What to Do on the First Day of Middle School? A Teacher's Guide

What to Do on the First Day of Middle School? A Teacher's Guide

2nd Aug 2024

Starting a new school year is an exciting opportunity to set the tone for a successful and engaging classroom environment. Many educators prefer to ease into the school year with activities that are both fun and meaningful, rather than diving straight into the usual procedures. Below are some creative and practical suggestions on what to do on the first day of school, ensuring it’s an enjoyable and productive experience for students.

1. Water Bottle Flip Challenge

A Water Bottle Flip Challenge can teach the scientific method and engineering design while getting to know the class dynamics. This interactive activity can be a great icebreaker and an educational start to the year. You can find the detailed lesson plan here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AOPB21ReEJnZowl7BOx/view).

2. STEM Challenges

Starting with STEM challenges or puzzle-based activities can help students get to know each other and demonstrate who works well together. These activities are excellent for fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills right from the start.

3. Fun and Engaging Labs

Simple labs can be used to teach classroom procedures while keeping students engaged. For example, measuring bubbles from different soaps or counting water drops on a penny. These hands-on activities can teach important scientific concepts and classroom rules simultaneously.

4. Interactive Name Learning

Focusing on learning student names through interactive activities such as a video observation and analysis activity or practicing names intensively for the first few days can help build a positive classroom environment.

5. Team Building Activities

Team-building activities such as puzzle games where one student is blindfolded and must rely on teammates' verbal instructions can help identify leaders and build camaraderie among students.

6. Creative Introductions

An "Investigate the Teacher" challenge, where students learn about the teacher through personal items and stories, can make students feel more connected and curious about their new teacher.

7. Back-to-School Olympics

Integrating all the usual procedures into a “Back to School Olympics” competition can make the learning process fun and engaging. You can find the detailed plan on Teachers Pay Teachers (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Olympics-Middle-School-Science-1950176).

8. Science Jeopardy and Interactive Surveys

Using interactive games like Science Jeopardy and Google Forms surveys to review previous knowledge and gather student information can make the first day more interactive and informative.

9. Hands-On Craft and Science Demos

Using demos to entice students about science while presenting procedures in a fun way, or combining craft activities like binder building with discussions on scientific precision and attention to detail can be effective.

10. Classroom Expectations and Procedures

Setting clear expectations to avoid behavioral issues throughout the year can be balanced with engaging activities like the index card challenge to keep students interested.

11. Find a Friend Bingo

Incorporate a game like "Find a Friend Bingo" where students have to find classmates who fit certain criteria. This activity encourages interaction and helps students learn more about each other in a fun way. You can find a ready-made bingo activity on Teachers Pay Teachers (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-To-School-Get-To-Know-You-Bingo-Icebreaker-Game-Activity-2764955).

12. Introduction to the Scientific Method

For a more academic start, use an introduction to the Scientific Method and Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER). This approach not only sets the academic tone but also engages students in critical thinking from day one. Find a comprehensive resource on Teachers Pay Teachers (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Introduction-to-the-Scientific-Method-and-Claim-Evidence-and-Reasoning-CER-3883785).

13. Nature of Science Activities

Combine classroom management and scientific inquiry with nature of science activities that teach different procedures and correct misbehaviors in a fun way. One example is a lab where students determine which soap creates the biggest bubbles, learning lab procedures and safety rules simultaneously.

14. Team-building Puzzles

Using team-building puzzles, where one student is blindfolded and teammates guide them verbally to complete the puzzle, can help identify leaders and build trust among students. This activity encourages communication and collaboration.

15. Student Surveys

Utilize student surveys to gather information about their interests, previous experiences, and expectations for the class. A Google Form with questions like "What did you enjoy about Science last year?" and "What is something you would like your teachers to know about you?" can provide valuable insights. This can be combined with icebreaker activities to get students comfortable sharing about themselves.

Additional Resources

These ideas provide a variety of approaches to make the first day of school engaging and productive, without overwhelming students with all the procedures at once. Choose activities that best fit your classroom dynamics and teaching style to ensure a successful start to the school year.

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