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Back to School Vibes

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abenson

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Back to School Vibes Lesson Plan

Help 9th grade students reconnect after vacation and rebuild a positive classroom community by engaging in interactive activities.

Reconnecting after vacation eases the transition into school, enhances student well-being, and promotes a supportive learning environment.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and activities.

Materials

Back to School Vibes Lesson Plan, and Icebreaker Activity Cards

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the Back to School Vibes Lesson Plan details prior to class.
  • Prepare the icebreaker cards and set up the classroom seating.
  • Ensure all digital materials (if any) are accessible and working on the classroom projector.

Step 1

Welcome and Icebreaker

10 minutes

  • Start with a brief welcome and introduce the session’s purpose.
  • Distribute the Icebreaker Activity Cards and have students pair up to share fun experiences from the vacation.
  • Encourage sharing of memorable moments to warm up the group.

Step 2

Group Discussion

10 minutes

  • Organize students into small groups.
  • Prompt discussion on questions like: What did you enjoy about the vacation? What are you looking forward to at school?
  • Circulate and facilitate positive dialogue and ensure everyone participates.

Step 3

Closing Activity

5 minutes

  • Reconvene as a class and invite each group to share one positive insight.
  • Summarize common themes and reinforce the idea of a supportive, well-connected classroom community.
  • End with encouraging remarks that set a positive tone for future classes.
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome Back!

Reconnect and Build Community

Let's get ready to share our vacation stories and connect with one another.

Introduce the session and set the tone. Remind students they're here to reconnect after the vacation and to build a supportive classroom community. Encourage positive energy.

Icebreaker Activity

Pair up with a classmate and share:
• A fun vacation experience
• Your most memorable moment

Explain the icebreaker activity. Distribute the Icebreaker Activity Cards and have students form pairs. Remind them to share fun and memorable moments from their vacation.

Group Discussion

Discuss in small groups:
• What did you enjoy about your vacation?
• What are you looking forward to at school?

Guide the group discussion. Divide students into small groups and prompt discussion with the provided questions. Walk around to ensure everyone is engaged and participating.

Closing Thoughts

Share one positive insight from your group.

Thank you for reconnecting and setting a positive tone for the year!

Wrap up the session. Invite each group to share one insight from their discussion. Summarize key themes and reinforce the importance of maintaining a positive classroom community.

lenny

Activity

Back to School Vibes Activity: Icebreaker Activity Cards

This activity uses the Icebreaker Activity Cards to help students share fun, memorable experiences from their vacation. The cards are designed to foster interaction and create a comfortable, friendly environment in the classroom. Below are guidelines and prompts to support the activity.

Guidelines for Teachers

  1. Preparation:

    • Ensure that you have the printed set of Icebreaker Activity Cards.
    • Arrange the classroom seating to encourage face-to-face interaction.
    • Briefly review the cards to familiarize yourself with the prompts.

  2. Instructions to Students:

    • You will be given a card with a fun prompt or question related to your vacation experiences.
    • Find a partner and take turns discussing your answers. Listen actively and share additional details to keep the conversation engaging.
    • Feel free to ask follow-up questions if your partner’s experience interests you.

  3. Time Allocation:

    • Spend approximately 10 minutes on this card activity as part of the overall 30-minute session.

Prompts and Questions on the Cards

Here are some example prompts that might appear on the cards:

  • Memory Lane: "What was the most unexpected or surprising thing that happened during your vacation?"





  • Adventure Time: "Describe an adventure or outing that made your vacation memorable. What made it fun?"





  • Taste of Vacation: "What was your favorite meal or food you tried while on vacation? Why did it stand out to you?"





  • Relax & Recharge: "How did you relax during your vacation? Share a moment when you truly felt at peace."





  • Cultural Discovery: "Was there something unique about the place you visited (e.g., local traditions or cultural events) that fascinated you?"





Follow-up Points for Discussion

After the cards activity, bring the class together and consider these follow-up questions:

  • "What similarities did you find in your and your partner’s stories?"
  • "How did sharing these experiences help you feel more connected with your classmates?"
  • "Did any of the stories inspire you to try something new or different this school year?"
  • "What positive aspects of your vacation might you bring into the classroom to create a more vibrant community?"

Using the Icebreaker Activity Cards in this structure will not only help break the ice but also create a welcoming atmosphere that sets a positive tone for the rest of the year. Enjoy reconnecting through shared stories and laughter!

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