Do you have butterflies in your stomach and new shoes? If so, it is definitely back to school time! This is one of my absolute favorite times of year. Everything is fresh and new. This includes relationships with students. Let’s get the new year off to a great start with these easy relationship building games for the first day of school!
Setting the Tone
I want my students to feel as comfortable as possible from the very beginning. Making them feel welcome and helping them connect with others in the class sets them up for success for the rest of the year. Gone are the days of sitting quietly listening to rules for days on end at the beginning of the year. Thank goodness!
One of the best ways I have found to connect with my students is through games. Games take the pressure off of some of my shy kiddos and provide an outlet for those who need to move around. I try to incorporate at least one each day for the first week. Below are three of my favorites.
Back to School Games
My favorite type of games are those that get students moving and require little or no prep. These easy first day of school games are kid tested and teacher approved!
Snowball Fight
Have students write down one unique thing about themselves they would like to share with the class on a sheet of white copy paper. They should not write their names on the paper. Then have all students form a circle. Instruct them they must keep their feet firmly planted on the ground. They cannot run around. Students crumple their paper into a ball. You begin the snowball fight by saying 3-2-1 Snowball Fight! I usually let students throw the snowball for about 30 seconds. Then we stop. Students are instructed to pick up the snowball closest to them. If they need to move to pick up one they may. Students take turns reading the paper they picked up and trying to guess who it belongs to. If they do not guess it correctly, the student who wrote the fact identifies themself. *Note – If your class cannot handle a snowball fight, you can modify this activity and have them shoot hoops into a basket/bowl in the middle of the circle to mix up the papers.
Would You Rather
If you have never used “Would You Rather” questions, you need to check them out! These questions get students thinking and talking about different situations. I use a set of Back to School Would You Rather cards the first week of school and students beg for more when we have a free minute the rest of the year. Some questions are strange like Would you rather start every sentence with “actually” or say “boo-ya” at the end every sentence? Other questions help you learn a little more about your students like Would you rather listen to your teacher read a book to you or read a book quietly to yourself? I use them in several ways:
- Movement – Designate sides of the room as answer choices. Students must walk to one side of the room to select their choice. Ex. If you would rather travel to the past go to the window side of the classroom. If you would rather travel to the future go to the door side of the classroom.
- Writing – Select a prompt and have students write their opinion with supporting evidence. These are great for morning warm ups or to get an understanding of your students’ writing skills the first week.
- Friendly Debates – Have students make a selection and then have each group list the reasons for their decision. Give students the option to change their opinion and discuss the strongest argument.
- Time Filler – Pull out the cards when you have a couple minutes to fill before a transition.
Three Truths and a Lie
I distribute index cards and instruct students to write their name, three truthful statements about themselves, and one lie. Make sure they mix up the order so that the lie is not always last. I collect the cards. Then when we have a few minutes during our day, I pull out a couple cards and read the name, the truths, and the lie. Other students try to guess which one is the lie. I have found out so many interesting things about my students this way. Students are great at this game because they usually know each other from past years and can spot the lie.
I have found these simple activities the first day and/or week of school can help you quickly learn about your students and start building a relationship.
What games do you use in your classroom the first week of school?
Leave a note in the comments to share!