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lenny

Welcome Aboard!

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Patty ONeil

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Hello, Second Graders! Lesson Plan

Foster a welcoming classroom by introducing 2nd graders to peers, routines, and expectations through interactive icebreakers, a classroom tour, and community-building activities.

Building connections and familiarity on day one helps students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. This orientation sets a positive tone and lays the foundation for a supportive classroom community.

Audience

2nd Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Engaging icebreakers, a guided tour, and group reflection reinforce routines and relationships.

Materials

  • Name Tags, - Markers, - Icebreaker Question Cards, - Scavenger Hunt Checklist, - Welcome Banner, and - Classroom Etiquette Poster

Prep

Prepare Classroom Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out the Icebreaker Question Cards
  • Prepare Name Tags and set out markers
  • Hang the Welcome Banner at the front of the class
  • Place the Scavenger Hunt Checklist stations around the room
  • Review the Classroom Etiquette Poster to reference during closing

Step 1

Warm Welcome & Name Tags

5 minutes

  • Greet each student at the door with a smile or high-five
  • Distribute Name Tags; model printing names clearly
  • Encourage students to say their name and one fun fact as they stick on their tag

Step 2

Icebreaker Question Pairs

10 minutes

  • Have students pair up with someone they don’t know well
  • Each pair draws two cards from the Icebreaker Question Cards
  • Students take turns asking and answering each question
  • Teacher circulates to listen, prompt deeper replies, and model active listening

Step 3

Classroom Scavenger Hunt

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and give each group a Scavenger Hunt Checklist
  • Groups explore designated areas (e.g., library, supply station, reading corner) and check off items or locations
  • Return to share one favorite discovery with the class

Step 4

Community-Building Closing

5 minutes

  • Gather students on the carpet for a quick share-out: “One thing I enjoyed today was…”
  • Introduce the Classroom Etiquette Poster and read through key expectations together
  • Decide on one simple class rule (e.g., “Raise your hand to speak”) and display it beside the poster
lenny

Lesson Plan

Welcome Aboard Lesson Plan

Foster a welcoming classroom by introducing 2nd graders to peers, routines, and expectations through interactive icebreakers, a classroom tour, and community-building activities.

Building connections and familiarity on day one helps students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. This orientation sets a positive tone and lays the foundation for a supportive classroom community.

Audience

2nd Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Engaging icebreakers, a guided tour, and group reflection.

Materials

  • Name Tags, - Markers, - Icebreaker Question Cards, - Scavenger Hunt Checklist, - Welcome Banner, and - Classroom Etiquette Poster

Prep

Prepare Classroom Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out the Icebreaker Question Cards
  • Prepare Name Tags and set out markers
  • Hang the Welcome Banner at the front of the class
  • Place the Scavenger Hunt Checklist stations around the room
  • Review the Classroom Etiquette Poster to reference during closing

Step 1

Warm Welcome & Name Tags

5 minutes

  • Greet each student at the door with a smile or high-five
  • Distribute Name Tags; model printing names clearly
  • Encourage students to say their name and one fun fact as they stick on their tag

Step 2

Icebreaker Question Pairs

10 minutes

  • Have students pair up with someone they don’t know well
  • Each pair draws two cards from the Icebreaker Question Cards
  • Students take turns asking and answering each question
  • Teacher circulates to listen, prompt deeper replies, and model active listening

Step 3

Classroom Scavenger Hunt

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and give each group a Scavenger Hunt Checklist
  • Groups explore designated areas (e.g., library, supply station, reading corner) and check off items or locations
  • Return to share one favorite discovery with the class

Step 4

Community-Building Closing

5 minutes

  • Gather students on the carpet for a quick share-out: “One thing I enjoyed today was…”
  • Introduce the Classroom Etiquette Poster and read through key expectations together
  • Decide on one simple class rule (e.g., “Raise your hand to speak”) and display it beside the poster
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome Aboard!

Welcome to 2nd grade!
• Let’s make new friends
• Learn our classroom
• Have fun together

Welcome everyone! Today we’re going to have fun getting to know each other and exploring our new classroom. Use bright visuals and a friendly tone.

Today’s Plan

  1. Warm Welcome & Name Tags (5 min)
  2. Icebreaker Question Pairs (10 min)
  3. Classroom Scavenger Hunt (10 min)
  4. Community-Building Closing (5 min)

Briefly walk through the plan so students know what’s coming next.

Warm Welcome & Name Tags

• Greet at the door with a smile or high-five
• Find your Name Tag and write your name
• Share one fun fact as you stick on your tag

Stand at the door, greet each child with a high-five or smile as they enter. Model how to write their name clearly on their tag.

Icebreaker Question Pairs

• Pair up with someone new
• Draw two Icebreaker Question Cards
• Take turns asking and answering
• Listen carefully and learn more about each other

Help pairs draw question cards. Circulate to encourage deeper answers and model active listening.

Classroom Scavenger Hunt

• Get into small groups
• Find items on your Scavenger Hunt Checklist
• Explore corners: library, supply station, reading nook
• Return and share your favorite discovery

Divide into small groups and distribute checklists. Encourage students to explore safely and check off discoveries.

Community-Building Closing

• Share: “One thing I enjoyed today was…”
• Read our Classroom Etiquette Poster
• Decide on one class rule (e.g., “Raise your hand to speak”)
• Display our rule next to the poster

Gather everyone on the carpet. Prompt each child to share one thing they enjoyed. Introduce the etiquette poster and co-create a simple class rule.

Great Job, 2nd Graders!

Thank you for participating!
Our class rule: “_______________”
Let’s follow it every day and have a fantastic year together!

Reinforce positivity and excitement for the year. Encourage students to remember today’s rule.

lenny

Worksheet

Icebreaker Questions Worksheet

Instructions: Find a partner and take turns asking each other these questions. Write your answers in the space provided.

  1. What is your name and one fun fact about yourself?



  2. What is your favorite animal, and why?



  3. What is your favorite book? Describe what you like about it.



  4. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?



  5. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?



  6. What is something you are really good at? How did you learn it?



  7. What is your favorite game or sport to play? Explain why.



  8. What is your favorite thing to do at recess?



  9. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?



  10. What is one thing you want to learn or try this year in 2nd grade?



lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Classroom Scavenger Hunt Checklist

Instructions: In your small group, explore the classroom and find each of the following locations or items. When you find one, place a check (✔️) next to it.

Group Members:


  • Library Corner
  • Supply Station (markers, crayons, paper)
  • Reading Nook or Carpet Area
  • Teacher’s Desk
  • Water Fountain
  • Bookshelf with Picture Books
  • Art Station (paint brushes, glue, scissors)
  • Computer or Technology Area
  • Calendar & Schedule Board
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Snack or Snack Table Area
  • Coat Hooks or Backpack Area

Once you’ve checked off all items, answer the questions below:

  1. Which area did your group enjoy exploring the most, and why?





  2. What is one new thing you learned about our classroom today?



  3. Draw or describe your favorite discovery from the scavenger hunt below:











lenny
lenny

Activity

Name Tag Maker

Materials: Blank name tag templates, markers, crayons, stamps, stickers, glue sticks

Teacher Instructions:

  • Set up a decoration station with all materials laid out.
  • Show students an example of a name tag you’ve decorated (write your name, pick a color scheme, add stickers).
  • Explain the steps and demonstrate writing your name clearly.

Student Instructions:

  1. Pick up a blank name tag template from the station.
  2. Write your first name in big, clear letters in the center.


  3. Choose markers or crayons to add a colorful border or background.


  4. Decorate with stickers or stamps that show something you like (e.g., a heart, a soccer ball, a book).


  5. Draw one small picture or symbol that tells us more about you.


  6. When you’re done, clip your name tag on your shirt and find a friend to share one thing you drew or chose.

Follow-Up Questions:

  • What design did you choose, and why?
  • How did you decide which colors to use?
  • Can you find a friend who also used your favorite color?






lenny
lenny

Reading

Classroom Etiquette Poster

Follow our rules to make our classroom a safe and happy place for everyone!

Be Respectful

  • Listen when others are speaking.
  • Use kind words and gentle voices.

Be Responsible

  • Follow directions the first time they are given.
  • Take care of our classroom materials.

Be Safe

  • Keep hands and feet to yourself.
  • Walk quietly inside the classroom.

Be Ready to Learn

  • Raise your hand if you have something to share or ask.
  • Look at the speaker and show you are listening.

Our Class Promise:
We will work together, be kind, and help each other learn!

lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Exit Ticket: My Favorite Part

  1. My favorite part of today was:





  2. One new thing I learned was:





  3. A question I still have is:





lenny
lenny

Script

Welcome Aboard! Teacher Script

Objective

Foster a welcoming classroom by introducing 2nd graders to peers, routines, and expectations through interactive icebreakers, a classroom tour, and community-building activities.


1. Warm Welcome & Name Tags (5 minutes)

(Teacher stands at the door with a smile or gives a high-five to each student.)

Teacher says:
“Good morning, friends! Welcome to our 2nd-grade classroom. I am so excited to learn and play with you this year!

Right here on this table are your Name Tags. Please grab one and come over to the carpet to write your name in big, clear letters. As you write, think of one fun fact about yourself. When you’re ready, come show me your name tag and share your fun fact while you stick it on your shirt. I’ll go first as an example.”

(Teacher models: writes name, shares a fun fact—“My fun fact is I love puppies!”—then places the tag on shirt.)

After each student shares, prompt briefly:
“Thank you, Maria! That is a great fun fact. Who can tell me something special they heard about their new friend?”

Transition when all tags are on:
“Fantastic job, everyone! Let’s put our pens away and get ready for our icebreaker game.”


2. Icebreaker Question Pairs (10 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Now we’re going to learn even more about each other! Stand up and find a partner you don’t know very well. Nice job finding someone new!

Each pair, please come pick out two cards from our stack of Icebreaker Question Cards. Choose who will ask the first question. Take turns asking and answering in a clear voice. Remember to look at your partner, listen carefully, and say something back.”

(Teacher circulates, listens in on pairs, and offers prompts.)

If a student gives a short answer, encourage deeper thinking:
“Tell me more about that. Why is that your favorite?”

After about 8 minutes, signal the end:
“Okay, friends—hands on your heads! That means time is up. Please place your cards back in the box and come sit on the carpet.”


3. Classroom Scavenger Hunt (10 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Ready for an adventure? We’re going on a classroom scavenger hunt! Get into groups of three or four. Each group picks up one Scavenger Hunt Checklist and one pencil. Decide who will hold the checklist and who will be the recorder. You have eight minutes to explore and check off every spot on your list. Then we’ll come back and share your favorite discovery.”

(Teacher sets a timer for 8 minutes and monitors groups.)

If a group gets stuck, guide them:
“Group 2, remember to look for the water fountain—it’s just outside the door to your right. Give it a check when you find it!”

When the timer rings, gather students:
“Time’s up, explorers! Please return to the carpet with your checklist.”

Ask for sharing:
“Group 3, what was your favorite place you found, and why?"

(Allow 2–3 groups to share briefly.)


4. Community-Building Closing & Class Rule (5 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Let’s sit criss-cross on the carpet for our closing. Who can tell us one thing they enjoyed today? I’ll start: I loved watching you all work together on the scavenger hunt!”

(Invite 3–4 students to share.)

Teacher continues:
“Thank you for sharing! Now let’s read our Classroom Etiquette Poster together. Everyone, read this part with me: ‘Be Respectful’.”

(Students repeat each heading.)

Teacher asks:
“Can someone give me an example of being respectful in our classroom?”

After a brief discussion, co-create one rule:
“Today, let’s decide on one rule we will all follow. What do you think?" (Listen to suggestions.)

Once the class agrees (e.g., “Raise your hand to speak”), announce:
“Our class rule is: Raise your hand to speak. I will write it here beside our poster, and we will follow it every day.”


5. Quick Exit Ticket (if time allows)

Teacher says:
“I have a quick exit ticket for you. On this Exit Ticket: My Favorite Part, please write:

  1. Your favorite part of today
  2. One new thing you learned
  3. A question you still have

When you’re done, place it in the box on my desk. Then you’re all set to head home!”

(Collect exit tickets as students finish.)


6. Send-Off

Teacher says:
“Great job today, 2nd graders! Remember our rule: Raise your hand to speak. I’m so proud of how kind and responsible you were. Have a wonderful day, and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow!”

lenny
lenny