Warm-Up: Name Tag Greetings

Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Name Tags, Markers

Purpose:

• Help students learn and practice each other’s names
• Foster community and confidence from the first minutes of class

Instructions:

1. Distribute one Name Tag and a marker to each student.
2. Ask students to write or draw their name in the top half of the tag.

Student Work Space – Name:

1. In the lower half, have them draw or write one thing they like (favorite color, animal, game, etc.).

Favorite thing:

1. Once everyone is finished, invite students to stand and find a partner.
2. Each student shows their name tag, says their name aloud, and shares their favorite thing.
3. If time allows, students may swap tags and greet a new partner.

Differentiation & Support:

• Provide pre–printed name outlines or dotted-line templates for early writers.
• Allow students who need extra help to draw pictures or use letter stamps/stickers instead of writing.
• Offer a visual word bank of common favorites (colors, animals, foods) for English learners.

Classroom Community Tip:
Encourage students to give a friendly wave or thumbs-up after each greeting to reinforce positive social interaction.

Game: Icebreaker Ball Toss

Time: 10 minutes
Materials: Icebreaker Ball

Purpose:

• Encourage speaking and listening skills
• Help students learn about each other’s interests
• Promote turn-taking and respectful listening

Instructions:

1. Have students stand or sit in a circle.
2. Explain that they will toss the Icebreaker Ball around.
3. Demonstrate gently tossing the ball to a classmate.
4. When a student catches the ball, they locate the question under their right thumb, read it aloud, and answer it (e.g., “What’s your favorite book?”).
5. After answering, they toss the ball to another classmate.
6. Continue until every student has had at least one turn.

Sample Questions (on the Ball):

• What’s your favorite color?
• Do you have any pets?
• What’s your favorite game or toy?
• What’s a fun thing you did this summer?

Differentiation & Support:

• Provide a visual list of simplified questions for early writers or English learners.
• Allow students to pass once per round and offer them the option to pick a question instead.
• Cue individual students by name if they need extra encouragement or processing time.

Classroom Community Tip:
Remind students to make eye contact with the speaker and listen quietly. Encourage a thumbs-up or smile before and after each toss to reinforce positive interactions.

Activity: Classroom Scavenger Hunt

Time: 10 minutes
Materials: Scavenger Hunt Checklist, pencils or clipboards if available

Purpose:

• Help students become familiar with key areas and materials in the classroom
• Reinforce routines for finding and using classroom resources
• Encourage collaboration and communication in small groups

Instructions:

1. Arrange students into pairs or small groups of 3.
2. Give each group a copy of the Scavenger Hunt Checklist and a pencil.
3. Explain that they will quietly explore the classroom to locate each item or area listed on their checklist.
4. When they find an item (e.g., pencil sharpener, reading nook), they should check it off and, if space allows, draw a small picture or write a word about it.
5. Remind students to stay together, use walking feet, and speak softly so as not to disrupt classmates who may be working.
6. Once a group completes the checklist, they return to the meeting spot and show their teacher.
7. Celebrate groups with a sticker or verbal praise before reconvening for a quick share-out.

Student Work Space – Checklist Items:

• Pencil sharpener
• Reading nook or library corner
• Art supplies area (paints, markers, or scissors)
• Classroom rules chart
• Teacher’s desk
• Cubby or locker area
• Clean-up station (broom, wipes)

Differentiation & Support:

• Provide picture icons next to each checklist item for early readers or ELL students.
• Pair students strategically so stronger readers or more familiar students can support peers.
• Allow students who need extra support to use a tablet or camera to snap photos instead of writing or drawing.
• Offer a simplified checklist with fewer items for students with processing or attention needs.

Classroom Community Tip:
Encourage groups to use kind words and help each other (“Follow me,” “Is this it?”). Highlight teamwork by asking: “What did your friend show you that was new?” during the share-out.