Back to school fever

It is hard to believe that we are right around the corner from starting another exciting school year! The summer really flew by. Things are always hectic as we prepare our classrooms to welcome a new eager group of students. I always have a checklist ready to fill the first few weeks of school and make sure I cover all the pertinent information. I usually over plan so I have an assortment of activities worked in for flexibility. A few things I always do to prepare are the following:

• Send home a letter to parents informing them all about this dynamic, engaging program called History Alive that their children will undoubtedly be mentioning.
• Assess all my students with the Multiple Intelligence Quiz so I know where they are strong, and more importantly-where they are weak.
• Spend some time with students getting their Interactive Student Notebooks set up.

Of course during the very first day an oldie, but goo-die that I usually use as an icebreaker is the Spiderweb activity. If you have never done it before it is really easy and a great way to have students connect. First get a package of yarn, preferably a ball. You as the teacher start by holding the loose end and model for the students a statement starter, such as "This year I am most excited to learn about...... or something special about me is....." you throw out the ball end of the yarn and whoever catches it says their name and their statement. If you have a large group it helps to say the students name so they know they are to catch it. That student then shares.

They hold onto the yarn but take the ball and throw it to another student who hasn't shared. By the time it has gone around you have a really nice "web." I take this opportunity to explain to students that even though we are all different people, this school year we will all be connected through our learning and time together. I talk about supporting the "web" and one another and how important every contribution is. We usually talk about how all our differences make us interesting and unique, just like a real spiderweb. My students always seem to really enjoy this.

 I am sure many of you have great first day or week activities. How are you preparing for this school year?