back to school writing prompts

1-2-3 Come Make a Mary Had A Little Lamb Bulletin Board With Me

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambThis cute schoolhouse craftivity, is a quick, easy and fun writing prompt that will make an adorable bulletin board.

I try to design things that practice a variety of skills & standards, so I’ve added the Mary Had a Little Lamb nursery rhyme to this activity.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambThere are 2 writing prompts to choose from: “I like school because . . .” and “My favorite things about school”.

Children color the schoolhouse then cut it in half, gluing the ends to their writing prompt page, in such a way that they flip open, to reveal the writing underneath.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambStudents complete the prompt, add some color & draw a picture of themselves.

For that finishing touch, have them glue their school picture on one of the windows.
I also added my photo to make this a special keepsake for them.

To help explain things, I’ve included colorful completed samples, so you can quickly make an example of your own to share with your kiddos.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambBefore or after this activity, share the Mary Had a Little Lamb nursery rhyme.

I’ve included background information, a poster poem, pocket chart cards, plus some “trace & write” color-me worksheets.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambThe pocket chart cards come in a full-page size, as well as two smaller sets on one template. 

Laminate & cut them apart.  For an independent center, students read the cards and put them in proper order.

The poem fits the schoolhouse writing prompt, and is a nice segue for introducing the nursery rhyme genre, along with rhyming words.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambDiscussion: “What words rhyme in the poem?” (go-snow & school-rule). Can they think of anymore?

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambYou can do this as a whole-group activity and write the words on the board, or have older students make their own lists on the worksheets provided.

To practice another skill, have them alphabetize the words on their list. I’ve included answer keys.

Students can also share their schoolhouse at this time.  Completed projects make a sweet bulletin board.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambTo tie them into the poem, I’ve included a “_______________’s little lambs have found their way to school” poster for the center of your board, the nursery rhyme poster, plus some large sheep to go on each side. The photo shows the start of my bulletin board display.

You or your kiddos write their name on the little lamb cards, which are placed next to their schoolhouse. Add some border & you’re done. 

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambClick on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop for my newest back to school writing prompt craftivity.

While you're there, I would so appreciate it, if you'd follow me.  I just need 11 more people to hit 500 followers.  I love designing milestone FREEBIES and have a really cute one that I'm working on, in anticipation of reaching that goal soon.  Thanks in advance.

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambToday's FREEBIE features a variety of popular road signs that are perfect for your classroom.  They are especially fun if you're going to do a transportation theme. 

I've included large as well as small sizes.  Use the bigger ones as posters; I put a few back-to-back & suspended from my ceiling as gentle reminders. 

The smaller ones can be bookmarks, magnets or pencil toppers for your kiddos. Click on the link to grab this fun FREEBIE: Classroom Road Signs

back to school activities, back to school crafts, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, nursery rhyme crafts, nursery rhyme activities, mary had a little lamb background, mary had a little lamb poster, mary had a little lamb crafts, nursery rhyme bulletin boards, activities for Mary had a little lambThat's it for today.  It's only 57 degrees out this morning, so fall is definitely in the air here in Michigan.  I am so not ready to let go of summer.  Wishing you a warm & wonderful day.

“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.” ~ Sylvia Plath 

1-2-3 Come Do Some Frog-Themed Craftivities With Me

Woo hoo for some of you lucky duckies who are now basking in the sunshine, enjoying the start of your vacation.  For those of you who are still in school for a few more days, or even weeks, boy have I got a super-fun, frog-themed packet for you! 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesEven the vacationers can enjoy it, as this whopping packet not only features end-of-the-year stuff, but matching back-to-school activities as well! 

The versatility continues because it includes templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade, so you can make things specific to your grade level! 

Getting students to WANT to write and really enjoy it, is one of my hot buttons.  With that in mind, I stuffed the packet with lots of creative writing prompt choices with an adorable frog theme that encompasses "leaping" into summer, a new grade, and a new year in school. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesThere are 18 writing prompt craftivities in all, with lots of options for both the end of the year, as well as for back-to-school.   I enjoy drawing frogs; and had a fun time creating some real cuties.  "Ferdinand" is a fat and sassy frog that's a "peek-over". 

Run him off on lime green construction paper.  Students trim and add colorful details with crayons, then glue him to the top of their "I'm leaping" writing prompt for the end of the year, or choose another topic and use the blank frog pattern, for back-to-school.  I've included a "Look Who's Leaping" poster to use in the center of your bulletin board when you display your students' finished projects.

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pages"Fred" is another fun-frog craft.  Here the writing prompt is written on his "tongue".  You can display Fred with a "flat tongue" or include some great fine-motor practice, and have students curl it, by rolling the paper strip on a crayon. 

For that finishing touch, I've included some "flies".  There's a "This stuff stuck. Look what I learned!" end-of-the-year pattern, as well as one that says: "I had a delicious summer.This is what I did..." for back-to-school

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pages"Jose'" is a "belly flipping" writing prompt frog.  There are 8 cover options.  Four for the end-of-the-year, and 4 for back-to-school

Jose' can be done as a whole-group, class-made book, where everyone contributes a "belly page"  or as an independent writing prompt, where each child makes their own booklet.  The "Before We Go We'd Like You To Know" booklet gives advice to next year's kiddos. 

The "Frogtastic Memories" can be turned into a quick, easy and fun end-of-the-year Memory Book, by simply having students write pages about the favorite things that they did in school or during the summer.  

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pages"Frankie" and "Fern" are the cute Frog Face Flip book twins.  Frankie sports a bowtie, while Fern wears a bow on top of her head.  Their "face" flips up to reveal a writing prompt. 

hoppy to b meThere are 5 to choose from, plus a blank one to program with whatever, and a sample for you to share to help explain to your students what you want them to do. 

As with "Fred" this too can be done independently, or as a whole-group, class-made booklet.  The back-to-school "I'm 'hoppy' to be me" writing prompt is a personal favorite.

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've also included a "We're flipping over leaping into a new grade!" poster that you can use for the center of your bulletin board display

There's a poster for pre k4 through 3rd grade, plus a blank one to fill in with whatever. 

If you've followed me, you know that I like to incorporate things with a play-on-words.  It's a fun way to expand horizons and build vocabulary. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesSince a frog says "Ribbit!" I decided to make a "Ribbit, Write It, Read It" writing prompt using the word "riveting" as the twist.

Students write about their "ribbiting" summer or "ribbiting" things that they enjoyed during the school year, inside "Rodney's" circular-frog belly. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've included a definition-poster for introducing the word riviting, along with a "Ribbit; Write It; Read It" poster for the center of your display. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesIf you're not into "craftivities" I've also included lots of quick, easy and fun coloring-page, writing prompt worksheets. Simply print and go.

There's a sampling of some of them in the photo.  The "So long school, hello summer" or "So long summer, hello school" worksheets, where the froggy is opening a 3D school door to reveal the writing prompt are especially cute. 

Tlook whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pageshere's a similar writing prompt with a different frog, that may be more appealing for older students. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've included samples for both, and each one has prompts for both seasons. Completed projects make darling bulletin boards too.

One bulletin board display that's especially adorable, is the frog on a lily pad.  I made the water lily flower out of a coffee filter.  In the top photo I simply scrunched the filter. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesIn the bottom picture I folded it into 1/8ths, then folded it one more time, snipping the end to create scallops. When you open it, it looks just like a large flat water lily. 

I edged it with a pink watercolor marker, then spritzed it with water so it smudged into the paper.  Easy-peasy with awesome results. 

You have a nice teachable moment to discuss fractions, while children are following your step-by-step directions and folding their filter.   The final writing prompt craftivity features "Fritz".  This frog sits on a pail of sand. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI cut an oval out of sandpaper and glued it to the bucket, so that it looks filled!  Children write things they'd like to do over the summer.  The back-to-school writing prompt option tells what they've done during the summer and what they'd like to do in school. 

I realize this "bucket list" idea is all over Pinterest, but I've been doing it way before TpT or Pinterest came into being.  Click on the link for my original "Summer Bucket List" FREEBIE. It's in a FREE summer writing prompt packet with 6 other fun "craftivities".

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesBesides writing prompts, there are lots of end-of-the-year AND back-to-school themed "goodies" stuffed into the packet, with templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade.

One group features another play-on-words using "toad-ally" for totally, which fits in perfect with my frog/toad theme. 

I had fun designing a few writing prompts, as well as goodies using this fun word.   There are color, as well as black & white covers for the mini-flip booklets and notes, as well as 2 posters and some labels.  

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pages "Brag Bracelets" are another "goodie". They are super-fun to make and wear.  I designed one that says: "I'm Leaping!" and another with "Welcome!" on it. 

Simply run off the pattern and trim using a paper cutter.  Slit a toilet paper roll up the side and cut it into sections, the width of the pattern. Children glue to their "slap bracelet" folding the edges under.  It's the perfect size for little ones, and the bent shape keeps it on their arm!  When other kiddos ask them about their bracelet, they can "brag" that they made it and are "leaping" into a new grade. Nice little self-esteem builder! 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesIf you're looking for a quick, easy and inexpensive little end-of-the-year, or back-to-school treat to give your students, take a look at my "tiny tags"

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesThese are sweet little notes from the teacher, that you can attach to a "Flavor Ice" Popsicle (They sell them 50 to a pack for only $2.95!).

Putting them on a  Fruit Roll Up (sticky frog tongue!) or attaching to a Snack Baggie is also fun.  The Dollar Store sells a package of 12 gummi rainbow frogs that would also work.

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've also created a cute, keepsake-photo magnet.   Laminate them for durability.  The Dollar Store also sells magnet strip.  (I'm a frequent shopper there; can ya tell?) 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI've also included a variety of bookmarks suitable for the beginning, as well as the end of they year.  They come in color, as well as black and white. 

One is a writing prompt that students complete (nice bucket-filler activity), while another they color for one of your in-coming students.  

My personal favorite is the keepsake photo bookmark, but the foreign language (Hello-Goodbye) ones are also really cute. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesAnother "goodie" in the packet are the "color-me" certificates for pre K4 through 3rd grade, (there are 4 styles to choose from, or give your kiddos a choice), plus there are 2 word-art frog-shaped posters that I created using Tagxedo.com.  I've included my silhouettes, so that your kiddos can also make their own.  

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesWell that about covers this frog-themed packet, which is a whopping 201 pages (!) and on sale now for just $6.95 (regularly $8.95).  It took me a zillion hours to finish, but I think it was well worth the time. Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop and let the fun begin. 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, welcome banners for back to school, frog banners, pennant templates, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesAs always, I try to include a few FREEBIES from the packet as well.   You can get the frog-word art posters, the word-art certificates (for pre-K4 through 3rd grade) stars and labels, plus the brag bracelets by clicking on the link: frog-themed end-of-the year mini packet.

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, welcome banners for back to school, frog banners, pennant templates, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesTo grab the FREE frog back-to-school banners, click on this link. The end pennants come in color as well as black line, and have templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade.  The frog-face pennants spell out "Welcome" and are in black and white, so that your kiddos can color them, taking ownership of helping to decorate their new home-away-from-home classroom.

This year's kiddos can make the banner to welcome your new students in the fall, or the new kids on the block can do it.  Either way, it's kid-made and will look awww-dorable. Well that's it!  Whew! That's a lot of frog stuff! 

look whos leaping activities, frog crafts, welcome banners for back to school, frog banners, pennant templates, frog writing prompts, back to school crafts, back to school treats, back to school ideas, back to school bulletin boards, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, end of the year writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of they year memory books, end of the year bulletin boards, summer writing prompts, end of the year crafts, free school certificates, certificates, brag bracelets, slap bracelets, bookmarks, free bookmarks, coloring pagesI apologize for such a long post.  Thanks for hanging in there if you've read to the end.  I'm just so excited to share my latest "mess-terpiece".  You should see my office; it's a pile of craft supplies and samples...everywhere! 

Thanks for visiting today.  It's clean up time.  Maybe I'll hum the "clean-up song" that my Y5's used to love singing.  On second thought, the sun is shining and a warm breeze is beckoning to me to come play.  I think I will. Wishing you a delightful day, crammed with creativity.

"For life to get easier, you have to get better." -Billy Cox

17 pages.

Here's a quick, easy and fun writing prompt for back to school.  Completed projects look awesome dangling from the ceiling, swirling and twirling as they wave so long to summer, and hello to a brand new school year. 

 1-2-3 Come Do Some Back To School Activities With Me

if you take a mouse to school activitiesThe other kiddie lit packets have been such popular downloads, that I thought I'd do a bit more with one of my all time favorite back to school stories.  I designed this quick and easy-to-do packet, around Laura Numeroff's book, If You Take A Mouse To School.

if you take a mouse to school activitiesThe packet includes a class made book.  Run off the master and have students complete the writing prompt: If you take a child to kindergarten they will...

if you take a mouse to school activitiesI've included templates for preschool through second grade, plus a blank one to fill in with whatever you teach.  There are also matching covers.

They color the mouse and then illustrate their page.  Younger students can dictate their thoughts to you or a room helper.  Collect, collate and add a cover.  Read together as a whole group activity, as each child shares their own page.  

if you take a mouse to school activitiesBe sure and make a sample of your own.  I made up an example that you could also share or use as a sweet poster.

if you take a mouse to school activitiesI've also included bookmarks for children to color. 

Older students can write why they had a great first day on the back.

Click on the link to view/download the If You Take A Child To School packet. Thanks for visiting today.  Feel free to PIN away. 

DianeI've been designing so many things this morning that my brain is on overdrive and feeling very cluttered.  One of those seasick kind of headaches is coming on, so it's time to take a much-needed break and go play outside to defog my mind.  Wishing you all the best and a very happy day.

"Art enables us to find and lose ourselves at the same time." -Thomas Merton 

20 pages

This is a wonderful packet to do after you read the story If You Take A Mouse To School by Laura Numeroff. 

1-2-3 Come Make A Writing Prompt Craft With Me

Summer is an especially wonderful time to ride a bike, so I thought I'd make a "craftivity" using a bicycle.  If you're a frequent visitor, you know that I enjoy designing things involving a "play on words". 

back to school ideas, back to school activities, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, bicycle activities, bicycle crafts, back to school crafts, writing prompts for september, summer writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year crafts, icebreakers, As I putzed with a writing prompt I thought substituting the word "wheel" for real would be fun.  Thus "I had a 'wheel' great summer!" was born. 

There are two templates to choose from.  One is for back to school, the other for the end of the year. Use as an interesting icebreaker for the first week of school, where students write about the places they went and the things they did over vacation. 

This is a fun way to find out about your new students, as they complete the prompt inside the spokes of the wheel. 

For added pizzazz, and to learn a bit more about your kiddos, have students write using their two favorite color markers.

Simply run the bike off on a variety of colors of construction paper. 

Students trim and glue to the wheels. (I ran off on white card stock.)  If you want them to spin, poke a hole in the center and attach with a brass brad. 

For that finishing touch, have students attach a school photo.  Children read one or two items from each wheel, as they share it with their classmates. 

You can do these in class; as an activity for open house; or send home on the first day of school for children to complete with their family.

cWhile I was at it, I thought this idea could also be used at the end of the year, where students wrote about their favorite things, activities, subjects, etc. 

There are six wheels they can choose from, including a blank one to fill in whatever prompt you want. 

back to school ideas, back to school activities, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, bicycle activities, bicycle crafts, back to school crafts, writing prompts for september, summer writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year crafts, icebreakers, Completed projects make a sweet bulletin board

Click on the link to view/download the bicycle writing prompt craftivity. 

back to school ideas, back to school activities, back to school bulletin boards, back to school writing prompts, bicycle activities, bicycle crafts, back to school crafts, writing prompts for september, summer writing prompts, end of the year activities, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year crafts, icebreakers, Thanks for visiting.  Feel free to PIN away. 

Do you have a back-to-school activity you could share with us?  I'd love to hear from you: diane@teachwithme.com  or leave a comment below.

 

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela

 

1-2-3 Come Make A T-Shirt With Me

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fill a bucket activitiesBecause it's very versatile, I'm especially excited to post this latest FREEBIE for some end-of-the-year fun.

As I was designing the "T"-'rrific Memory Book packet, I thought, with a few tweaks this can also be used as a self-esteem builder, for your "fill a bucket" activites too. 

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fil a bucket activitiesStudents choose a T-shirt and matching cover, sign their name at the top and glue their photo to the pocket. 

Children pass their booklet to another child, who writes a compliment (why that person is terrific) and continue passing, 'til everyone has signed everybody's booklet. 

If you're looking for a Father's Day activity, or you have grandparent's come visit at the end or beginning of the year, you can fill the blank in with My Dad is "T"-'rrific or use the other blank template for My Grandparents are "T"-'rrific.  Students write why they think so on the blank pages.

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fil a bucket activitiesIf you like to have lots of interesting writing practice for back-to-school week, as icebreakers to get to know your new students, use the My Summer was "T"-'rrific template.   These would be cute displayed on a clothesline, along a wall and hung up with clothespins!

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fil a bucket activitiesAny option you choose is pretty easy-breezy. Run the T-shirt pattern and covers off on a variety of colors of construction paper. (Make sure the cover matches the T-shirt so they blend.)

For even more pizzazz, use scrapbook paper! You can also buy a 50-sheet pack of printed paper (they have lots of options like tie dye, rainbow and animal prints, which would also be cool).

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fil a bucket activitiesStudents choose one, trim their pages, collate and staple their booklet to the front of their T-shirt so that it flips open.  Adding a school photo gives it that finishing touch.  

I'd take a few days to make the memory book.  To ensure quality, students can work on 1 or 2 pages each day.  (Great for Daily 5)

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fil a bucket activitiesI've included color templates as well as black and white to save ink, but also because I think it's even more of a keepsake if kiddos do the coloring.

There's a blank template for you to write a note to your students.  You can print the templates and write a personal note to each one, or if you're pressed for time, write a generic note to everyone, sign and run off.  To make it more personal, write the student's name at the top. 

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fil a bucket activitiesTo help you out, I searched for some sweet teacher comments and found a variety of poems by unknown authors.  I revamped them a bit and included two options for you to include if you want. 

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fil a bucket activitiesClick on the link to view/download the versatile "T"-'rrific Writing Prompt Craftivity Packet.  Thanks for visiting today.  Feel free to PIN away. 

end of the year activities, end of the year crafts, end of the year writing prompts, memory books, school memory books, free memory books, memory book templates, fathers day activities, grandparents day activities, end of they year writing prompts, daily 5 for the end of the year, end of the year crafts, back to school activities, back to school writing prompts, writing prompts for june, writing prompts for summer, writing prompts for back to school, bucket filler activities, fill a bucket activitiesIf you're a frequent visitor to the TeachWithMe blog, you know I like to end with some sort of quote that pertains to the topic. 

While surfing I found this sweet one from Winnie The Pooh.  Hope you enjoy it too!

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, 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,

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

I’m A Te-rrific Student T-shirt Writing Prompt.

end of the year activities, end of the year lessons, end of the year ideas, last week of school ideas, last week of school activities, last week lessons,end of the year writing prompts, summer writing prompts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year bulletin board ideas, ice breaker ideas, 1st week of school ideas, back to school ideas, getting to know your student ideas, writing prompts for the first week of school, activities for the 1st week of school, lessons for the 1st week of school, ideas for the 1st week of school, back to school bulletin boards, back to school bulletin board ideas, september bulletin boards, september bulletin board ideas, writing prompts for september, writing prompts for august, This is a really fun end-of-the-year activity, but could also be a wonderful way to get to know your students at the beginning of the year too!  Use as an icebreaker for the first week.

The hands in the photo are neon orange.  The feet are much larger, but I took the shot with Elliot upside down, so they look smaller, they are actually much bigger than the hands.  Because this artwork is so big, when I took the photo feet fist, the head looked shrunken. Oh my!

Anyway, you get the idea.  I know yours will turn out really cute and be a great keepsake that your students will enjoy making.

end of the year activities, end of the year lessons, end of the year ideas, last week of school ideas, last week of school activities, last week lessons,end of the year writing prompts, summer writing prompts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year bulletin board ideas, ice breaker ideas, 1st week of school ideas, back to school ideas, getting to know your student ideas, writing prompts for the first week of school, activities for the 1st week of school, lessons for the 1st week of school, ideas for the 1st week of school, back to school bulletin boards, back to school bulletin board ideas, september bulletin boards, september bulletin board ideas, writing prompts for september, writing prompts for august, I've included 2 different headings on the shorts so you have that option to use at the end or beginning of the year.

The end of the year shorts say: My short shorts of what I want to do this summer, The one for the beginning of the school year says: My short shorts of what I did this summer.

Here’s how to make a “Creative Writing Craftivity Kid”:

Run off copies of the t-shirt and shorts on a variety of brightly colored construction paper. Students will fill in the writing prompts and cut the clothing shapes out.  Buy a few pair of wacky sunglasses at The Dollar Store in bright colors.  Have your students put a pair on and take a head shot of them.

Print the photo off in black and white and enlarge them on the copier. Students color the sunglasses in with a magic marker to compliment the color of their T-shirt or shorts.  Students trace their hand and foot on a folded sheet of bright or neon-colored construction paper.  By cutting on a folded piece of paper they will get a pair of hands and feet.

Children glue their hands to the cuffs of the T-shirt and their feet to the bottom of the shorts. These paper kids make an adorable wall display.  Run them under the ceiling, as a border in your hallway. 

end of the year activities, end of the year lessons, end of the year ideas, last week of school ideas, last week of school activities, last week lessons,end of the year writing prompts, summer writing prompts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year bulletin board ideas, ice breaker ideas, 1st week of school ideas, back to school ideas, getting to know your student ideas, writing prompts for the first week of school, activities for the 1st week of school, lessons for the 1st week of school, ideas for the 1st week of school, back to school bulletin boards, back to school bulletin board ideas, september bulletin boards, september bulletin board ideas, writing prompts for september, writing prompts for august, end of the year activities, end of the year lessons, end of the year ideas, last week of school ideas, last week of school activities, last week lessons,end of the year writing prompts, summer writing prompts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year bulletin board ideas, ice breaker ideas, 1st week of school ideas, back to school ideas, getting to know your student ideas, writing prompts for the first week of school, activities for the 1st week of school, lessons for the 1st week of school, ideas for the 1st week of school, back to school bulletin boards, back to school bulletin board ideas, september bulletin boards, september bulletin board ideas, writing prompts for september, writing prompts for august, For another writing extension, I’ve also included a T-shirt where students can list all the Te-riffic things they’ve learned during the year, jotting down the thing they feel they are the most terrific at.

Click on the link to view/download Te-riffic Student T-Shirt Writing Prompt

end of the year activities, end of the year lessons, end of the year ideas, last week of school ideas, last week of school activities, last week lessons,end of the year writing prompts, summer writing prompts, end of the year bulletin boards, end of the year bulletin board ideas, ice breaker ideas, 1st week of school ideas, back to school ideas, getting to know your student ideas, writing prompts for the first week of school, activities for the 1st week of school, lessons for the 1st week of school, ideas for the 1st week of school, back to school bulletin boards, back to school bulletin board ideas, september bulletin boards, september bulletin board ideas, writing prompts for september, writing prompts for august, Feel free to PIN away on my site. I think sharing is so important.  

Do you have something that you do as an icebreaker that you could share with us? I'd enjoy hearing from you.  diane@teachwithme.com  You can also leave a comment here. If everyone adds to each other's bag of tricks how easy our lives become! Thanks in advance. 

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