All About Me: Activities for the First Month of School
As the new school year kicks off, there’s no better time to get to know your students and create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. “All About Me” activities are the perfect way to engage and connect with your students during the first few weeks of school. In this blog post, we’ll explore various exciting activities to help you learn about your students’ unique personalities, interests, and goals. Let’s dive in and discover how these activities will set the stage for a memorable and inspiring school year filled with hopes, dreams, and a shared sense of community.
All About Me Posters
Encourage creativity with the “All About Me Posters.” Provide students with art supplies and ask them to share some of their favorite things! They’ll create posters or collages reflecting their interests, hobbies, and aspirations. You’ll gain insight into their personalities as they share their work with the class.
Goal Setting for the Beginning of the Year
Inspire your students to set goals for the year! Have them write down a few things they want to learn this year. I love using these sheets as a way to motivate students throughout the year and to celebrate once they have mastered a goal. It’s a beautiful way to foster self-awareness and celebrate achievements.
Hopes and Dreams Tree
Create a “Hopes and Dreams Tree” in your classroom. Provide students with leaf-shaped papers to write down their hopes and dreams for the school year. Together, you’ll attach the leaves to a tree branch displayed in the classroom. This visual representation will remind them of their aspirations, motivating them to strive for success.
Back to School Scavenger Hunt
A back to school scavenger hunt is a fun way to get students moving around the room. They will walk around and talk to their classmates to find someone that matches the descriptions. It’s a fantastic icebreaker that promotes interaction and helps build a friendly and inclusive classroom culture. You can make a customized one for your students- or grab one already made for you here.
Prompts:
Pipecleaner Chat
To prepare for this interactive and creative activity:
- Write the color of each pipe cleaner along with a prompt on chart paper.
- Keep it covered until you pass out all of the pipe cleaners.
- Have each student pull a pipe cleaner from the bucket.
Once everyone has a pipe cleaner, uncover the chart and invite each student to introduce themselves by sharing one fact about themself based on the color pipe cleaner they have.
- Red: Something you did this summer
- Green: Your favorite show
- Blue: A favorite sport
- Yellow: The best thing about school
- Black: Your favorite thing to play at recess
This activity is a fun and easy way to build connections within your classroom.
Classroom Time Capsule
Create a “Classroom Time Capsule” to preserve memories. Have students contribute items that represent themselves, like photos or small objects, and seal them in a container. At the end of the school year, open the capsule and reminisce about all of the adventures you shared.
Back to School Craftivity
I love using crafts as a way to learn more about each of your students at the beginning of the school year. Choose a craft that will allow your students to express their unique personalities and interests. There are tons of options out there but if you need some low-prep options, check out two options below. You can the rainbow craft here and the crayon box here!
With these “All About Me” activity ideas, you have a treasure trove of engaging and meaningful ways to connect with your students during the first month of school. From the creative “All About Me Collage” and crafts to the reflective “Goal Setting Letters” and the inspiring “Hopes and Dreams Tree,” these activities will foster a sense of belonging and empower your students to pursue their aspirations.
I can’t wait to hear about your exciting journey of learning and growth, and together, we’ll make this school year a memorable and successful one.
Are you looking for more Back to School ideas?
Check out our Meet the Teacher post to help you plan a successful Meet the Teacher night! Click here to check it out!
Until next time!
Michelle Staley
Hi! I’m Michelle!
I am a first-grade teacher from Connecticut. I’m living my best life as a wife and mom to two adorable and hilarious kids. In my spare time, I create resources that make life simpler for teachers and school fun for kids. Thanks for spending some of your valuable free time here with us!
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