Back-to-School Buzz

Jeri Bryant

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Back-to-School Buzz Lesson Plan

Students will learn each other’s names, understand classroom routines, and collaboratively create a visual class contract to set clear expectations and foster a positive community.

Establishing routines and co-creating expectations builds ownership, safety, and respect, helping 2nd graders feel valued and ready to learn together.

Audience

2nd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Name games, discussion, and chart co-creation.

Materials

Name Tag Template, * Class Contract Chart, * Sticky Notes, * Markers, and * Timer

Prep

Print and Organize Materials

10 minutes

Print one Name Tag Template per student and cut out.- Attach Class Contract Chart to chart paper or wall.- Gather markers, sticky notes, and set a visible timer.- Review the lesson flow and ensure materials are within reach.

Step 1

Welcome & Name Game

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle on the rug.- Model filling out a name tag using the Name Tag Template. - Distribute name tags and help students write their names.- Play a quick "Name Toss": toss a soft ball; catcher says their name aloud.

Step 2

Discuss Routines & Expectations

5 minutes

Ask: "What makes our classroom a great place to learn?" - Record student ideas on the Class Contract Chart. - Prompt for listening, respect, following directions, and kindness.

Step 3

Co-create Class Contract

10 minutes

Review all recorded ideas and group similar suggestions.- Have students vote on the top five expectations.- Write the chosen rules in student-friendly language on the Class Contract Chart.- Display the completed contract where everyone can see it.

Step 4

Community Building Activity

5 minutes

Pair students up and ask them to share one fun fact about themselves.- Each partner introduces the other to the whole class in one sentence.- Celebrate each introduction with a round of applause.

Step 5

Reflection & Close

5 minutes

Ask: "How will our class contract help us succeed this year?" - Invite a few volunteers to share responses.- Point to the Class Contract Chart and explain how it will guide daily behavior.- Thank students for their ideas and participation.

Slide Deck

Back-to-School Buzz

Welcome to our Welcome & Expectations session!

Today we will:

Learn each other’s names
Discuss classroom routines
Co-create our class contract

Introduce yourself and the session. Explain that today we will get to know one another, learn our classroom routines, and create a class contract to keep us safe and happy all year.

Welcome & Name Game

Fill out your name tag using the Name Tag Template
Gather in a circle on the rug
Play “Name Toss”: toss a soft ball; the catcher says their name aloud

Model how to fill out a name tag using the Name Tag Template. Help any student who needs assistance.

Discuss Routines & Expectations

Ask: “What makes our classroom a great place to learn?”
Record ideas on the Class Contract Chart
Prompt for listening, respect, kindness, following directions

Encourage all students to share one idea. Write each response clearly on the Class Contract Chart.

Co-create Class Contract

Review recorded ideas and group similar ones
Vote on the top five expectations
Write each chosen rule on the Class Contract Chart
Display the finished contract where everyone can see it

Use dot stickers or a show of hands to vote on the top five expectations. Help rephrase any complicated ideas into simple, student-friendly language.

Community Building Activity

Pair up and share one fun fact about yourself
Introduce your partner to the class in one sentence
Celebrate each introduction with a round of applause

Pair students strategically (e.g., new friends together). Circulate to ensure every pair shares and practices introductions.

Reflection & Close

Ask: “How will our class contract help us succeed this year?”
Invite volunteers to share responses
Point to the Class Contract Chart and explain how it will guide us
Thank students for their ideas and participation

Guide students to connect the contract to daily behavior. Reinforce that the rules are theirs, so they help us all learn and feel safe.

Worksheet

Name Tag Template

(Cut along the dotted line to create your name tag.)

Hello! My name is ____________________________________________________

Draw a picture of yourself here:

Activity

Class Contract Chart

Use this chart to record our classroom expectations and why they matter.

Expectation: _______________________________________________
Why it's important: _________________________________________

Expectation: _______________________________________________
Why it's important: _________________________________________

Expectation: _______________________________________________
Why it's important: _________________________________________

Expectation: _______________________________________________
Why it's important: _________________________________________

Expectation: _______________________________________________
Why it's important: _________________________________________