First Day of School Quick Write Activity: First Day Freebies

 Do you struggle to figure out how to occupy students on that very first day as they trickle in loaded down with book bags full of supplies? You know the scene, students come in a few at a time, full of nerves and questions about where things go and what to do.  You spend those first minutes running around repeating directions, collecting materials and calming kids. The first day and especially the first hour can be a stressful time for kids and teachers. But it doesn't really have to be. 

  I like to have an easy and open ended activity waiting for them on their desk on that very first day. They set their materials on the floor beside their chair and work on the activity while I make my rounds visiting them. 

I like using one of these two activities because they both also give me some insight into my students.  

 For the first one, students decorate the number three or fill it with pictures that represent themselves or their new grade level. This also gives me a very quick and informal assessment of their ability as a writer and speller.  It also helps me gauge their feelings regarding this brand new year.

Here is the new and improved version for both second and third graders:

Head here to download your free copy:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beginning-of-Year-First-Day-of-School-Activity-799732

In this next one, students find a lump of playdoh on their desk.  Students can mold and play with it as I make my rounds.  This is something they really enjoy and the process of molding and creating relieves those first day jitters.  

I learn a lot about my students through this activity as well.  

This student made his favorite food: a pizza slice. 

Another students molded the play doh into her pet dog. 

Then students used the recording sheet to illustrate and write about their creation.

 

Here is the link to this free file if you are interested: 

First Day Freebies

Check out my other freebies while you are there. 

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While we are on the topic of Back to School Writing ideas, I must share my absolute FAVORITE writing activity.  I love it too, because the final product looks fantastic hanging up for our Back to School night in September!




This one uses a poem as a mentor text.  Students write a "Friends" poem using the pattern of this poem. I use this writing activity every year.  It is super simple and so all kids feel successful and are able to produce and publish a piece of writing that they can feel proud of.

You can read all about it in this blog post:

Blog Post: Let's Write a Friends Poem



Or you can find the resources for this writing activity in my TPT store:
It includes the lesson plans, writing folder notesheets and poem printables.

Let's Write a Friends Poem Resources

Do you have favorite Back to School Writing Activities?
I would love to hear!

I'd love to hear!

Please share by commenting below or email me: youngdor8@gmail.com

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