activities for first day jitters

"First Day Jitters" Class-Made Book (Icebreaker)

1-2-3 Come Make A "First Day Jitters" Booklet With Me

first day jitters activities, jitter juice, jitter snack, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, activities to go with first day jitters, 1st day jitters, jitter crafts, julie danneburg, ice breakers, ice breaker activities for the 1st week, making connections text to self, jitter glitter namesDo you read “First Day Jitters”, by Julie Danneberg?

It’s one of my all-time favorite back to school books. If you haven't read it, put it on your "to do" list. You'll LOVE the ending.

After I read a story, I like to have my students transition to some sort of activity, which practices a variety of standards, using the book as a springboard.

first day jitters, 1st day jitters activities, activities for the first day of school, 1st day of school activities, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school books, back to school bulletin board ideas, icebreakers for schoolWith that in mind, I designed this "First Day Jitters" class book.
It's a wonderful little icebreaker that I think your students will enjoy.

There’s a blank area where students can draw their own “face”, as well as 8, black & white patterns featuring girls, plus 8 with boys.

I find that my little ones may “write” big, but often they draw rather small.
Because of this, they do a much better job if they have some sort of outline to add features too.

first day jitters, 1st day jitters activities, activities for the first day of school, 1st day of school activities, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school books, back to school bulletin board ideas, icebreakers for schoolStudents draw their features on the face, of how they think “jitter feelings” look.
They color the picture to represent their hair, face, eye color etc.

Children also color any of the emoji faces that depict the variety of emotions that they have felt during the day.

Older students can explain those feelings by writing on the back.

first day jitters, 1st day jitters activities, activities for the first day of school, 1st day of school activities, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, back to school books, back to school bulletin board ideas, icebreakers for schoolCompleted projects make a cute bulletin board.
You can use the various posters to introduce your lesson, then add them to your display for extra pizzazz.

After you take your back to school display down, collate the pages, then add the cover and turn into a class book. (Great to share during parent-teacher conferences.)

Later, take the book apart, and include this page in your students’ end of the year Memory Books. 

Today's featured FREEBIE is a set of "Book Hospital" patterns, to help make your life easier.

book hospital basket, classroom management, teaching tips, organization tips for the classroom, classroom management tipsWhen students are reading a book from your classroom library and discover that it needs some repair work, to avoid further damage, have them fill out an Rx form of what's wrong with the book and how you can fix it.

They tuck the note on the page that needs repair, so that the end sticks out and then drop the book in the "hospital" basket.

Repairing a book is a great job to delegate to a room or classroom helper.

There are two patterns on a page for easy printing, so why not make a "book hospital" for a fellow teacher or your librarian, as a "Hope you have a great year!" surprise.

activities for first day jitters, 1st day jitters activities, back to school bulletin boards, icebreakers for school, first day activities, back to school booksWell that's it for today.  Thanks for popping by.

I have a few more "back to school" ideas rolling around in my head, so I best make some notes before they flutter away. 

Wishing you a day filled with giggles galore.

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." - Victor Borge

"

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Activities for the Back-To-School "First Day Jitters" Story

1-2-3 Come Do Some "First Day Jitters" Activities With Me

activities to go with first day jittersDo you read “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg?
It’s one of my all-time favorite back to school books. My students absolutely LOVE the surprise ending.

With that in mind, I decided to make 3 different "Jitter" crafts, to help students sequence and retell the story. They are a super-fun transitional activity after you're done reading.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, icebreaker activities for the first week of school, back to school stories, back to school writing prompts, activities for First Day Jitters, back to school crafts, back to school writing promptsFirst up is the “First Day Jitters”   flip the flap, schoolhouse booklet.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/40-Off-First-Day-Jitters-Storytelling-Craft-3885395So that you can differentiate your lessons, I’ve included a simple flip booklet with just 4 pages for little ones, as well as pattern pages for a super-cool schoolhouse, where the pages are cut down the middle, so the "double-doors" of the school house flip open on both sides.

I purposely did not number the pages, so you can check comprehension.

This also allows you to choose less pages for preschool students, who can easily sort beginning-middle-& end, then retell the story with a limited number of “picture prompts”.

Simply run the schoolhouse pattern off on construction paper or card stock. Students color & trim.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, icebreaker activities for the first week of school, back to school stories, back to school writing prompts, activities for First Day Jitters, back to school crafts, back to school writing promptsOpen the doors to the schoolhouse to retell the story.

Students color, cut & collate the pages into a little booklet, which is then glued to the base of the schoolhouse.

For writing practice, I’ve also included several prompt options that are written on the schoolhouse base patterns. Simply choose which is most appropriate for your kiddos, or you could give them a choice.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, icebreaker activities for the first week of school, back to school stories, back to school writing prompts, activities for First Day Jitters, back to school crafts, back to school writing promptsNext up is a super-simple "First Day Jitters" storytelling wheel.

If your kiddos are like mine, they will really enjoy making a wheel of their own. It’s a wonderful activity to transition to after reading the story.

To once again grab my students’ attention, I share my sample as a story review, then ask, “Who’d like to make one?”  Woo Hoo for excited enthusiasm!

As a whole group, when everyone is done with their craftivity, practice retelling “First Day Jitters” using the wheel manipulative.

Everyone starts by turning their wheel to the “pie slice”, where Mr. Hartwell is calling to Sarah. Pick a child to explain what’s happening in that ”beginning of the story” graphic.

Continue to turn the wheel, calling on different students to tell you about that portion of the story.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, icebreaker activities for the first week of school, back to school stories, back to school writing prompts, activities for First Day Jitters, back to school crafts, back to school writing promptsTo check comprehension, and reinforce the “sequencing a story” standard, I’ve also included a “color, cut & glue” sequencing worksheet.

Use the larger, colorful pattern for a whole group activity with younger kiddos. 

Print, laminate & trim the patterns.  Attach the grid to your white board, then pass the pieces out to your students.

"How does the story start?"  "Who has that story piece?"  That child comes up and places it on the grid. (I attach magnet dots to the backs, but you can also use Velcro or tape.)

back to school activities, back to school crafts, icebreaker activities for the first week of school, back to school stories, back to school writing prompts, activities for First Day Jitters, back to school crafts, back to school writing promptsThis activity is also included in the final "Jitters" craftivity,  a super-fun "First Day Jitters" storytelling slider.

Students color the story elements on the “slider strip” then cut and glue it together.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, icebreaker activities for the first week of school, back to school stories, back to school writing prompts, activities for First Day Jitters, back to school crafts, back to school writing promptsWith just six, nice-sized graphics, this is easy peasy for even preschool children, making it perfect for explaining the beginning-middle & end of a story too.

As children pull on the end of the “slider-strip” the various pictures go through the “window” on the “door” of the schoolhouse, so that students can take turns retelling the story to a partner or reading buddy, then take their slider home to share with their family, once again practicing these standards.

All three packets include black & white patterns, as well as colorful ones, so that you can quickly & easily make an example to share.

As another way to assess comprehension, as well as include more writing practice, I’ve also included a “Here’s What Happened…” worksheet, which can be done independently, or as a whole group with younger children. This worksheet is included in all three packets as well.  

No matter if you're flippng & flapping, or turning & learning, or simply sliding along, I hope you have an absolute blast with your new students. 

back to school poster, Meet the teacher night noteToday's featured FREEBIE is also a little something for back to school. 

I found an "author unknown" quote in various place on the internet, and decided to revamp & expand it, making this "poster poem" appropriate for a teacher to share with their students. 

You can hang it up as a poster, or tuck it in your "Welcome Packet".  Just a little something fun for "Meet & Greet the Teacher" night too. 

back to school activities, back to school crafts, icebreaker activities for the first week of school, back to school stories, back to school writing prompts, activities for First Day Jitters, back to school crafts, back to school writing promptsWell that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.

As we head into the weekend we will be topping 90 degrees. I'm so grateful that we have air conditioning in our home. 

Despite the heat, I may venture out to walk my poodle pup and water the flowers.  Wishing you a relaxing and super-fun summer & jitter-free school year. 

Oh and if you too love "First Day Jitters" be sure and check out Danneberg's "Last Day Blues" it too is a sweet story that proves teachers & students have a lot more in common that they think.

"Summer: Hair gets lighter; skin gets darker. Water gets warmer; drinks get colder. Music gets louder; nights get longer. Life gets better in the good ole' summertime. " -Unknown

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More Teaching Common Core With Kiddy Lit IV

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1-2-3 Come Get Rid Of The First Day Jitters With Me!

As promised here is the Common Core packet for First Day Jitters.  As with If You Take A Mouse To School, it was requested by a lot of teachers.

If there are more Common Core Packets you'd like me to whip together, just drop me an e-mail diane@teachwithme.com, or leave a comment here. 

These packets truly are a very simple, quick, and easy way to cover the Common Core State Standards: RI.K5,RI.K6,RI.K9,RI.K10,RL.K2, RL.K3,RL.K6, L.K1d, RI.1.9, RL.1.2, RL.1.3 in a short amount of time.

Your students will enjoy them, as they are empowered by the consistency in format.  To view/download the other common core packets, click on the following links:  The Kissing Hand,  Chrysanthemum,  If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, and  If You Take A Mouse To School.

 The packet includes:

  • A beginning-middle-end story map that will help students retell First Day Jitters
  • A "favorite part" retelling "writing prompt" bookmark
  • A compare and contrast Venn diagram with The Kissing Hand book
  • Character, Setting and Event cards. (Laminate, put magnets on the back and put them up on your white board. Write down students' answers under the cards.)
  • Question Words activity sheet, reinforcing the who, what, why, when, where, how words.
  • Cover of book to label book parts + review author and illustrator
  • Feelings worksheet and writing prompt
  • Feelings graphing extension
  • "Jitters" synonym discussion and worksheet

The "Feelings" worksheet is great for a September writing prompt, and the one covering synonyms is great for Daily 5 "Word Work". Click on the link to view/download First Day Jitters Common Core packet.

back to school activities, first week of school activities, september writing prompts, daily 5 activities for september, daily 5 word work for september, synonymn activities, activities for first day jitters, lessons for first day jitters, ideas for first day jitters, books to read for back to schsool, books to read for the first day of school, feelings activities, feelings lessons, graphing lessons, graphing feelings, venn diagram lessons, venn diagrams comparing books, common core lessons ofr kindergarten, common core lessons for first grade, lessons and activities for the kissing hand, lessons and activities for chrysanthemum, lessons and activities for if you give a mouse a cookie, lessons and activities for if you take a mouse to school,Thanks for visiting today!  I hope you're getting excited, rather than anxious for your first day!  As for me, I'm off to take a break and get some fresh air.  My brain's been on overload lately...perhaps basking a bit in the sunshine will help unclutter my mind.

"I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." - Woodrow Wilson

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Using Kiddie Lit To Teach Standards: The Kissing Hand

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1-2-3 Come Do Some Kissing Hand Activities With Me

Since the first Kissing Hand Activity Packet was such a huge success, I decided to make another packet designed specifically around Common Core State Standards.

This packet will reinforce: Common Core State Standards: RI.K5,RI.K6,RI.K9,RI.K10,RL.K2, RL.K3,RL.K6, L.K1d, RI.1.9, RL.1.2, RL.1.3

It has a variety of fun reading and writing activities to go along with Audrey Penn's adorable story The Kissing Hand, about a little raccoon who doesn’t want to go to school. This is one of my all-time favorite back to school books.

This packet, is the first in a series of quick and easy common core packets, where I use kiddie lit to teach standards.  I'll be posting and blogging about these FREEBIES for the next few days.

The Kissing Hand Packet includes:

  • A beginning-middle-end story map that will help students retell The Kissing Hand
  • A "favorite part" retelling "writing prompt" bookmark
  • A compare and contrast Venn diagram where students compare The Kissing Hand to another of my favorite first day of school books, First Day Jitters!
  • Character, Setting and Event cards. (Laminate, put magnets on the back and put them up on your white board. Write down students' answers under the cards.)
  • "My Feelings" discussion, skill sheet, and graphing extensions.
  • 1st day writing prompt
  • Kissing hand poem introducing rhyming words.
  • Question Words activity sheet, reinforcing the who, what, why, when, where, how words.
  • Cover of book to label book parts + review author and illustrator

back to school lessons, back to school activities, first day of school activities, first day of school lessons, first day of school ideas, back to school ideas, the kissing hand activities, the kissing hand ideas, the kissing hand lessons, first day jitters activities, first day jitters lessons, first day jitters ideas, common core lessons, common core activities, back to school writing prompts, the first day of school writing prompts, parts of a book activities, retelling a story activities, compare and contrast activities, question word activities, feelings activities, graphing activities, parts of a book lessons, retelling a story lessons, compare and contrast lessons, venn diagram lessons, compare and contrast lessons, question word lessons, feelings lessons, Click on the link to view/download The Kissing Hand Packet 2   It will be FREE for an entire year.  After that, it will become part of a big literacy packet in my TpT shope.

Stay tuned for a similar packet for First Day Jitters. For lots more activities forThe Kissing Hand click on the link to zip on over to that section ofTeachWithMe

back to school lessons, back to school activities, first day of school activities, first day of school lessons, first day of school ideas, back to school ideas, the kissing hand activities, the kissing hand ideas, the kissing hand lessons, first day jitters activities, first day jitters lessons, first day jitters ideas, common core lessons, common core activities, back to school writing prompts, the first day of school writing prompts, parts of a book activities, retelling a story activities, compare and contrast activities, question word activities, feelings activities, graphing activities, parts of a book lessons, retelling a story lessons, compare and contrast lessons, venn diagram lessons, compare and contrast lessons, question word lessons, feelings lessons, I'm off for a swim to cool off! (90's today.) Hope you're enjoying a sunny summer day as well!

“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” –John Wayne

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