Here we go again, the school days up and run again. New team, new class, new students, new challenges but hopefully with new spirit. It's not wise for teachers to have heavy content lessons/activities in the first days of students back to school. These should be filled in with some fun activities which energize students after long holiday. Besides, It also chances for teachers and students to get to know each other. Here are some ideas for first school days
Names Games
It's always hard to memorize students' names. But, you can make it easy for everyone to remember by having this fun activity. You can start by asking students to sit in a circle and tell them to mention their nick names one by one. After that you can ask them to think about an adjective, a describing word, or any word which rhymes with the first letter of their name e.g. Awkward Anthony, Super Stacy, etc. Then, back to the circle, you can have everyone share their new name, it will be fun and interesting to see the words they chose. You can also do guessing games afterward. They can write their names on the cardboard or a puzzle piece (see the next activity) which we can display around the classroom. This activity helps me remember my students' name.
Class Created Puzzle
Using a piece of A3, draw as many puzzle pieces as the number of students in the class, plus one for the teacher and cut them out. Ask students to write their name, design a symbol, or other words that describe their character. They can also write their new name from the Names Games. After that, we share these as a group and then ask students to work together cooperatively to reassemble the puzzle on big cardboard. This activity also symbolize the importance of each individual's contribution to the class as a whole.
Guess who?
In year 5 or 6, many of students already know each other well. So instead of having introduction activities, have students to write three unique facts about themselves (a pet's name, favorite sport, talents, and so on). Then, collect the papers and read a description aloud to the class. The aim is for the other calss member to guess who is the student you mention their characteristic.
Classroom Crossword