Emotion Express Cards

Description: A deck of cards featuring common feelings to help students identify and share emotions about new experiences.

How to Use:

1. Print and cut the cards along the edges.
2. Shuffle and place face down in the center.
3. Students work in pairs. Each student draws a card, names the emotion, and answers the prompt.
4. Partners switch roles until each has shared.

Cards (Emotion — Prompt):

• Excited — “Tell about a time you felt excited and why.”
  
  
  
• Nervous — “Describe when you felt nervous. What helped you feel better?”
  
  
  
• Curious — “Share something new you wanted to learn and how you explored it.”
  
  
  
• Proud — “Think of a moment you felt proud of yourself. What did you do?”
  
  
  
• Brave — “Recall a time you tried something even though you were afraid.”
  
  
  
• Happy — “What makes you feel happy in class or at home?”
  
  
  
• Confused — “Talk about a time you felt confused. How did you figure it out?”
  
  
  
• Calm — “Share one thing that helps you stay calm when you’re worried.”
  
  
  

Confidence Buddies Worksheet

Instructions: Work with your buddy to fill out this sheet. First write about yourself, then write about your buddy.

Name: ____________________________ Buddy’s Name: ____________________________

1. My Strength

2. My Goal for 3rd Grade

3. My Buddy’s Strength (What I Learned About Them)

4. My Buddy’s Goal for 3rd Grade (What I Learned About Them)

Transition Roadmap Poster

Welcome to 3rd Grade! Here’s a quick look at the subjects you’ll learn, the specials you’ll enjoy, and the daily routines that will help us have a fun, organized year together.

📚 Core Subjects

• Reading Groups: Small-group reading with leveled books and fun discussions.
• Math Centers: Hands-on math games, problem-solving stations, and partner challenges.
• Science Investigations: Experiments and observations in our classroom lab and outdoor explorations.
• Writing Workshop: Creative stories, reports, and poetry with mini-lessons and peer sharing.
• Social Studies Journeys: Stories of communities, cultures, and maps of our world.

🎨 Specials Schedule

• Art: Tuesday – Painting, drawing, and crafts to spark creativity.
• Music: Thursday – Singing, instruments, and rhythmic games.
• PE (Physical Education): Monday & Friday – Active games, teamwork, and fitness.
• Library: Wednesday – Book check-out, read-alouds, and library skills.
• Technology Lab: Once a week – Keyboarding, educational games, and digital projects.

⏰ Daily Routines

1. Morning Meeting (8:15–8:30): Greeting, sharing, and the day’s plan.
2. Center Time: Rotate through learning stations in reading, math, and writing.
3. Independent Reading: Quiet reading time with a book of your choice.
4. Snack & Stretch Break: Quick brain break—you choose a healthy snack and stretch!
5. Recess: Outdoor playtime with friends.
6. Lunch: Enjoy your meal and chat with classmates.
7. Closing Circle (3:00–3:10): Reflect on the day and set goals for tomorrow.

Let’s get ready to learn, explore, and have an amazing 3rd grade year together!

Third Grade Expectations Chart

Instructions: Read each routine or expectation for 3rd grade. In the “My Notes / Questions” column, write anything you want to remember or ask about.

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Bonus: What is one thing you feel excited about trying in 3rd grade?

Reflection Journal Template

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

1. Today I learned…

2. Something new I’m excited about…

3. Something that makes me feel a little nervous…

4. One thing I can do to feel brave when trying something new…

5. Draw yourself in 3rd grade! Then write a caption below.

Caption:

Stand-Up Sit-Down

Description: A quick energy-boosting icebreaker that helps students learn fun facts about each other and builds classroom community.

How to Play:

1. Teacher reads a statement or prompt (e.g., “You enjoy drawing.”).
2. If the prompt applies, students stand up, then sit back down.
3. Repeat with 6–8 different prompts, mixing academic, social, and personal topics.
4. After a few rounds, invite volunteers to share more about one statement that resonated.

Examples of Prompts:

• You have a pet at home.
• You love playing soccer or another sport.
• You enjoy reading chapter books.
• You have traveled to another state or country.
• You can speak more than one language.

Teacher Tips:

• Keep the pace lively and cheerful.
• Use simple, inclusive prompts so everyone gets a chance to participate.
• Celebrate diversity of experiences with applause or cheers.
• Use this activity to notice shared interests and spark conversation.