The first week of school is all about building relationships and creating a welcoming classroom environment. One of the best ways to do that is with get to know you activities that help students open up, share about themselves, and connect with their classmates.
I always spent countless hours searching for the “perfect” get to know you activities that would be easy for me to use and fun for my students. Over the years, I had some that were a huge success, and others that, well, let’s just say were never used again.
So, I hope to save you time with these fun and easy back-to-school templates are designed for upper elementary students and will help you kick off the year with creativity and purpose.
1. All About Me Posters: A Back-to-School Classic
โAll About Meโ posters are a tried-and-true get to know you activity that lets students express their personalities and interests.
If you are looking for some All About Me posters that stand out from the crowd, take a look at these designs that your students are sure to love:
๐ Bee-Themed All About Me Posters โ Perfect for a โbuzzing into a new yearโ theme.
๐ฆธโโ๏ธ Superhero All About Me Posters โ Students create their superhero posters and activities.
๐จ Classic All About Me Postersโ A timeless option for any classroom.
These posters make an eye-catching bulletin board display for back-to-school night or the first hallway showcase of the year.
๐ [Shop All About Me Posters here]
2. Grade-Level Craftivity: Fun Get to Know You Activities
If you are looking for a unique and fun twist on All About Me posters, then these activities are for you!
Start the year with a creative craft that doubles as a colorful display.
In this 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade craftivity, students fill in giant โ3rd,โ โ4th,โ or โ5thโ letters with doodles, fun facts, and reflections about themselves. This activity is a fun way for students to share who they are while helping you decorate your classroom or hallway with their unique creations.
๐ Teacher Tip: Add the title โMeet Our Classโ or โLook Whoโs in 4th Grade!โ above your display for an instant hallway highlight.
๐ [See the grade-level back-to-school craftivities here]
3. Back-to-School Task Cards: 32 Conversation Starters
Encourage students to talk, laugh, and learn about each other with these Back-to-School Task Cards.
This set includes 32 engaging questions designed to spark conversations and help students connect as they settle into the new school year.
โ Use them for:
- Partner or small group discussions
- A โFind Someone Whoโ activity
- Morning meeting icebreakers and get to know you activities
These task cards are a teacher favorite for building classroom community during the first week of school.
๐ [Grab the Back-to-School Task Cards here]
4. Free First Day Jitters Graphic Organizers
If youโre reading First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, these free graphic organizers are a perfect follow-up activity.
Students can reflect on their own first-day feelings and write about their emotions after the read-aloud. Itโs a thoughtful way to connect literature to their real-life experiences and foster open discussions about first-day nerves.
๐ [Download your free First Day Jitters graphic organizers here]
โ 5. High 5 Goals: Goal-Setting Templates for the First Week
Goal-setting can be a wonderful addition to your get to know you activities that encourages students to think about what they hope to achieve in the new school year.
With the High 5 Goals printable, students trace their hand and write five simple goalsโone on each finger. Display these hands on a bulletin board to inspire your students every time they see them.
๐ [Check out the High 5 Goals template here]
๐ Start the Year with Meaningful Get to Know You Activities
These get to know you activities are more than just icebreakersโtheyโre opportunities to build classroom community, encourage self-expression, and create a positive tone for the year. Whether youโre decorating your walls with student work or sparking thoughtful conversations, these print-and-go templates will make your first week of school a success.
โจ Check out this blog post to find unique ideas for using All About Me Posters here.
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