Back to School . . . Back to School

Yes, I realize it is April 28 - and the school year isn't starting right now. But - since I am restarting my blog, I think it makes sense to start from the beginning. So here it is .  . . the start of the 2012 - 2013 School Year.

Our open house is the night before the first day of school. Here is how I manage the very exciting but chaotic meet and greet!

 First I have parents sign in and tell me how their child will be getting home - both the usual method and the first day (as many have a different routine the first day of school).

Then I provide students and the parents with a Scavenger hunt.  Click here to download and edit it for your classroom! 

 At students' seats were grocery bags for them to drop off their supplies if they brought it. This made it easy to sort through who brought what on my own time and label it accordingly.












Also - I left back to school confetti at each seat for students to take home with them. Download my version here. 











As part of the scavenger hunt - students found out library and Daily 5 option board. On the board are contact magnets for parents. They included my name, email, and phone number.

In the hall - a "Look WHOOO's in First Grade" bulletin board welcomed students to their new classroom and my owl theme!

Some other products I use in the Beginning of the Year include:

Back to School Brochure

Magnet Business Cards (template on Word printed on magnet paper)

Parent Survey (I use one made from another teacher - I believe I have it pinned on my pinterest)

Welcome Letter for students