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All teachers know that the first few days of school play a critical role in setting the tone for the year. It’s the time we use to get to know our students and build a sense of community within our classrooms. Here are eight creative back to school activities, games, and icebreakers that your middle and high school students will love the first week of school.
Back to School Games and Icebreakers
Back to School Four Corners Icebreaker Game
Four Corners is a fun way to get to know your students. Because the game requires students to get up and interact, they learn about each other too. After hours of sitting and listening to rules and procedures on day one, students love this activity.
Would You Rather Icebreaker Game
Would You Rather is a great icebreaker game to get to know students. It can get students up out of their seats moving across the room to show their answers. With a mix of silly and serious questions, students love this activity.
Interactive This or That Icebreaker Game
Interactive This or That isn't just an ordinary this or that game. Students use the correlating patterns for their answers to create a piece of art, and they can visually see what they have in common with their classmates. Their art also makes a great bulletin board the first week of school!
Back to School Projects
Class Culture Quilt
A class culture quilt is a great way to build community and celebrate students’ differences. It’s a fun project that can be displayed all school year. It can also be paired with literature, so it can be a creative way to introduce your curriculum.
Class Slideshow Project
With a class slideshow project, students are working to build one complete presentation for the class. It’s a fun way for students to get to know everyone while working toward a common goal.
Back to School Activities
Emoji Secret Message
A secret message hidden in emojis is a cute way to welcome students back to school and let them know that you are glad they are there with you. First days can sometimes be scary for our students, and this will help them feel welcome.
All About Me Facebook Profile
Students are already familiar with social media profiles, so the All About Me Facebook Profile will catch their attention. It’s a fun activity that can also be used as a bulletin board display at the beginning of the year.
ABCs of Me
ABCs of Me is a creative task that all students can complete. No artistic abilities are needed for this activity, and you will learn so much about students that you wouldn’t learn in regular back to school activities. Some parts can be challenging, but it’s a great opportunity for students to work collaboratively.
No matter what activities you choose for the first few days of school, remember to enjoy the time getting to know your new students. Happy new school year.
Laura
You can check out these resources here:
ABCs of Me
You can also check out my back to school bundles:
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