Yep, I am ready to pull out the snowman and the candy canes!

I wanted to give you some classroom party ideas that have worked from both a former room mom prospective as well as the teacher prospective.

Let me throw some tips and ideas at you! Get your ideas now and be stress free when planning for the Holidays. So grab a mug of hot chocolate and let’s get this party started.

There are two free printable games in this post that will make you shine, so read on…

One of the first things that either the room mom or the teacher should get ready is the party bag.

Often kids will bring in treats for their classmates and this is an awesome way to be ready to store those treats quickly on a high energy day.

Go to you local grocery store and ask for enough brown bags for each child in your classroom and one for the teacher. You could either have the kiddos decorate them or you could simply print, cut, and glue a snowman to the bag.

Have an adult write the name of each child on the outside of the bag. I am sure the kiddos could write their own name, but having an adult write it ensures the name on the bag will be easy to read.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for hosting successful classroom celebrations?  This 416 page digital book has you covered! Includes 61 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including holidays such as:

• Groundhog Day
• Winter
• Black History
• Valentines Day
• St. Patricks Day
• Earth Day
• Spring
• Mothers Day
• Memorial Day
• Summer
• Independence Day
• Fall
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

On the day of the party, line up all the grocery bags along a wall. Have each child that brought a treat to share, drop the item in each bag. The teacher can also stick their treat for the kiddos in the bags.

When the party is over, staple the bags shut and the kiddos can carry them home on the bus. It’s like Christmas when they get home and get to go through their party bags.

The best way to run a party is to break the kids up into four groups. Each group will visit four activities (which will be run by an adult – so you will need three volunteers, plus the teacher) for a total of 10 minutes each.

Each of the four groups of students will rotate to the different activities. That is around 45 min. of activity time.

After all activities are completed, one of the volunteers should read a winter story to the classroom while the other volunteers prepare a small snack of Ho-Ho’s and a bottle of water! Or check out Craft and Things, Polar Express Snack.

Snack and Story is about a total of 20 minutes – Making total party time around an hour.

Decide in advance three games and one craft activity for the class to do (I will give you some ideas below).

It is a good idea to assign one volunteer per game and one volunteer to run the craft station. The room mom or the teacher should keep track of the time and make sure they announce when the kids should rotate to the next activity.

Also, it is a great idea to give each station volunteer a winter book to read to their group in case they find they finish their activity before the allotted time. So you may want to check out a few winter books at the school library before your party day.

Now that you have the general set-up of the party planned, let’s talk games. You want them to be age appropriate and FUN! Try not to make them difficult. This is a time for all the kids to come together and just enjoy the classroom community.

Here are some fun game ideas that would be great for PREK-3 (choose three):

-Pass the hot chocolate- get a box of hot chocolate packets from a local store. Play the song from the Polar Express movie, Hot Chocolate and have the kids pass around the box. When the music stops, whoever is holding the box gets a hot chocolate packet.

The winner stays in the game and play continues until “conveniently” everyone in the group has won a hot chocolate packet. Have the kiddos stick their winning in their brown party bag before moving onto the next station.

-Play the Snow Globe Game – This is a free printable you will need to assemble before play.

You will also need small white pom-poms (Get these at a craft store).

Print enough board games (Page 1 – there are two on a page) for each child in your group.

Print a set of cards (Print page 2 twice to make a set).

Hand each child a playing board. Put the pom-poms (snowballs) in the middle of the table. The adult holds the playing cards.

Students take turns taking a playing card and adding the number of snowballs given on the card to their card.

First person to get eight snowballs and fills their globe is the winner. Be careful, you may draw a card that asks you to put a snowball back.

-Play Snow Bingo. You can download six cards here.

Print the cards and play like regular bingo. The nice thing about this bingo is that for each call every student will have something to cover up. The winner is the first to get four in a row.

-Do a Snowman Relay – Check this snowman relay at Huie Elementary School.

Cute, right? Looks like they used Pillowcases as the body.

For an easy Snowman Relay with Hula Hoops visit Physical Education Update.

-Disney Family Fun has a very cute game to print for free called, Jack Frost is Not Lost.

If you are allowed to have food as manipulatives this would be tons of fun!

Let’s talk Winter Party Crafts!

I think one of the things parents planning classroom parties forget is that the craft must be ready to go home with the child and must be age appropriate.

Don’t forget time either. They must be easy to finish.

Since the craft will go right into the child’s winter party bag, no paint or globs of glue that must dry. Keep it simple.

Michael’s Craft store sells sets of crafts. Target and Walmart often have cute craft sets that are perfect for classrooms.

We have done door knob hangers in the past that are decorated with foam stickers. Start shopping now because these fly off the shelves.

My favorite craft for a party is a sticker scene craft. You can buy cute sticker scenes with a winter theme in bulk from Oriental Trading. Basically each crafter gets a background and a sheet of stickers to place on the background to create their own scene.

Kiddos from PreK to third love these and they are mess free.

I hope this winter party post has got your wheels turning in your head with ideas for your classroom party!

Have a wonderful time planning! Planning parties is always so much fun.

Seeing the kiddos happy faces the day of the party is even better!

The post Classroom Winter Party Fun! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Key Takeaways

• Plan ahead to ensure a successful and memorable classroom holiday party
• Create a festive atmosphere with winter-themed decorations and activities
• Offer delicious treats and refreshments to keep the celebration enjoyable
• Incorporate music and games to create a joyful atmosphere
• Consider incorporating meaningful traditions and thoughtful gifts to spread cheer and celebrate together

Festive Decorations and Winter-Themed Activities

Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start thinking about the decorations and activities that will make your classroom holiday party truly memorable. Festive decorations can help set the mood and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your students. Consider incorporating winter-themed elements such as snowflakes, snowmen, and twinkling lights to transform your classroom into a winter wonderland. 

You can also involve your students in creating decorations by organizing craft activities in the days leading up to the party. This will not only add a personal touch to the decorations but also give your students a sense of pride and ownership in the event. In addition to decorations, it’s important to plan engaging activities that will keep your students entertained throughout the party. 

Consider organizing a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, a winter craft station, or a festive photo booth where students can capture memories of the day. You can also incorporate educational activities with a holiday twist, such as a winter-themed spelling bee or a holiday-themed trivia game. By offering a variety of activities, you can ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy and participate in during the celebration. 

Remember to keep in mind the age and interests of your students when planning activities to ensure that they are engaging and enjoyable for all.

Delicious Treats and Refreshments for a Memorable Celebration

No holiday party is complete without delicious treats and refreshments to indulge in. When planning the menu for your classroom holiday party, consider offering a variety of sweet and savory options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. You can include classic holiday treats such as sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and candy canes, as well as healthier options like fruit platters and veggie trays. 

If you have the time and resources, consider organizing a baking or cooking activity with your students in the days leading up to the party. This will not only provide an opportunity for hands-on learning but also give your students a sense of accomplishment as they contribute to the party menu. In addition to treats, don’t forget to plan for refreshments such as hot cocoa, apple cider, or festive punch. 

Consider setting up a hot chocolate bar with various toppings and mix-ins so that students can customize their drinks to their liking. If you have access to kitchen facilities, you can even involve your students in preparing the refreshments on the day of the party. By offering a variety of delicious treats and refreshments, you can ensure that your classroom holiday party is a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Creating a Joyful Atmosphere with Music and Games

Music and games are essential elements for creating a joyful atmosphere at your classroom holiday party. Consider creating a festive playlist with holiday classics and upbeat tunes that will get everyone in the spirit of celebration. You can involve your students in selecting songs for the playlist to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

In addition to music, consider organizing fun games and activities that will keep your students entertained throughout the party. Classic games like musical chairs, holiday bingo, or a snowball toss can add an element of excitement and friendly competition to the celebration. You can also incorporate educational games with a holiday twist, such as a winter-themed word search or a holiday-themed charades game. 

By offering a variety of games and activities, you can ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy and participate in during the party. Remember to keep in mind the age and interests of your students when planning games to ensure that they are engaging and enjoyable for all.

Incorporating Meaningful Traditions into the Holiday Party

Incorporating meaningful traditions into your classroom holiday party can add depth and significance to the celebration. Consider incorporating traditions from different cultures and backgrounds to create an inclusive and diverse experience for your students. You can involve your students in learning about different holiday traditions through storytelling, crafts, or educational activities leading up to the party. 

This will not only provide an opportunity for learning but also foster an appreciation for diversity and cultural awareness among your students. In addition to cultural traditions, consider incorporating personal or classroom-specific traditions into the party. Whether it’s a special holiday song or dance that your students love, or a tradition that has been passed down from previous classes, these elements can add a sense of continuity and connection to past celebrations. 

By incorporating meaningful traditions into your classroom holiday party, you can create a rich and meaningful experience that will be cherished by your students for years to come.

Spreading Cheer with Thoughtful Gifts and Goodie Bags

Spreading cheer with thoughtful gifts and goodie bags is a wonderful way to show appreciation for your students and make them feel special during the holiday season. Consider organizing a gift exchange where each student brings a small, inexpensive gift to exchange with their classmates. You can set a budget limit to ensure that all gifts are of equal value and encourage creativity and thoughtfulness in gift-giving. 

Alternatively, you can organize a secret Santa gift exchange where each student is assigned another classmate to buy a gift for. In addition to gifts, consider preparing goodie bags filled with small treats and trinkets for each student to take home at the end of the party. You can include items such as candy, stickers, small toys, or holiday-themed crafts to add an extra element of excitement and joy to the celebration. 

By spreading cheer with thoughtful gifts and goodie bags, you can create a sense of generosity and goodwill among your students while making them feel appreciated and valued.

Reflecting on the Winter Season and Celebrating Together

Finally, take some time during your classroom holiday party to reflect on the winter season and celebrate together as a community. Consider organizing a moment of reflection where you can discuss the significance of the winter season and its various holidays with your students. This can be an opportunity for learning about different cultural traditions and fostering an appreciation for diversity among your students. 

In addition to reflection, consider organizing a group activity or performance where your students can showcase their talents or share something meaningful with their classmates. Whether it’s singing a holiday song, performing a skit, or sharing a special talent, these moments of celebration can create lasting memories and bring joy to everyone involved. By taking time to reflect on the winter season and celebrate together as a community, you can create a sense of unity and connection among your students while fostering an appreciation for the spirit of the holidays.

Hosting a memorable classroom holiday party requires careful planning and consideration of various elements such as decorations, activities, treats, music, games, traditions, gifts, and reflection. By incorporating these tips into your planning process, you can create a joyful and meaningful experience for your students that they will cherish for years to come. Remember to involve your students in the decision-making process and tailor the celebration to their interests and preferences to ensure that everyone feels included and valued during this festive season. 

With thoughtful planning and creativity, you can spread cheer and create lasting memories at your classroom holiday party.

FAQs

What are some tips for hosting a memorable classroom holiday party?

Some tips for hosting a memorable classroom holiday party include planning fun activities, incorporating festive decorations, and providing delicious snacks and treats for the students.

What are some fun activities to include in a classroom holiday party?

Fun activities to include in a classroom holiday party may include holiday-themed crafts, games, and music and dance activities. You can also consider organizing a gift exchange or a holiday-themed scavenger hunt.

How can I incorporate festive decorations into a classroom holiday party?

You can incorporate festive decorations into a classroom holiday party by using holiday-themed banners, balloons, and tablecloths. Additionally, you can hang up paper snowflakes, string lights, and other seasonal decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

What are some ideas for providing delicious snacks and treats for a classroom holiday party?

Some ideas for providing delicious snacks and treats for a classroom holiday party include serving holiday cookies, cupcakes, and hot cocoa. You can also consider setting up a hot chocolate bar with various toppings and serving festive snacks like popcorn and candy canes.

How can I involve the students in planning and organizing the classroom holiday party?

You can involve the students in planning and organizing the classroom holiday party by asking for their input on activities, decorations, and snacks. You can also assign them roles such as helping with set-up, leading games, or creating a holiday playlist.

ClassroomHoliday Party Ideas Book

I know so many of you are allowed to do some sort of holiday party in your classroom, and I thought about the newbies who may not have done one before – or the veterans who want to do something different, so this week’s Collaboration Wednesday question was all about what you do for holiday parties in your classroom!  Lots of ideas – including one from me at the end!

Please make sure to stop by the Fan Page or leave a comment here to let the contributors know how much you appreciate this freebie!  Thanks everyone!

Click here to email your freebie

Enjoy and have fun!

~Charity

The post Holiday Party Ideas! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

It’s also a great time to incorporate some fun and interactive math games into your classroom or home activities.

I love using fun math games in the classroom for a variety of reasons:  differentiation, brain breaks, indoor recess, or even as a behavior party reward!  Students are learning and having fun – that’s a win-win combo for sure!

There are so many different ways to incorporate math games into your daily routine and students won’t even know they are practicing everything from basic math facts to advanced geometry vocabulary!

Personally, I know my daughter struggled with math facts for YEARS – even into her middle and high school grades!  She never really had a chance to “play” with numbers and grasp number sense.

As she grew a little older – and less intimidated by math, she practiced math games with her little brother and BAM – it all suddenly clicked for her!  Math is certainly a subject that students tend to love or hate.  As educators, we hope we can develop the love for all different subjects.  One way to really pull that off is by offering fun learning choices throughout the day that feel less like a chore and more like a family game night.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for hosting successful classroom celebrations?  This 416 page digital book has you covered! Includes 61 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including holidays such as:

• Groundhog Day
• Winter
• Black History
• Valentines Day
• St. Patricks Day
• Earth Day
• Spring
• Mothers Day
• Memorial Day
• Summer
• Independence Day
• Fall
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

These themed games are not only exciting and engaging for kids, but they also help reinforce important math concepts. Here are some cool fall math games that are sure to be a hit with your kids:

Apple Orchard Addition:
Transform basic addition into an exciting activity with this fall-themed game. Children can practice their addition skills by counting apples and finding the sum. This interactive game promotes critical thinking and number sense.

Pumpkin Patch Subtraction:
Turn subtraction into a playful adventure in the pumpkin patch! Children will enjoy subtracting pumpkins from a larger group and exploring the concept of subtraction as they solve equations. This engaging game helps build strong foundational skills.

Harvest Time Shape Sorting:
Combine geometry and the harvest season with this hands-on activity. Children can identify and sort various fall-themed shapes like leaves, pumpkins, and apples. This themed game makes shape recognition interactive and enjoyable.

Scarecrow Counting:
Make counting more fun with scarecrows! Kids can count the number of objects or scarecrows in a scene and practice numeral recognition. This printable activity encourages visual perception and counting skills.

Autumn Money Match:
Get kids excited about money with this fall-themed math game. Children can match different amounts of money to the corresponding set of autumn objects like acorns, leaves, or scarecrows. This interactive game facilitates understanding and recognition of currency.

Pumpkin Patch Math: This activity is perfect for a fall-themed math center. Kids can practice counting, addition, and subtraction by using pumpkin manipulatives to solve problems.

Leaf Counting: This printable activity is a fun way for kids to practice counting and number recognition. Simply print out the leaf cards and have kids count the number of leaves on each card.

Apple Addition: This interactive game allows kids to practice addition skills by dragging apples onto a tree to solve problems.

Scarecrow Subtraction: This exciting game challenges kids to solve subtraction problems by shooting crows with the correct answer.

Fall Math Bingo: This bingo game is a fun way for kids to practice addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills while playing a classic game.

Math Skills to Practice

What are some skills that your students can practice while playing an educational game during your daily lessons?

• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Fact Families
• Prime Numbers
• Integers
• Fractions
• …and pretty much any other math-related lesson you may be teaching!

How do you keep studets on track and not just “farting around” with manipulatives and game pieces?

Simple!   A very wise math instructional coach taught me this trick:  Give the students the game pieces first and set a timer for 60 seconds.  They get 1 minute to play and get it out of their system. At the end of the 60 seconds, the toys now become learning materials and they are not to be played with as a toy any longer.

This one small change of thought patterns made all the difference with third graders!   They suddenly went from playing with the manipulatives to using them for the process when their timer was done.  It was a math miracle!

Would you like a set of 48 playing cards, 8 bingo cards, and 5 familiar game directions?   

Each set is perfect for centers, early finishers, or as a class reward incentive!   Simply print, laminate, and go – easy to set up and easy to store!

Click HERE to check out the Math Games Bundle!

Fun Ways to Practice Math Facts

Check out some of these other math-related activities you can do easily!

Fact Family Funhouse:  Using this cute Target find, you can really visually cement the idea of fact families with your students!

Pumpkin Sorting Activity:  Loving this matching traits and attributes lesson with cute fall pumpkins!   Or use it for creating random cooperative learning groups!   The choice is yours.

Popsicle Stick Pattern Cards Sampler:  Popsicle sticks are inexpensive and super versatile in the classroom!   Use them to create geometric shapes or showcase math vocabulary.  Perfect!

How Do You Say A Number?:  A quick way to practice representing a number in various ways. And it’s dry erase for easy set up and clean up for the next day.

Turning Noneducational Games into Learning Fun:  Checkers, Jenga, and Twister are all games not necessarily math-based, but that doesn’t stop smart teachers from repurposing them anyway.

Serving Up Place Value with Straws:  No extra funds for new math manipulatives?  No problem!  Use straws and you’re all set.

Telling Time Rollers!:  Who would think to use dice for teaching time?  I’ve got you covered with this easy activity.

Having A Ball With Vocabulary – DIY Style:  Practice the all-important math vocabulary with a beach ball.  Hours of fun for students and they will actually want to know their vocabulary words too.

Monster Caps Craft and Graphing:  Graphing with cute crafty monsters?  Even better that you are upcycling used materials too!

Beachy Keen Learning Ideas!:  Whether you have a beach theme or not, students will have a blast with these beachy ideas for reading and math.  The best part?  It doesn’t matter where you live or even if it is snowing outside.  Bring the sunshine and warmth!

Thinking About the Operation and Algebraic Thinking:  One of my favorite online math games is listed here.  This math game will practice whole-part thinking strategies.

Slider Baggie Counting:  Practicing counting on has never been easier to visualize.  Grab a plastic baggie and your students are all set to set the numbers increase or decrease.

Polygon Math File!:  Integrating literature into math helps you get double bang for your oh so limited time during the day.  Geometry and reading definitely make a good pair.

15 Fabulous Equivalent Fractions Teaching Tools:  Are equivalent fractions coming up in your lesson plans?   You’ll want to check out this list of some pretty spectacular ideas to snazz up those plans.

Would you like a set of 48 playing cards, 8 bingo cards, and 5 familiar game directions?   

Each set is perfect for centers, early finishers, or as a class reward incentive!   Simply print, laminate, and go – easy to set up and easy to store!

Click HERE to check out the Math Games Bundle!

How about one more BONUS printable for you?

This unique twist on tic-tac-toe involves a little strategy and a lot of fun! Download it below for free.

By incorporating cool and themed fall math games into your learning environments, you can make math enjoyable, interactive, and exciting for kids.

These printable activities are perfect for learning centers and can help reinforce essential math skills. Whether it’s addition, subtraction, shapes, counting, or money, these free resources make learning engaging and accessible.

So, embrace the spirit of the season and inspire young minds with these fall-themed math games.

What other topics can you play math games with in your classroom?  We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below too!

~Charity

The post Moving Into Fall Strategy Game appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Students would then start to bring in their own funny jokes for kids and tell them to their teacher and other friends.

Many teachers took advantage of this event by encouraging their kids to write down the clean jokes to be shared on a big list in the classroom. Then, if the class was having a particular rough day, the list could be brought out and a few would be read to put some smiles back on their faces.

Hilarious Jokes to Crack Kids Up

As I was lying wide awake in bed at 2 am, I decided it wasn’t the most productive way to spend my time and since I was awake anyhow, might as well create something fun for you!  Is it just me, or do you get random spurts of creativity in the middle of the night as well?  Oh yeah!

That is how Joke-tober was developed. I am super excited!

Here is an example! {The joke answer is upside down in the lower right hand corner of the card.}

Best Jokes in the Pumpkin Patch

I created a document with smaller versions of the jokes, which you could print on card stock, laminate, and pop on a 3-ring binder to have every October and share with the students orally.  That document is below.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for hosting successful classroom celebrations?  This 416 page digital book has you covered! Includes 61 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including holidays such as:

• Groundhog Day
• Winter
• Black History
• Valentines Day
• St. Patricks Day
• Earth Day
• Spring
• Mothers Day
• Memorial Day
• Summer
• Independence Day
• Fall
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

Of course, I want to give credit for all the jokes {I am not that funny y’all}.  

All the jokes came from Laugh-Out-Loud Spooky Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliott.  We happened to come upon the book in the local bookstore and my third grader was literally LOL-ing in the middle of the store, so I knew we had to have it.  

In addition to a sampling of these 31 jokes, he has TONS more in the book, and even a bunch of cute knock knock jokes I know your students would love.

What age range?  Honestly probably 2nd up to 5th grade.  You CAN use the jokes with smaller students, but you may have to explain them a bit more so they understand the humor.  Of course, some will be easier to understand than others by the students.  And some students may just laugh out loud regardless because they are silly. {Didn’t the skeleton…Ha!}

You can find Mr. Elliott’s book HERE.

Click here to email your freebie

What are some of your favorite go-to jokes for kids? We would love to hear them in the comments below too as everyone can use a laugh! Happy Haunting!

~Charity

The post Spooktacular Jokes for Kids! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

As a child myself, I LOVED doing “MadLibs.” They were a blast and always so funny.

Randomly choosing different words in specific parts of speech always turned into a hoot in the end when the story ended up so silly.

While I didn’t realize it then, I was definitely working on knowing my parts of speech while just having fun.

WHAT?!

I had to know the difference between a noun, an adjective, a verb, a counting number, and so on. Having that informal practice in the disguise of a game really helped solidify those concepts.

Using Simple Games to Reinforce Concepts

Along with basic fill-in-the-blank stories, lots of other basic games are perfect for review concepts in the classroom:

Around the World: I love this for math flashcards. One student starts next to another student in the room and you pull math flashcard from the back. Whoever wins moves to the next person and the one who does not sits in that chair. he goal is to get all the way back to your own seat.

Sparkle: Students love this game mainly because they get to sit on top of their desks until they lose. The teacher starts on one side of the room and gives the first student a spelling word. If he or she gets it correct, they get to stay on top of their desk. If they get it wrong, they sit in their seat and you give the same word to the next student. If they get it correct, they get to stay on top of their desk and you give the next word to the next student. Play continues until either only one student is still on top of their desk.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for hosting successful classroom celebrations?  This 416 page digital book has you covered! Includes 61 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including holidays such as:

• Groundhog Day
• Winter
• Black History
• Valentines Day
• St. Patricks Day
• Earth Day
• Spring
• Mothers Day
• Memorial Day
• Summer
• Independence Day
• Fall
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

Flashlight Vocabulary: Write several current vocabulary words on the board and have student form 2 team lines. The front student in each line gets a flashlight (I like to color the lenses with dry erase markers so it is easier to see who has what) and you say the definition. The first team to get their flashlight on the word gets a point and that student goes to the back of the line. Keep continuing until one team gets to X amount of points.

Higher or Lower: One of my all time faves! It works perfectly in the hallway or as a quick time filler. You begin with saying aloud: “I am thinking of a number between 0 and 100.” The first student farthest away from you in the room gets to guess and you say “(the number they chose) is (higher or lower) than my number.” Then I usually let that student pick the next – with the requirement that boys pick a girl and girls pick a boy. Play continues until someone correctly guesses the mystery number. This game can also be modified depending on your students’ abilities. Make the number 0-10 if needed or even 0-1,000,000. I’ve done both.

Tic-Tac-Words: On the board make a large tic-tac-toe board and place random letters – one in each of the 9 spaces. Make sure to use popular letters and at least 2 different vowels. Then, have students grab a piece of paper and give them 5 minutes to write as many words as they can come up with from the letters in the grid. I like to award a winner for the most words (non-repeating) and another who comes up with the longest word.

And of course if you loved doing MadLibs as a child like me, you will love this set of two fall themed silly story worksheets to use with your own students!

Directions to Use:

1. Pair up students.  Give each pair 2 different stories.
2. Partner A verbally asks Partner B for words to fill in each of the blanks – without reading the rest of the story.
3. Repeat with the opposite story and partners switch roles.
4. Students take turns reading their completed stories aloud to one another.

Hope this gets a fun laugh from your students and brightens up your day as well!

Click here to email your freebie

What are some of your favorite basic review games that “trick” students into learning without a fuss? We would love to hear in the comments below!

Enjoy!

~Charity

The post Silly Stories Fall Freebie! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Perfect for Open House Night, a staff meeting, or even the first day of school!

One of the best ways to greet students when they return to school is to create a visually appealing & warm classroom environment.

Decor that has been carefully considered can inspire students and set a positive tone for the school year. Think about making interesting bulletin boards with student artwork, motivational sayings, and important details.

The learning environment can also be improved by adding curriculum-aligned banners, posters, & other decorations.

Offering cozy seating options like floor cushions or bean bags can also help to create a welcoming & laid-back atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

• Use colorful and interactive decorations to create an inviting and stimulating classroom environment
• Plan icebreaker activities to help students get to know each other and feel comfortable on the first day
• Incorporate team building exercises to promote collaboration and communication among students
• Organize fun and educational field trips to enhance learning outside of the classroom
• Integrate interactive technology to make learning more engaging and interactive for students

Setting the stage for a productive and pleasurable school year can be as simple as spending some time decorating your classroom with creativity and thoughtfulness. You can increase student engagement even more by including interactive components in your classroom design. A love of reading can be encouraged by creating a reading nook with cozy furniture and a wide range of books.

Setting aside spaces for interactive educational activities, like science or art stations, can also promote involvement. Also, incorporating natural elements—like plants or a tiny indoor garden—can improve the aesthetics and foster a peaceful atmosphere.

When your students return to school, you can pique their interest and spark their curiosity by creating a visually stimulating and interactive learning environment. Students can become more acquainted with one another and more at ease in the classroom by participating in icebreaker activities. Also, from the very first day of school, these exercises can facilitate ice-breaking and foster a welcoming and inclusive classroom atmosphere.

The game “Two Truths and a Lie” is a great way to start a class discussion. Students take turns sharing two true statements and one false statement about themselves, and the other students have to guess which is a lie. Students improve their critical thinking and active listening skills in addition to learning more about one another through this activity.

The “Human Knot” game is an entertaining icebreaker where students form a circle and each person takes the hand of the person opposite them. The object of the game is for the group to untangle itself while holding hands. In addition to fostering problem-solving, cooperation, and communication skills, this activity gives students a lighthearted and enjoyable way to socialize with one another. On the first day of classes, you can help establish a friendly and upbeat environment that prepares students for a productive academic year by implementing icebreaker activities. Encouraging students to participate in team building activities in the classroom is a great way to help them develop critical social and emotional skills.

The “Marshmallow Challenge,” in which students construct the tallest freestanding structure out of spaghetti, tape, string, and marshmallows in small groups, is an entertaining team-building activity. Students can collaborate in a fun and practical way with this activity, which also fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The “Escape Room” challenge is another fun team-building activity where students collaborate to find answers to a series of puzzles and riddles in order to “escape” from the classroom. Students can connect with their classmates in an engaging and dynamic way through this activity, which also promotes cooperation and critical thinking. You can support students in gaining critical social and emotional skills & foster a welcoming & inclusive learning environment in the classroom by implementing fun team-building activities.

A fantastic way to give students practical learning experiences outside of the classroom is through field trips. Field trips that are enjoyable and instructive can help students connect concepts and make learning more tangible. Think about planning an educational field trip to a nearby museum, zoo, or historical site.

Also, you can schedule experts or guest speakers to talk to your students about their fields of expertise. Also, think about planning outdoor learning opportunities for your students, like scavenger hunts or nature walks, which let them explore & learn in a new setting. A visit to a nearby farm or garden, where students can learn about agriculture, sustainability, & the environment, is another entertaining and instructive field trip idea. Students can gain a greater awareness of the origins of their food and the significance of sustainable practices through this kind of experiential learning.

You can help your students learn more effectively & practically while also giving them valuable real-world experience by planning enjoyable and instructive field trips. One of the best ways to get students interested in learning & improve their experience is to incorporate interactive technology into the classroom. For students to gain practical experience in learning, think about integrating interactive whiteboards, tablets, or laptops into your classes. To enhance your curriculum and give students more opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, you can also use educational games, apps, and internet resources.

To give your students an immersive and engaging learning experience, think about integrating virtual reality or augmented reality activities into your classes. Using multimedia projects or digital storytelling in your curriculum is another method to include interactive technology into the classroom. For instance, you can ask students to make podcasts, videos, or digital presentations to show how much they understand a certain subject. Students who participate in this kind of experiential learning not only gain valuable skills in digital literacy but also have the chance to express their creativity & demonstrate their knowledge in a novel way.

You can improve student engagement and relevance in the classroom and set them up for success in a world that is becoming more and more digital by incorporating interactive technology into the classroom. The school year can be started off with excitement & enthusiasm by hosting welcome-back assemblies. To commemorate the beginning of the new school year, think about planning a fun welcome-back assembly with special presentations, performances, & guest speakers. Also, you can include enjoyable and engaging activities that promote student participation and engagement, like games, competitions, or raffles.

To further foster a feeling of pride & ownership among the students in their school community, think about including the students in the preparation and coordination of the assembly. Adding themes or special events that relate to your school’s values or annual goals is another way to make welcome back assemblies exciting. To encourage empathy and compassion in students, you could plan an assembly called “Kindness Day” or a “STEM Showcase” assembly that showcases student accomplishments in math, science, technology, and engineering. You can foster a feeling of enthusiasm and cohesion among your students & establish a positive tone for the school year by planning engaging welcome back assemblies. Students can gain practical experience and develop critical communication & teamwork skills through collaborative group projects. Think about setting up cooperative group projects that need students to cooperate to produce something meaningful or find solutions to real-world issues.

One way to engage students is to assign group projects like designing & constructing a sustainable city model, producing a documentary about a significant historical event, or planning a charity event. Working with students on research projects or presentations that call for them to share their knowledge with their classmates is another way to offer collaborative group projects into your curriculum. Students can benefit from one another’s viewpoints & insights by working in groups to investigate and present on various facets of a given topic or issue.

You can give students invaluable opportunities for experiential learning while also assisting them in the development of critical social and emotional skills by incorporating collaborative group projects into your curriculum. In summary, there are a lot of entertaining and inventive ways to welcome back students, which can help create the ideal environment for an effective and pleasurable school year. You can contribute to the creation of a supportive and welcoming classroom environment that encourages student engagement and success by implementing innovative classroom decorations, icebreaker activities, team building exercises, enjoyable & instructive field trips, interactive technology integration, exciting welcome-back assemblies, and cooperative group projects into your curriculum. Not only do these activities help students learn in a more relevant and engaging way, but they also give them excellent chances to build critical social and emotional competencies that will benefit them in their academic endeavors.

It is crucial that educators take the time to prepare and coordinate these enjoyable welcome-back activities to foster a welcoming environment that will pave the way for a fruitful school year.

FAQs

What are some fun ways to welcome students back to school?

Some fun ways to welcome students back to school include hosting a welcome back assembly, organizing a school-wide scavenger hunt, creating a photo booth for students to take pictures, and planning a themed dress-up day.

How can schools create a welcoming environment for students returning to school?

Schools can create a welcoming environment for students returning to school by decorating the hallways with positive messages and colorful artwork, providing a welcome back gift or goodie bag for each student, and organizing icebreaker activities to help students reconnect with their peers.

What are some creative ideas for welcoming students back to school after a long break?

Some creative ideas for welcoming students back to school after a long break include arranging a “welcome back” parade with teachers and staff cheering for students, setting up a “welcome back” mural for students to contribute to, and planning a special breakfast or lunch for the first day back.

How can teachers and staff make students feel excited about returning to school?

Teachers and staff can make students feel excited about returning to school by planning engaging and interactive lessons, incorporating fun and educational games into the curriculum, and organizing a “welcome back” pep rally or dance party.

What are some inclusive ways to welcome students from diverse backgrounds back to school?

Some inclusive ways to welcome students from diverse backgrounds back to school include celebrating cultural diversity through music, art, and food, providing multilingual welcome signs and greetings, and creating a welcoming committee of students and staff to greet new and returning students.

BTS Welcome Banner

Tip about printing:  Make sure to print borderless so you just have to use a paper cutter to cut off the edges of the paper.  Makes it a snap!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for Back to School?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy Bulletin Board Ideas
• Quick Classroom Decor
• Fundraising Hacks
• Getting Parents On Your Side Right Away

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

To hang, use a hole punch on the top corners of the white inset.  Then string with twine, use o-rings, or I actually used shower rod plastic rings to hang!

Click here to email your freebie

Enjoy and happy start of the year!   I have a feeling it’s going to be a year to remember!

~Charity

The post Welcome BTS Banner Freebie! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Not only do these displays add color and personality to the space, but they also create a positive and exciting atmosphere that students will love.

Let’s explore some easy and creative bulletin board ideas that are perfect for the start of the school year.

Get ready to welcome your students with the best back-to-school bulletin boards!

“Ideas That Soar” Hot Air Balloon Theme

Let your students know that their ideas are valued and have the power to take them to new heights! Create a hot air balloon-themed bulletin board using bright and colorful paper cutouts. Encourage your students to write down their ideas or goals for the year on small clouds and attach them to the balloons. This interactive display will not only showcase their creativity but also remind them to reach for the sky.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for Back to School?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy Bulletin Board Ideas
• Quick Classroom Decor
• Fundraising Hacks
• Getting Parents On Your Side Right Away

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

“School of Cool” Sunglasses Theme

Add a touch of coolness to your classroom with a sunglasses-themed bulletin board. Cut out sunglasses shapes in various colors and sizes. Invite your students to personalize their own sunglasses by writing their names on them. Arrange the sunglasses on the board with the words “School of Cool” or “Shades of Success.” This bulletin board will instantly add a hip and fun vibe to your classroom.

“Love to Learn” Heart Theme

Spread the love for learning by creating a heart-themed bulletin board. Cut out large hearts from pink, red, and purple paper. Write the subjects or topics that your students will be studying throughout the year on the hearts. Arrange them on a neutral background with the words “Love to Learn” in bold letters. This display will remind your students that learning can be enjoyable and exciting.

“Welcome Aboard” Nautical Theme

Set sail on a successful school year with a nautical-themed bulletin board. Create a background with blue paper or fabric, and add waves using a scalloped bulletin board border. Use anchor cutouts and ropes to decorate the corners of the board. Write “Welcome Aboard” or “Anchors Away to Learning” in bold letters to greet your students. This bulletin board will make them feel like they are embarking on an exciting educational journey.

“Best Teacher Crew” Superhero Theme

Show off your teacher superpowers with a superhero-inspired bulletin board. Design superhero capes with colorful paper and add the names of your students. Arrange the capes on a dynamic cityscape backdrop. Write “Best Teacher Crew” or “Superheroes of Learning” to acknowledge their superhero abilities. Your students will feel special and motivated to be part of your teaching team.

Out of This World Theme

I was thinking about Back-to-School Bulletin Boards as a random thought this morning and remembered a really fun idea that I came up with when I was our third grade team leader.

Every grade level in our school had a bulletin board in the main hallway that needed changed every month, so of course, we all took turns. 

But the first one was always a fun board that welcomed the parents and students into our school, so I really wanted something out of the box. 

While I don’t have any pictures of the bulletin board from that year (what was I thinking?), I can show you a quick example I threw together this morning so you get the idea:

1.  Find someone with a Mac.  Maybe there is a way to do it on a PC, but I don’t think so.

2.  Grab all the teachers on your team.  We actually were all together for pre-service training so I scooped all 8 of us up during a break in the training to shoot some pictures quickly.

3.  Open Photo Booth and pick the Space Alien Effect.  Every person needs to take a picture looking as silly as possible.  Side note:  if someone is drinking water while this is happening, chances are that it might end up on the floor from laughing so hard at everyone’s images, so no liquids are best.

4.  Back at home or at school, print off everyone’s pictures in color and cut the head only out of the picture.

5.  Take the pictures and put on the bulletin board, leaving a little space behind the picture to put some neon pipe cleaners.  Twist and roll the pipe cleaners in different directions so they appear to be your antennae.

6.  Add a fun title like “Third Grade is Out of this World” and call it a day.

It is easy, fun, and trust me when I tell you that it was the HIT of the opening day bulletin boards that year with staff, parents, and students all stopping by to check it out, even if their child was not in our grade level.  LOL!

Would you like a free printable title for this board idea? Grab it below!

Need a quick idea (or 18!) for a Back to School board?   I’ve got you covered!
18 files in one spot!

Each includes directions, premade printable title letters, borders, and student name accents.  You simply need a student roster and a printer.  Easy and lots of choices!

Includes:  Legos, shamrocks, writing, cookies, Tootsie Rolls, dogs, space, sunglasses, fish, gummy bears, buckets, rulers, calculators, owls, wild animals, bees, dinosaurs, and candy themes!

Click HERE to Get Your 18 Sets Now!

The start of a new school year is an opportunity to create a positive and inviting classroom atmosphere.

By incorporating these easy and creative back-to-school bulletin board ideas, you can transform the walls of your classroom into a visually appealing and inspiring space.

Ideas will soar, students will feel welcome, and the love for learning will be fostered. So, let’s get decorating and set the stage for an amazing school year!

Do you have a great back-to-school bulletin board to share?  We would love to hear your ideas below in a comment!

Have fun!

~Charity

The post Back-To-School Bulletin Board Ideas! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Attending those all-so-fun back to school PD sessions when all you really want to do is unpack your classroom.  

Trying to learn all about the bits and pieces of your brand new curriculum (though the textbooks and/or workbooks won’t arrive until about a month into the school year).  

And of course, the best part?  Doing cooperative learning/team bonding exercises during a staff meeting.  But – what if you used some of those ideas to write your first week of lesson plans?

Icebreaker activities are an effective way to initiate the school year and foster a sense of community within the classroom.

The “Two Truths and a Lie” game is a popular and engaging icebreaker, where students take turns sharing two factual statements about themselves and one false statement. The rest of the class is then tasked with identifying the inaccurate statement, promoting critical thinking and active listening skills while facilitating student interaction and familiarity. 

Another icebreaker activity that can help establish a positive classroom environment is the “Human Knot” game. In this activity, students form a circle and each individual grasps the hand of someone opposite them. The objective is for the group to untangle themselves without releasing each other’s hands. 

This cooperative exercise develops teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, ultimately contributing to a sense of unity and cohesion within the classroom.

Team Building Games to Foster Collaboration

The Marshmallow Challenge

One popular team building game is the “Marshmallow Challenge,” where students are given a handful of spaghetti, a marshmallow, and some tape, and are tasked with building the tallest freestanding structure they can in a limited amount of time. This game encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as students work together to design and build their structure.

Building Trust and Communication

Another team building game that promotes collaboration is the “Minefield” game. In this game, students are divided into pairs, with one student blindfolded and the other acting as their guide. The guide must verbally direct their blindfolded partner through a “minefield” of obstacles without touching them. This game requires clear communication, trust, and teamwork, as students work together to navigate the minefield safely.

Benefits of Team Building Games

Both of these games offer a fun and interactive way to promote teamwork and collaboration among students. By participating in these activities, students can develop important skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and communication, which can benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.

Engaging Brain Breaks for Student Energy and Focus

Brain breaks are essential for helping students stay energized and focused throughout the school day. One engaging brain break activity is “Simon Says,” where students follow simple commands given by the teacher, such as “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says hop on one foot.” This game not only provides a quick mental break for students, but it also helps improve listening skills and concentration.

Another fun brain break activity is “Dance Party,” where students get up and move to their favorite songs for a few minutes. 

This activity not only helps release pent-up energy, but it also promotes physical activity and boosts mood and motivation. Brain breaks like these are crucial for maintaining student engagement and productivity in the classroom.

Creative Writing Prompts to Spark Imagination

Creative writing prompts are a great way to inspire imagination and creativity in students. One creative writing prompt is “The Magic Box,” where students imagine they have a magical box that can grant any wish. They then write about what they would wish for and why. 

This prompt encourages students to think outside the box and explore their wildest dreams and desires. Another creative writing prompt that can spark imagination is “The Mystery Object,” where students are given a random object and asked to write a story about its origins and significance. This prompt challenges students to think creatively and develop their storytelling skills, while also encouraging them to think critically about the world around them.

Interactive Math Games for Hands-On Learning

Interactive math games are essential for making math fun and engaging for students. One interactive math game is “Math Bingo,” where students solve math problems to fill in their bingo cards and compete to be the first to get a bingo. This game not only reinforces math skills, but it also promotes healthy competition and teamwork. 

Another interactive math game that promotes hands-on learning is “Math Scavenger Hunt,” where students solve math problems to find clues hidden around the classroom or school. This game not only encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but it also gets students up and moving while learning math in a fun and interactive way.

Science Experiments for Curiosity and Exploration

Designing for Impact: The Egg Drop Challenge

One exciting science experiment is the “Egg Drop Challenge,” where students design and build a contraption to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height. This experiment not only teaches students about physics and engineering, but it also encourages creativity and critical thinking as they design their egg protectors.

Fizzy Fun: The Mentos and Diet Coke Explosion

Another captivating science experiment is “The Mentos and Diet Coke Explosion,” where students drop Mentos candies into bottles of Diet Coke to create a fizzy explosion. This experiment not only teaches students about chemical reactions, but it also captivates their attention and sparks their curiosity about the world around them.

Learning Through Exploration

Both of these experiments offer a unique opportunity for students to explore scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way. By participating in these experiments, students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for success in science and beyond.

Art Projects to Inspire Creativity and Self-Expression

Art projects are essential for inspiring creativity and self-expression in students. One inspiring art project is “Collaborative Mural,” where students work together to create a large-scale mural that represents their shared interests and experiences. This project not only promotes teamwork and collaboration, but it also allows students to express themselves creatively through art. 

Another art project that can inspire creativity is “Found Object Sculptures,” where students use everyday objects to create unique sculptures that reflect their individuality and creativity. This project not only encourages resourcefulness and innovation, but it also allows students to explore different materials and techniques in art. In conclusion, these 10 fun and interactive back-to-school activities for teachers are essential for creating a positive and engaging learning environment for students. 

Need a quick idea (or 18!) for a Back to School board?   I’ve got you covered!
18 files in one spot!

Each includes directions, premade printable title letters, borders, and student name accents.  You simply need a student roster and a printer.  Easy and lots of choices!

Includes:  Legos, shamrocks, writing, cookies, Tootsie Rolls, dogs, space, sunglasses, fish, gummy bears, buckets, rulers, calculators, owls, wild animals, bees, dinosaurs, and candy themes!

Click HERE to Get Your 18 Sets Now!

From icebreaker activities that build classroom community to art projects that inspire creativity, these activities are designed to foster collaboration, spark imagination, promote hands-on learning, and encourage curiosity and self-expression.

By incorporating these activities into the classroom, teachers can help students develop essential skills while also making learning fun and enjoyable.

How about a simple Welcome Banner to welcome your students, parents, and staff back to the fun as well? Download it below!

You can thank me later.   Now, get back to labeling all those student files.

~Charity

The post Welcome Banner Download appeared first on Organized Classroom.