However you might be kicking off the 2020 school year – in person, hybrid, or virtual – we thought we’d take a moment to highlight some relevant content for you. Check out some of our back to school lessons and a staff favorite, too!

Back to School

What Makes a Good Student?

Grade(s): K, 1, 2

Subject(s): ELA, Social Studies

Use this critical thinking activity to have students decide which qualities make a good student. It can help students to think about how they can improve their own attitudes and behaviors in class over the coming year.

In a whole class focused lesson, students discuss some of the qualities of a good student and then rank them according to which are the most important. Students drag and drop a curated list of qualities to rank their choices and use reasoning skills to justify their decisions.

What Do You Want in a Teacher?

Grade(s): K, 1, 2

Subject(s): ELA, Social Studies

Use this critical thinking activity to have students consider what they think makes a great teacher and why. It can help you to guide your own practice with a class and focus on what they are looking for from you over the coming year.

In a whole class focussed lesson, students discuss some of the qualities of a good teacher and then rank them according to which are the most important to them. As a class, students drag and drop a curated list of qualities to rank their choices and use reasoning skills to justify their decisions.

My First Set of Goals!

Grade(s): K, 1

Subject(s): ELA

In this activity, students learn about goal setting and the importance of setting goals. They participate in a whole class discussion and then have the opportunity to contribute to creating class goals. After students have an understanding of setting goals, they will be able to write their own goals and illustrate them.

Back to School: Elementary

Grade(s): 2, 3, 4, 5

Subject(s): ELA, Social Studies

Looking for a great Back to School unit that helps transition students back into the classroom, builds relationships, and kicks off a great year?

In this unit, students learn about their classmates, share about their summers, explore their new classroom, set goals, and share about themselves. You can choose to either complete the whole unit or just sections.

Staff Favorite

The Box Project

Grade(s): K, 1, 2

Subject(s): Math, ELA, Science

In this project, which serves as a fantastic introduction to project-based learning, students will use 21st century skills to create innovative uses for a cardboard box. They will use creativity and collaboration to brainstorm, plan, and build a box creation with a partner or group.

Students will learn to use the critique process to give and receive feedback in order to revise their end product. Finally, pairs will exhibit their creations to an audience of their choosing. Throughout the project students will use the common core speaking, listening and writing standards to clearly communicate their ideas to their group and a real world audience.