Howdy! I am Tricia from Tricia’s Terrific Teaching Trinkets! So excited to be a part of this linky party. Let’s get this party started!
I love the first day of school! The night before the first day, I am a bit nervous and have a hard time sleeping… just like my kiddos.
Here is my favorite icebreaker community builder game.
“Guess the Kiddo”
Age Group: Kindergarten through Third Grade
Materials: A name tag for each new student, a seating chart, and a silly personality
Preparation
The night before school I finish up name tags for my new students and draw a classroom seating chart where I will place each student to sit on the first day of school.
Then I memorize the seating chart – sometimes not as easy as it sounds.
How to Play
On the first day of school, after I introduce myself to the class and tell them a little bit about myself, my family and my teaching career, I tell my students that even through we have never met, I know each one of them by name. I tell my students that I have “special powers” and as I hand out each nametag necklace, I will be able to find them. No peeking so cover those desk tags.
Then I begin my “acting”…sometimes I sniff looking for a student, look into their ear or come very close to their face. I may call them a wrong name like Darth Vader, Kevin the Minion or whatever movies/books/musicians are popular that August.
Once I find the student, I ask them one question about their favorite food, color, vacation etc… and the student asks me one question about anything they would like.
This game usually lasts around 15-20 minutes and without a doubt gets the giggles going and the first day jitters begin to disappear.
Other First Day of School Ideas include
* Teaching a yoga move like “downward dog”, “cat/cow”
* Teaching one or two signs from sign language like “yes”, “no”, “water”
* Name scavenger hunt
* Beach ball Catch – answer a question about yourself
* “Get to know your Teacher” survey
Thanks for stopping by! Have an amazing beginning to your school year.
Grab a “FREEBIE” on your way out under my Freebie tab 🙂
I teach 5th grade, but I think I could definitely use some of these ideas! Love the yoga moves one!
Great color scheme on your blog, I love it!
The Whimsical Teacher
Fun ideas! It's always a successful first day when you can get the nerves out and make them laugh.
Debbie Crockett
Crockett's Classroom . . . Forever in Third Grade
So funny! I love this idea! My kids love anything that involves magical powers and the first day of school is the best time to reveal your powers! Ha ha! Now, I wonder if I will be able to memorize the seating chart! You must have an excellent memory!
Chrissie
Undercover Classroom
Great ideas! I love the idea of teaching yoga. I have been doing a bunch of yoga over the break and I bet it would help calm down my nervous students. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah
Education Electrification