First Day Of School Activities Middle School Pdf
The first day of school can be overwhelming for middle school students. Whether they are returning to school or starting a new school, it's important to create an environment that is fun, inclusive and welcoming. One of the best ways to do this is by planning a variety of activities that encourage students to get to know each other, their teacher, and the school itself. In this article, we'll explore some of the best first day of school activities for middle school students that you can incorporate into your lesson plan.
Icebreakers
Icebreakers are one of the most effective ways to break down barriers and get students interacting with each other. They can also be a lot of fun! Here are some examples of icebreakers that work well for middle school students:
- Two Truths and a Lie: Students take turns sharing three facts about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is a lie. The rest of the class has to guess which fact is the lie.
- Would You Rather: Students are given two options and have to choose which one they prefer. For example, "Would you rather have a pet elephant or a pet monkey?"
- Marshmallow Challenge: Students are given a limited number of materials (such as spaghetti, tape and marshmallows) and have to work together to build the tallest tower possible.
Scavenger Hunts
A scavenger hunt is a great way to get students exploring the school and working together. You can create a scavenger hunt that involves finding specific classrooms or teachers, or you can create a more open-ended scavenger hunt that encourages students to explore the school and discover new things. Here are some ideas:
- Back-to-School Bingo: Create a bingo card with items such as "Find a classroom with a green chalkboard" or "Take a selfie with the school mascot."
- Photo Challenge: Give students a list of items to take photos of, such as "A classroom with a poster about space" or "A water fountain."
- Team Challenge: Divide students into teams and give each team a series of clues that lead to a final destination, such as the principal's office or the school library.
Get-to-Know-You Activities
It's important for students to get to know each other and their teacher on the first day of school. Here are some activities that can help:
- All About Me: Students create a poster or a PowerPoint presentation about themselves that includes their interests, hobbies, and family.
- Name Game: Students come up with a word that describes them that starts with the same letter as their name. For example, "Silly Sarah" or "Adventurous Alex."
- Classroom Interviews: Students pair up and interview each other about their favorite hobbies, foods, and activities. Then, they introduce their partner to the class.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many first day of school activities that can help middle school students feel more comfortable and excited about the new school year. Whether you choose to incorporate icebreakers, scavenger hunts, or get-to-know-you activities, the most important thing is to create an environment that is fun and welcoming for all students.
