First Day Of School Activities 5th Grade Pdf
Starting a new school year can be daunting for both teachers and students alike. As a teacher, it's important to make the first day of school an enjoyable experience that sets the tone for the rest of the year. Here are some fun and engaging first day of school activities for 5th-grade students that will help them get to know one another, feel comfortable in their new classroom, and get excited about the learning to come.
1. All About Me Collage
An all-about-me collage is a great way to get students to introduce themselves to the class. Provide each student with a piece of construction paper and some magazines or any other materials they can use to create a collage that represents who they are. Encourage them to use pictures, words, and colors that reflect their personality and interests. Once they finish, have each student present their collage to the class and share some information about themselves.
2. Name Bingo
Name bingo is a fun icebreaker that helps students get to know each other's names. Create a bingo board with squares that have various characteristics or interests in them like “has a pet”, “has traveled outside of the country”, “plays a musical instrument” or something that could relate to 5th graders. Give each student a bingo board and have them fill in the squares with the names of classmates who fit each characteristic. The first student to fill their card yells "Bingo!" and wins a prize or a small token of reward.
3. Classroom Scavenger Hunt
A classroom scavenger hunt is a great way to get students familiar with their new learning space. Create a list of things they need to find around the room, either by taking photographs of it or collecting it physically, like a book from the library or a poster on the wall. Divide students into groups and give them the scavenger hunt list, setting them off to find the items on the list. The group that finds all the items first, wins it.
4. Two Truths And A Lie
Two truths and a lie is a classic icebreaker game that helps students get to know each other better. Each student takes a turn sharing three statements about themselves – two true and one lie. The other students have to guess which statement is the lie. This activity not only helps students get to know each other better but also helps develop critical thinking skills as they try to identify the correct answer.
5. Journal Writing
Journal writing is a great way to encourage students to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Provide each student with a notebook and encourage them to write about their experience on the first day of school, their expectations for the year, and what they hope to learn. You may choose to make it structured writing by giving them certain prompts or leaving it open for their imagination.
Conclusion
These first day of school activities for 5th grade students are sure to create a fun and welcoming classroom environment. They are perfect for getting students comfortable with their new peers and setting the tone for a successful school year. By using these activities, teachers can create an engaging and exciting atmosphere from the very start of the school year, leading to a conducive and productive classroom for the rest of the year.
