getting to know you activities

1 2 3 Come Do A "Getting to Know You" Craft With Me

back to school activities, icebreakers for back to school, back to school bulletin boards, getting to know you activities, all about me activities, posters for school, writing prompts for back to school, BTS activitiesI truly believe that when classmates get to know each other camaraderie and a classroom commUNITY is established, which helps squelch discipline problems.

My favorite classes in school even up through college, were those that we had a real community going.

These were usually conducted by my favorite teachers, who felt that a classroom was sort of like a family.

They made time to make us all feel welcome, safe, and important. I truly felt cared about.

One of the ways they promoted these feelings was that they spent some time getting to know us.

With that in mind, I do a variety of BTS “Getting to Know You” activities for an entire month, as well as several throughout the year.

Students seem to love sharing things about themselves, so they really enjoy these activities.

back to school activities, icebreakers for back to school, back to school bulletin boards, getting to know you activities, all about me activities, posters for school, writing prompts for back to school, BTS activitiesMy newest creation, "Getting to the Point," is a pencil writing prompt craftivity. It's quick, easy & fun, with simple “print & go” prep.

back to school activities, icebreakers for back to school, back to school bulletin boards, getting to know you activities, all about me activities, posters for school, writing prompts for back to school, BTS activitiesThere are 6 pages to choose from, plus a blank page for more writing or something else you dream up.

This variety allows you to differentiate your lessons within your class, and still have everyone working on the same activity.

The activity also suits different grade levels too.

Younger students can simply do one page, while older children will enjoy making a complete, 6-page booklet.

After choosing the pages you want, students simply fill in the information, trim their "pencil page" then staple them to the top of the inside of their cover. 

back to school activities, icebreakers for back to school, back to school bulletin boards, getting to know you activities, all about me activities, posters for school, writing prompts for back to school, BTS activitiesI purposely did not number the pages, not only so that you can pick which ones you want, but also so that you can choose the order you want them in.

For example, for one of my samples, I glued the "selfie page" to the inside of the cover. 

Speaking of the cover, it's a double-patterned pencil, which students trim AROUND then fold over, creating the booklet. 

BTS activities, BTS icebreakers, BTS bulletin boards, BTS getting to know you activities, BTS writing promtps, BTS All about me activitiesFor extra pizzazz & to make this a bit of a keepsake, have students glue their school photo to the eraser. If you do this, then have kiddos DRAW a selfie of themselves, or omit that page.

"Get to the Point" is great for your writing block or fun as a homework assignment too.

Completed projects make a sweet bulletin board.

back to school activities, icebreakers for back to school, back to school bulletin boards, getting to know you activities, all about me activities, posters for school, writing prompts for back to school, BTS activitiesI’ve included 4 pencil-themed posters to enhance your display.

I've also added a Bonus. Which is a writing prompt poster: “Life without _____________ is pointless.”  The other posters can also be used to kick start journal writing.

MMs Skittles IcebreakerToday's FREEBIE is another super-fun BTS icebreaker. This one uses M & Ms or Skittles candy.

Icebreakers are a perfect way to help build that cameraderie & team spirit of working together. 

They are especially important during the 1st month of school when students are a bit nervous and looking at a very diverse bunch of strangers, listening to rules-rules & more rules.

One of the icebreakers my kiddos really enjoy is the M & M or Skittle Game, which has been around awhile, going by as many names as there are colors, and can be played in a variety of ways as well.

These are my versions. I hope you find them useful.

back to school activities, icebreakers for back to school, back to school bulletin boards, getting to know you activities, all about me activities, posters for school, writing prompts for back to school, BTS activitiesThanks for stopping by. I hoping you and your students really enjoy “Getting to the Point”  and popping a sweet treat as they build team spirit.

Wishing you a wonderful school year.

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 "Don't be afraid of pressure.  Remember that pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a diamond." - Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do A Back To School Rainbow Craftivity With Me

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, rainbow craftsBack to school can be a bit scary for students. "I don't know anyone!" is a common cry for many.

With that in mind, I like to build a classroom community, where my students feel safe and have an opportunity to get to know each other.

I truly believe you have less discipline problems, if children have made friends and feel cared about.

back to school activities, icebreakers for bts, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, rainbow crafts, Thus, I do a "getting to know you activity" each day for the first week of school, and continue with at least one additional activity each week for the rest of the month. This is truly time well spent!

When students feel part of a team, they are happier and achieve more. There's also accountability, which goes hand-in-hand with behaving.

I'm a firm believer of the quote: "There's no "I" in TEAM!" So let's build that commUNITY! Your students will love you for it, and have a ton of fun getting to know eachother.

bts crafts, back to school icebreakers, bts bulletin boards, bts writing prompts, rainbow craftsI just finished  a quick, easy & super-fun “getting to know you” (print & go) craft for this very purpose. I call it "Color Me Happy!"

The craftivity has a variety of options, so you can easily diversify the activity for different abilities & grade levels.

rainbow crafts, back to school activities, icebreakers for bts, bts bulletin boards, bts writing prompts, bts centers, open house ideas, meet the teacher ideasThere are two rainbow options, the one "spilling from a cloud" can be cut out or snipped into a rectangle, for easy cutting.

The 2nd one is a rainbow arc pattern. It comes in both a full-page size, as well as a smaller, two-on-a-page pattern.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activities, rainbow activities, There are also add-on patterns for clouds & a heart.

You can offer your students a choice, or simply pick which one you think is most appropriate for your students.

After coloring their rainbow, children think of something that they really like, that matches that colorful stripe on their rainbow, then they write that word down.

For example, a favorite red thing of mine is strawberries.

bts writing prompt, bts centers, bts activities, bts crafts, bts bulletin board, rainbow crafts, icebreakers for btsOlder students can attach the larger rainbow to the top of a writing prompt worksheet, where they can write more than one example.

If your kiddos are like mine, they absolutely LOVE sharing things about themselves & will find it difficult to limit their "favorites" to just 3 per color.

I’ve also included a “directions poster” for this option.  If you do this, be sure & include the poster on your bulletin board.

Completed projects make a wonderful BTS bulletin board or hallway display, and also look terrific suspended back-to-back, swirling & twirling from the ceiling.

As a fun way to get to know each other, before hanging, have everyone share one or two of their favorite colorful things.

diversity posters, rainbow crafts, back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school icebreakers, getting to know you bts activities, bts bulletin boards, bts writing promptsI’ve included 6 posters to enhance your display & add extra pizzazz.

These can also be used for conversation starters, an interesting discussion or additional writing prompts.

For added fun while students are working, play “These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music, followed up by (Judy Garland) "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" or... (IZ) “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”.

Today's FREEBIE is also a really fun back to school activity. You can actually use it throughout the year too.  I call it "Chalk Talk".

The packet includes:

free back to school activities, bts behavior posters, free bts posters* A “Chalk” behavior modification, positive reinforcement activity, that will help promote working as a team to achieve a desired goal, building self-esteem at the same time.

* Black & White “color me” headers, for a sidewalk chalk treat Baggie, as well as patterns in full color for preschool, kindergarten, & first grade, with a blank template for you to fill in with any other grade.

* I’ve also included a generic one to give at anytime of the year.

* A “Chalk Talk” bear poster you can write a daily message on.

* A “Chalk Talk” kitten poster wishing children a “purrr-fect” day.

* 2 “Chalk Talk” (I had a nice time at school today. These are a few of the things that I did:) writing prompt worksheets.

back to school activitiesWell that's it for today. 

Blessings to you & yours for a stress-free & joy-filled time, as you get ready for back to school. May it be the best year yet!

For more Back To School activities, click on the link.

Come join the fun on Facebook for my exclusive FREEBIES & Monthly Giveaways.

Check out my educational Pinterest boards.

"Count your rainbows, not your thunderstorms!" -Allyssa Knight

1-2-3 Come Do Some More Pete The Cat Activities With Me

Since Pete the Cat stories are so popular with students, I decided to design a “getting to know you” cat-themed writing prompt.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesI think building a community in your classroom is one of the most important things teachers can do to ensure appropriate behavior, kindness, camaraderie and a team spirit.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, check meowt, getting to know you activitiesOne of the easiest ways to do this, is for your students to get to know their classmates. Thus the reason for “Check Meowt!”

Although this is a super-fun icebreaker for the first week of school, I continue to do “getting to know you” activities throughout the year.

No matter what grade I taught, whenever I tossed in a bit of craftiness to the lesson, my students were excited to get down to the business of writing.

They particularly enjoyed sharing things about themselves, interests, opinions, likes and dislikes.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesIn this packet there are several options.
Children can make the cat head, then complete that worksheet and attach it under the “Check Meowt!” header, or they can simply fill in and color the worksheet.

If your kiddos are crazy over Pete the Cat, then run the pattern off on blue paper, if not, a variety of crazy colored cats makes for a vibrant display.

There’s an easier version for younger students, as well as one with more questions for older children.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesPK kiddos can dictate their answers to a reading buddy, classroom aide or the worksheet can be completed at home with the help of a parent.

The inspiration for this craftivity came from the song “I’m a Cat”, which is on YouTube. The link’s in the packet.

If you like it, why not play it while children work on their “Check Meowt!” writing prompt, or use it to introduce the lesson.

Completed projects make a cute bulletin board.
pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activities

I’ve included several posters to use for the center of your display, as well as a color copy of the worksheet so you can easily make a sample to share.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesWhile I was in the "creating cats" mood, I thought it would be fun to learn about, and practice the 5 senses with a cat theme as well.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesThis packet includes an Itty Bitty “My Cat” booklet, as a fun way to reinforce the 5 senses as this cool cat sees, hears, smells, & tastes things as he moseys along. When you pet him, how does he feel?

Children color their cover, complete the prompt by writing one or two words of what their cat saw, heard, tasted etc. then draw a picture.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesEncourage older students to write short, but descriptive sentences and turn this activity into an emergent reader.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesWhen students have completed their worksheet, they cut out the pages, put them in any order they want, then staple them to the “purr-fect” section on the cover of their booklet.

There are pages with word prompts for K-1, as well as ones with picture prompts for PK kiddos.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesI’ve also included pages that go along with the story “Pete The Cat’s New White Shoes”.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesBesides the booklet, the packet also includes:

* A colorful cool cat 5 senses poster.

* 2 “Label the cat’s senses” worksheets, with write-in, or cut & glue options. There are 2 size choices as well.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activities* For more practice, students can also think of one more thing their cat could see, hear, smell etc. and write those answers on the bookmark-size worksheet.

* There’s also an “I listen with my whole body” classroom management poster, as well as one for students to color. 

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesToday's FREEBIE also features Pete the Cat. 

Even before Pete the Cat made the saying "It's All Good!" popular, others felt the same way, like Glennon Melton, so I used her quote to make a cat-themed poster.

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, free pete the cat stuff, school posters, getting to know you activitiesThere's one in black and white for kiddos to color, as well as a colorful one for you to introduce the writing prompt with, then hang in the center of your display of students' work.

Using the worksheet, children write whether they agree or disagree with the quote and why. 

pete the cat activities, pete the cat crafts, 5 senses activities, cat crafts, back to school writing prompts, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers, icebreakers for back to school, getting to know you activitiesWell that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.

Praise the Lord that the 90 degree temps have flown the coop to be replaced with a wonderfully sunny, 70 degree day. 

Time to clear my brain and walk Chloe (my poodle pup).  Wishing you a fun-tastic day filled with everyone and everything you enjoy the most. 

"There is no elevator to success.  You have to take the stairs." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some "Getting To Know You" Activities With Me

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsToday I'm featuring 2 quick, easy and interesting craftivities that are a super-fun way to welcome and get to know your students.

Whether you do this activity at the beginning of the school year for a back to school icebreaker, or in fall, for October or November, this owl craftivity is a wonderful way to get to know your students, and for students to get to know their classmates better.

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsCompleted projects make an adorable bulletin boardI’ve included a poster to use for the center of your display.

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsFor those finishing touches, have students cut out their owl, fold the wings inward, add some highlights with crayons and perhaps a pair of wiggle eyes.

Where they place the eyes really changes the personality of this cute little critter.

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsGluing on a school picture adds that sweet, “keepsake-touch”.

There are two writing prompt options: Students can make an owl for themselves: "Owl" About Me…” or have children pick a partner and make one for that student: "Owl" Be Your Friend.” 

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, glyphs, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsAnother interesting way to get to know your new students is with this welcome glyphNo matter what grade I taught, my students LOVED making glyphs.

They are a simple and fun way to practice and assess listening and following directions.

As with the owl above, completed glyphs make a wonderful back to school bulletin board, as each one will be different!

I’ve provided two “Welcome to school” glyph posters to use for the center of your display.

Because this glyph involves letter recognition, I’ve included a preschool version, as well as one for students who can recognize letters.

getting to know you activities, glyphs, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, back to school craftsYou can also simply hold up an unfinished sample and point to the letter you want them to color.

Afterwards, older children can pick a partner, and try to guess which glyph is theirs, by asking them a few key questions, which will narrow down the field.
I’ve included a recording sheet questionnaire for this.

While your students are working on the investigative extension, snap their picture. 
Make a small thumbnail, class composite and print it off, so that students can glue their little photo to the end of the exclamation point to make your “Welcome!” display extra special.

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, glyphs, back to school craftsGlyphs also provide a collection of data, so they’re an interesting way to introduce or practice graphing.
Based on the information in the glyphs, I’ve included 4 graphing extensions you can complete as a whole group activity.

Since my kiddos are practicing writing their name, I read the graph and have them write their name in the blank of the appropriate section. 

getting to know you activities, icebreakers for school, back to school bulletin board activities, glyphs, back to school craftsToday's featured FREEBIE (I Made Lots Of New Friends Today!) is a wonderful sanity-saver for the first day of school

Use it as an autograph-coloring page for young children, or a writing prompt for older students, where they write about a few of their classmates that they've made friends with.

If you don't have time for everyone to sign everybody's paper, have children sign the master copy, and run off during recess or your lunch break.  Pass out at the end of the day, to allow yourself a few moments of peace to get things done before dismissal, while students work independently.  

sWell that's it for today. I hope you found something useful.

It's my mom's last day of her visit with us; some of the grandchildren are coming over, so it's time to put my party hat on.

Wishing you a fun-filled day with lots of memorable moments.

"Grandchildren complete life's circle of love." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do A Super-Fun Writing Prompt With Me

There's never enough time to get in all of the wonderful "Getting to know you" activities we do for back to school, so I do at least one each month.

getting to know you activities, back to school icebreakers, writing prompts for fall, pumpkin activities, apple activities, leaf activities, acorn activities, writing bulletin boards, bulletin board ideas for fallMy kiddos LOVE sharing about themselves, so they really enjoy this type of writing. Plus, it's fun to continue to learn more about our classmates.

getting to know you activities, back to school icebreakers, writing prompts for fall, pumpkin activities, apple activities, leaf activities, acorn activities, writing bulletin boards, bulletin board ideas for fallWith this in mind, I designed "Me!" A Fall-Themed Writing Prompt packet. 

All you have to do to get excited about this "craftivity", is make a sample of your own, to see how much fun this is!

An added bonus is that completed projects make an easy bulletin board you can keep up for months! Woo hoo. Caption: "Fall Into Writing!"

Plus, this activity is so versatile, it can be done by PK kiddos with one-word answers, all the way up through 5th grade!

Have older students write 3-4 things in each section.
You can also encourage the use of adjectives too.

getting to know you activities, back to school icebreakers, writing prompts for fall, pumpkin activities, apple activities, leaf activities, acorn activities, writing bulletin boards, bulletin board ideas for fallThere are 7, autumn-shapes to choose from: an apple, 2 pumpkins, 3 leaves and an acorn.

Because they are all fall pictures, you can give students a choice for an eclectic bulletin board display.

getting to know you activities, back to school icebreakers, writing prompts for fall, pumpkin activities, apple activities, leaf activities, acorn activities, writing bulletin boards, bulletin board ideas for fallJust pumpkins in a patch, leaves and acorns blowing in the wind, or apples on a tree or in a big basket look terrific too.

If you choose the pumpkin pattern without a leaf, have children trace their hand on green construction paper, trim and add to the top for a "keepsake" leaf.

I've also included blank templates, so you can dream up your own writing prompts.

Do in class, or send home as a homework assignment that your kiddos will really want to do!

For that finishing touch, add a school photo. I also have my students choose 2 or 3 colors, so we can practice an AB-AB or ABC-ABC pattern, which really makes their completed writing prompt stand out.

Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop to have a look see at this 20-pager: "Me!" Fall Writing Promt Craftivity packet.

getting to know you activities, back to school icebreakers, writing prompts for fall, pumpkin activities, apple activities, leaf activities, acorn activities, writing bulletin boards, bulletin board ideas for fallWhile there, I'd so appreciate it if you'd follow me.  That way you'll know when I post FREEBIES, Diane's Dollar Deals, new stuff or have a sale. 

I know it sounds silly, but I really get excited seeing that  number grow.  I'm anxious to reach 700 followers.  Whenever I achieve a milestone, I create a special freebie that will hopefully knock-your-socks off!

getting to know you activities, back to school icebreakers, writing prompts for fall, pumpkin activities, apple activities, leaf activities, acorn activities, writing bulletin boards, bulletin board ideas for fallSpeaking of FREEBIES, today's featured free item is a 15-page leaf-themed math worksheet packet.  Reinforce numbers, sequencing, skip counting by 2s, 3s, 5s & 10s. Plus, there are "What's Missing?" worksheets, and some for counting to 120.  Click on the link to grab a copy. 

getting to know you activities, back to school icebreakers, writing prompts for fall, pumpkin activities, apple activities, leaf activities, acorn activities, writing bulletin boards, bulletin board ideas for fallWell that's it for today.  It's a chilly morning, but no frost on the pumpkins yet (PTL).

I am so not ready for winter-weather during fall.  Wishing you a warm and snuggly kind of day.

"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of life and color are their last days." -John Burroughs

14 pages.

These 4 icebreaker games using M & M's or Skittles candy, are a great way to get to know your students, relieve tension and have fun.

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