively with various emotions that come into play.

3.  Increase Self-Awareness:

SEL activities encourage children to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings, which is so important in today's society.  These reflections foster greater self-awareness, which is the foundation for personal growth and making informed decisions in all areas of life. 

4.  Better Academic Performance:

My experience and research has demonstrated that students who participate in SEL activities, perform better academically because they are able to focus their energy on the task at hand and understand their feelings.  They develop a growth mindset, which enables them to realize that is okay if they need more time or that they are not there...YET!  These improved social and emotional skills teach resilience, to keep trying, support motivation, which leads to better academic learning outcomes.

5.  Long Term Mental Health Benefits:

Early exposure to social and emotional learning builds a strong foundation for mental health. Children who learn these skills are better equipped to cope with challenges and understand what they can do to help themselves cope with certain challenges.  If learned at a young age, these skills will stay with them throughout their lives.


The Background or Skills Needed Were Always There, But Became More Prevalent NOW! 


I remember years ago when my son and I would cuddle in a rocking chair and read books...lots of books.  Some of his most favorite books that we read over and over again were part of a series called Sweet Pickles by Richard Hefter.  I have to admit. I loved reading them over and over again.  


The ones we loved the most were Accusing Alligator, Very Worried Walrus, Me Too Iguana, Who Can Trust You Kangaroo, Moody Moose Buttons, Turtle Throws a Tantrum, Jackal Wants Everything and Yakety Yak Yak Yak.  You can make some great inferences and predictions  by these titles.  

This was in 1977-78 and as a parent I wanted to be assured that my kids understood social emotional interactions and were prepared for friendships and the ups and downs that can happen with family and friends.

Little did I know that 12 Years later, I would soon be using these cute characters to decorate my reading station and reading many of this series to teach positive character traits and social skills to my first graders!

Move forward to 2020...Covid came and Covid went.  Covid came and Covid went.  

Kids worked remotely, children worked at school and some experienced a hybrid schedule and many schools were shut down completely for a good amount of time.  

I was happy I was retired and pretty much living at my daughter's house to help her and her husband maneuver being a principal and teaching from home with a toddler.  

I thought how will teachers and parents ever be able to do this, but because teachers will be teachers and parents will be parents, they finished with flying colors and I was so proud of all the teachers and parents I knew! 

It was confusing to say the least and as a former teacher and current grandparent, I tutored on Zoom with s
neighborhood kids and my grandkids!  I really DO NOT want to relive the severe COVID days, but they had a huge impact on all of us.

Let's think about this..there was something missing during this time! What was it? Yes! Social interaction... with peers, teacher role models even parents as many of them were also working from home. 

So now our children or students are back to school full time and what I hear most from teachers and parents or even teachers who are parents is: 
My children/students missed at least a year of school, they are behind in not just academics, but also with character education development including social emotional skills. (I am sure you are hearing these exact statments on the news as we speak.

So now teachers are faced with another job which is differentiating academic skills for various levels within each grade and teaching and supporting social emotional learning. This is not new to teachers but the levels within each classroom in these areas are more spread out and teachers need resources that can be differentiated for all learners! 

Now, you are probably wondering where I am going with this...well...many children (not all) can have difficulty with these social/emotional skills in normal situations. 

So my point is every child can use support with understanding positive character traits as well as social and emotional skills. I AM SAYING THAT ACADEMICS IS IMPORTANT, BUT SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING IS JUST AS IMPORTANT IF NOT MORE!

These skills are NOT just for students who are identified as having issues in this area of learning.



Children are tethered to their electronic devices and are connected to their friends in a different way than when we were young or our own children were younger.  

I have watched kids posing for Instagram, dancing on TikTok and constantly communicating electronically with friends and family.  I am not saying this needs to totally stop, but maybe we need pull back on the reins a bit.

Interpretation?  We need to spent some time at home and at school teaching and focussing on social skills....what's appropriate and what's not and there in itself is a problem.  YES that has changed too! 

I am the first to admit that I spend more time than I need to on social media.  It has been a trend and we have all jumped on the bandwagon and when we promise to jump off the wagon...we jump right back on.

Does this sound familiar?  YES?  Then you need what I am about to share with you!  


Social Stories are a Great Way to Teach Young Children Positive Behaviors and to Recognize Negative Behaviors

Using Social Stories or activities gives children/students concrete examples of positive choices they can make when faced with everyday situations in school and at home.  

These teachings are NOT just for school use.  They can help every parent and teacher who have faced challenges with types of behaviors at home and at school.

A social story can be an effective way to teach students and children appropriate behaviors for different social situations.

Explicit social skill and character trait instruction by using social stories can give teachers a way to demonstrate expectations in a story format.  Once the social piece is in place, the students are more ready to learn academic skills.

I started creating Social Stories long before Covid.  Stories for my students to learn and understand expected behaviors as well as to suggest strategies to support behaviors that need to be regulated or reactions to triggers that are not as big a deal as children perceive. 


Some of the lessons I have created are:


Because I believe so strongly that we can't assume that children have and understand these important skills, it is important to teach these skills and behaviors so that our children can be their best selves, have positive interactions and outcomes and be active members of their classroom community and family.

With that being said, if you would like to take a look at these social lessons and stories to see if they might work for your students or own children or grandchildren, click each title above and VOILA you will be able to check them out!







10 Fun Donut Theme Day Activities


I absolutely love setting up theme days and using FUN National holidays to help make learning exciting and engaging in my first and second grade classroom. You can integrate educational skills and concepts with any topic or special day!

Donut Day is a fun way to have day long activities to transform your room into a delightful sugary, scrumptious day! Just make sure you eat donuts at the end of the day just in time for all those sugared up kiddos to go back home!

Now just because National Donut Day is June 7th, doesn’t mean you cannot do this earlier or a little later in the school year too!

Why Have a Donut Theme Day?

Theme days are a great way to make lessons more fun and engaging while using students interests (because who doesn’t love donuts right?) In addition, there is so much you can use to make a Donut theme Day full of learning activities for your class. Here are a few ideas on what to use for your Donut Theme Day:

Donut Writing Activities   


Have your students create a poster on what they love about donuts while focusing on writing and letter print. 

With this donut theme writing activity,  students can create and decorate their own donut and write about it!

There are two different options for students. Option one, students will write what donuts can, have, and are (Don't forget DONUTS are delicious!) 


Option two, students will write about their favorite donut. 


Then simply turn all that donutty writing into the perfect activity by adding a craft to the mix and that equals your fun donut theme day! Snag this writing activity here today!

Donut Math

Make a full day out of your Donut Day theme activities and use these ideas for added teaching and math centers.


Donut Adding and Subtracting: 


  • Use donuts or  donut erasers to practice math skills. For example, you can have counting exercises, simple addition and subtraction problems.  I don't know about you, but you can never have enough mini erasers.  I am sure you can find these on amazon!

  • Use different colored donut cut-outs to create and complete patterns. This helps with recognizing and predicting sequences.

These cutouts can be found in my writing resource above. Simply Print them out on different colored paper and make some easy patterns.  YOU will be surprised with what you studentw will come up with or have kids use a template decorate it and then decide how the can be graphed (Example: Striped, sprinkled, hearts, colors, size (don't forget to make them different sizes>)

  • Taste-test different flavors of donuts and have the kids vote for their favorite. Create a bar graph to display the results.

Bonus Donut Day Activities

Now that we have shared writing and math activities,  add these fun centers to make the day even better!

  • Provide plain donuts and a variety of toppings like sprinkles, icing, chocolate chips, and fruit. Let the kids decorate their own donuts.  
  • Have kids make their own paper or felt donuts. Provide materials like colored paper, markers, glue, and glitter.
  • Organize a relay race where kids have to balance a donut on a spoon and race to the finish line without dropping it.
  • Conduct an experiment to see what happens when donuts are placed in different liquids (milk, water, vinegar). Discuss the changes observed.                                                      
  • Read a fun book about donuts, such as "If You Give a Dog a Donut" by Laura Numeroff, and discuss the story with the kids.
  • Sing songs related to donuts or sweets. You can find or create simple donut-themed songs and have a sing-along.
  • Instead of playing "Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie JAr'" play "Who stole the Donut from the Donut Shop!"

We love these Donut Day activities as a FUN THEME DAY F and ian integrated learning idea for kids. Try out these 10 ideas and let me know your favorite by dropping a comment below.

Free Halloween Game to Build a Classroom Community 


My favorite time to teach is any holiday season. It gives me an opportunity to bring fun printables and engaging activities with the different holiday themes. 

One of my favorite resources is this free Halloween game to help build a strong classroom community. Ready to download this already, grab it for free here! 


The Importance of Building a Classroom Community 

One of the most important aspects of teaching, even sometimes more or as important as academic growth, is social emotional growth and building relationships between classmates and you (the teacher). Activities that support building a classroom community are so important when teaching the whole child and all students. 

I cannot speak enough about the significance of making students feel welcome and to feel as though they are active Important members of your classroom community.

Creating a positive classroom community with students is so important for a child’s overall learning experience. 

For example, it increases collaboration and teamwork by encouraging students to work together. 

It also enhances social skills and promotes classroom participation as it encourages every student to be an active member of your classroom community in a save positive environment.
.
Furthermore, building a classroom community can help increase a sense of belonging among students. They feel more secure around their peers and are more confident which helps with their positive self-esteem which can reduce anxiety. 

Finally, by building a classroom community, it helps enhance your classroom management and makes your life easier. 

Teachers with a strong classroom community often have a class who makes positive choices by following the rules, respecting authority, understands that we all have different strengths which in turn fosters  positive  classroom and individual behaviors.


 Free Halloween Game to Promote Positive Classroom Community


This Halloween game is completely free and 
promotes a positive classroom community. 

For example, by playing charades it encourages teamwork among students. They will need to collaborate, communicate, and support each other.

 In addition, it promotes active participation because students need to move, engage, and can help break down barriers to increase energy level and fun into your classroom. 

Furthermore, charades helps with communication skills and social stills too. 

Finally, playing charades fosters inclusivity because every student can participate. 

In addition to this fun free Halloween game you can turn this into a writing activity and have students write about their favorite part of playing this game or their favorite fall activity. GET THIS FUN GAME HERE 










It is sure to bring lots of laughs and fun moments. To download this for free today click here!

The Best Back to School Elementary Resources and Printables 

Are you looking for the best back to school resources to have in your teacher back pocket? YES?
We got you covered! Here are five of my best back to school elementary favorite resources and printables that will save you time and make the first week of school fun for your class. 

The Stressful Back to School Season

If you are like me, the back to school season is difficult but also full of excitement. This is an opportunity to grow as a teacher adjust your lessons from the previous year and meet a new wonderful bunch of students. 

In addition, there is so much prep work! Setting up the classroom with the best and most functional layout to setting up the new schedule and classroom procedures and rules. 

The amount of tasks can feel overwhelming! I see you and that is why these back to school printables will help you with the procedures, cut your prep work time down, and supply your class with fun and engaging activities. 

The Best Back to School Elementary Resources 

Here is our list of the go-to printables to make your back to school season a little less stressful.     


Are you looking for a quick way to get your kinders or firsties thinking about goals for the new school year? This is a quick, cute way to get your kiddos to think about their Goals or Hopes and Dreams for the upcoming school year and it supports non readers! This is perfect for your whole class and will allow your English Language Learners, Special Ed Kiddos, Kinders and Firsties to choose pictures to support their goals! Snag this resource here! 

Social Emotional and Polite Classroom Posters (insert picture or product cover here and link to TpT product) 

This packet is designed to act out or think about social situations where you should “Use Magic Words” like please and thank you among other words.     


Snag 8 done for you posters on manners and 23 cards with scenarios written on them that you can present to the class or your children to have them think, pair, share to come up what they might do in the situation and what they should say. 

These discussion cards are great for morning meetings and learning how to interact with classmates. 

Back to School Getting to Know you Activities 



Kickstart the first week of school with excitement and Build Classroom Community when you introduce these 'Getting To Know You' activities that spark engagement like no other! 

This Back to School versatile resource, which includes picture supported "Ice Breaker" activities increases friendship and aids in kids' understanding of each other by getting them up, moving, and interacting. 

Consisting of several partner activities, this dynamic resource offers a fully immersive experience that is not only educational, but supports social interaction as well. Easy to facilitate for any educator, this back to school tool provides a variety of activities to choose from, this activity ensures a vibrant and lively start to the school year, fostering a deep bond among classmates from the get-go. Directed towards a more interactive and engaging learning environment, this innovative resource is the game-changer in your teaching routine! 

Editable Name Plates 

Print and laminate these Editable student name tags or name plates and you will be all set for the
beginning of the school year and anyone who enters your classroom will be able to identify your students and call them by name!! 

This 10 page packet has everything you need to create mini offices for math skills and language arts as well as student desk name plates. 

The name plates can be run off and laminated then attached to student desks or placed on tables. There are a variety to choose from to meet student needs. Learn more about these name plates here today! 


FREE First Day of School Activities


This is my favorite back to school elementary resource because I love using these greetings, the morning meeting topics, and these fun first day of school activities. 

Each one helps to understand your students better and makes the first day of school memorable.In addition, this printable pack includes a free writing activity for kids which can help understand how the first day of school went for your students overall. Finally, this freebie includes the best classroom scavenger hunt that will make your first day of school memorable. 





I hope you can use some of these Back to School Resources...BUT...for NOW relax in the sun and when you are ready to start thinking about Back to School, they will be here waiting for you.

Still need some more IDEAS for Back to School?  Take a look here for a bit more fun for Back to School!