Welcome Back to School: Tools & Activities to Kickstart a Great Year!

Greetings fellow educators! Is summer coming to a close already? As you begin your preparations for the back-to-school season, we at Five Star Technology Solutions want to extend a warm welcome to all teachers, administrators, and staff who are gearing up for another exciting academic year. This is a time of fresh starts, new opportunities, and the perfect moment to set the tone for a successful school year.

Our Professional Development Team at Five Star is dedicated to making technology integration easier and more accessible for everyone in the educational landscape. Whether you're a seasoned tech user or just beginning to explore digital tools, we're here to support you.

Our team wants to share some of our favorite resources and activities that will help you build a positive classroom culture and engage your students right from the start. These tools are designed to make the beginning of the school year smooth and enjoyable, setting a solid foundation for the months ahead. Let’s dive in!

Checking In with the Nine-Minute Theory

The beginning of the school year can be overwhelming for both students and teachers. It’s crucial to create moments for self-check-in and reflection. The Nine-Minute Theory is a quick read that offers a valuable reminder to help students slow down, reflect on their feelings, and set goals. This practice is especially important during the hectic back-to-school time, providing a grounding moment for everyone in the classroom.

Classroomscreen: A Versatile Classroom Tool

One of our favorite tools for creating a dynamic and organized classroom environment is Classroomscreen. This tool allows you to display various widgets on a screen, such as timers, traffic lights, and QR codes. It’s perfect for managing classroom activities and keeping students engaged. You can use it to set expectations, track time, and even facilitate group work seamlessly.

Frayer a Friend: Getting to Know Each Other

Building a strong classroom community starts with getting to know one another. This Frayer a Friend activity is a fun interview exercise that allows students to interview each other and share interesting facts about themselves. This activity not only fosters connections but also helps students practice their communication skills.

About Me Bento Box: Personalized Introductions

For a creative and individualized getting-to-know-you activity, try the About Me Bento Box. Each student can fill in their own "bento box" with personal information, hobbies, and goals. This activity can be a wonderful way to learn about each student's unique personality and interests. Additionally, you can explore the Learning Bento to integrate content-related information into this engaging format.

Podcasts for Back-to-School Inspiration

Podcasts are a great way to gather new ideas and strategies for the classroom. We recommend two fantastic episodes from the Shake Up Learning Show by Kasey Bell:

• Episode 198: FREE Plug-and-Play Plans from Google – In this episode, Kasey shares 15 Plug-and-Play Lesson Plans from Google's Applied Digital Skills program. These are perfect for Back-to-School or ANYTIME of the year! Kick off the school year with lessons that help students express themselves, build relationships, and stay organized while learning new technology skills.
• Episode 197: Back to School with Canva – Kasey takes a deep dive into some amazing and FREE resources from Canva for teachers and students. From planning to student projects, graphic organizers to classroom decorations, and much more!

Building Classroom Culture

Establishing a positive classroom culture is essential for a productive and enjoyable school year. Encourage open communication, respect, and collaboration from day one. Use these activities and tools to create an environment where students feel valued and motivated to learn.

Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our PD team. Let's make this school year the best one yet!

Happy teaching!