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Beginning of Year Activities

August 30, 2013 by Rachel

#1
I survived the first full week!!  It was good to finally get into the swing of things! 
If you’ve been reading my blog this summer, you know that I’m team-teaching this year.  So far everything has been great!  I love being able to focus on two subjects at a time!
We started our place value unit!
We also created our Social Studies notebooks and are learning all about the six regions of South Carolina.

#2
We created a chart about what makes a good student.  My kids thought he looked like one of the students in our class….sorry kiddos…your teacher is just a poor artist!

#3
We created our Class Vision for both our classes.  Each class decided what they need to do to have a successful year and then we put the ideas together as a class.
#4
I received some fun goodies in the mail!  Have you heard of Jane?  I will warn you…it’s very addictive!  You sign up by email and they send you daily deals on a variety of cute things!!  The deals only last a couple of days.  This is an infinity scarf and a necklace!  Can’t wait to rock them!
 #5
It’s a long weekend….and I’m so excited to have the extra day off!  Not a whole lot planned…but I like it that way! 
 I’m joining Doodle Bugs linky cause it’s awesome!  

I hope you enjoy your weekend too!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Teaching

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kimberly Ann says

    August 30, 2013 at 10:42 PM

    Checked out that website and I am addicted already! Thanks for sharing!

    Kimberly AnnLive, Laugh, I love Kindergarten

  2. Elementary Engagement says

    August 30, 2013 at 11:08 PM

    I'm glad you had a good first full week! I've heard of the website, but the scarf and necklace have convinced me to check it out.

    Thank you!

    Mary

  3. Deb Hanson says

    August 31, 2013 at 1:49 AM

    Did you write the Happy Long Weekend? Can you make that into a font?! :)
    ~Deb
    Crafting Connections

  4. Jennifer Laffin says

    August 31, 2013 at 2:02 AM

    I love my daily emails from Very Jane. It's so fun to look, but I see you've found something pretty to buy. Love them!!

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

  5. Joanne Miller says

    August 31, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    I love the containers for the place value blocks…perfect! I don't want to get you addicted to another website, but have you checked out Our World Boutique? Inexpensive and awesome looking statement necklaces!
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

  6. Natalie Melton says

    September 1, 2013 at 2:43 AM

    Your blog is adorable! And that necklace…I want it! I need to visit that website! How cute! I love that color! Your poster of the "good student" is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
    Your newest follower,
    Natalie
    thepolkadottedchirp.blogspot.com

  7. Kayla says

    September 9, 2013 at 5:11 AM

    I *love* the idea of using partitioned bowls to hold base ten blocks! Pure genius!

    Kayla
    Primary Junction

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Hey 👋 I’m Rachel. I’m a 4th grade teacher who sha Hey 👋 I’m Rachel.
I’m a 4th grade teacher who shares realistic systems and routines for 3rd–5th grade classrooms.
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Coming back after winter break is… a whole vibe. 😅 Coming back after winter break is… a whole vibe. 😅
Half your class forgets how to go to school, the other half is still in pajama-mode, and we’re all pretending we didn’t eat our body weight in holiday cookies.
Here are 5 things that make the first day back so much smoother:
✨ Share & Connect
Start with something low-key and personal. My one-page Welcome Back printer is perfect for quick reflection + giving everyone space to share without losing the whole morning.
✨ Review Routines
Because, yes, you will need to reteach how to line up, transition, and find a pencil. It’s not you. It’s January.
✨ Goal Setting
A new year is the perfect reset. Help students choose simple, doable goals they can actually stick with.
✨ Team Building
Shake the awkward out with partner challenges or quick mixers to rebuild your classroom community.
✨ A Fun Interactive Lesson
End the day with something hands-on: a mini game, a simple STEM challenge, a math activity… anything that gets them excited to be back.
Save this post for your first week in January and grab the Welcome Back printable through the link in my profile so you’re ready to roll.
We’ve got this. Even in January. 😉
✨ New year, fresh start, happy teacher! ✨ If you’r ✨ New year, fresh start, happy teacher! ✨
If you’re looking to kick off January with activities that actually help your students reset, refocus, and ease back into routine, I’ve got you covered!
📝 Welcome Back From Break Pack – low-prep activities to transition smoothly
🌟 One Little Word – help students choose a meaningful word for the year
🎯 Goal Setting Mini-Lessons – teach students how to set goals they’ll actually stick to
🖋️ New Year Poetry Writing Pages – creative + reflective writing to start 2025 strong
These are fun, simple, and perfect for that first week back when everyone’s still getting back into the swing of school. 😅
📲 Grab what you need > links in bio!
#NewYearInTheClassroom #UpperElementary #GoalSettingForKids #OneLittleWord #BackFromBreak #TeacherResources
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