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This helps students become one and use teamwork to accomplish a task

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Deposits & Withdrawals to Emotional Bank Account

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Deposits & Withdrawals to Emotional Bank Account

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This lets students become responsible for their behavior and learn how they can make the classroom community a better environment to work and learn in.

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Every Friday, we dig into goal-setting work in my classroom, and it's turned into my most favorite time to teach! To see all of my goal-setting posts, click HERE or scroll to the bottom of this post to see what we've been up to.

This week, we started talking about Thinking Win-Win, especially when it comes to making deposits into each others (and my!) Emotional Bank Accounts. While we start each year with Bucket Filling and use that terminology throughout the year, I find this term is a nice change. It never hurts to hear it in a variety of ways, right?

We talked a lot about our personal Emotional Bank Accounts, but we also talked about our classroom's Emotional Bank Account, as well as mine and other teachers', students', and adults' who they interact with on a daily basis.

The addition of our classroom's Emotional Bank Account was something that really hit home-- I wanted to emphasize that the choices they make don't just have an individual impact. Oftentimes, their choices (both good and bad) have class-wide consequences. When they make these choices, they should be thinking about whether it's adding or subtracting from our classroom's Emotional Bank Account.

We generated some common deposits and withdraws that we have been seeing in our classroom. Since it's so close to Spring Break, but we've been snowed in, you can see that self-control is a large focus here!

I then passed out one green and one pink sticky note to each student and had them head back to their table spots. There, they generated one deposit (on the green) that they would make sometime next week. Similarly, on the pink, they thought of a withdraw they have been making and thought about how they could do something different to change that choice for next week.

When they had both of these filled out, they came up to the front board and place them next to our Anchor Chart:

I had them glance through each of the deposits and withdraws as they came up to add their own. We will revisit these next week, but it was very reassuring to see their goals reflected some of the concrete examples we had discussed and wanted to focus on:

Little deposits like these will add up to make a huge difference to our classroom community overall. I am also making a point to use the "deposit" language when it comes to clipping up in my classroom. I want my kids to know that their clip up means they have increased our class' Emotional Bank Account and that their choice has not only positively impacted themselves, but our classroom as a whole.

Find more Goal-Setting Posts here:

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Deposits & Withdraws to Our Emotional Bank Accounts

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Every Friday, we dig into goal-setting work in my classroom, and it's turned into my most favorite time to teach! To see all of my goal-setting posts, click HERE or scroll to the bottom of this post to see what we've been up to.

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Students will get to know themselves better and will have the chance to learn about each other. The students will research their families and they will have the opportunity to examine what is important to them, what they value. This leads to community building in that when we know ourselves better, we create a place for ourselves in the community to which we belong.

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Settings goals and working on goals with students can help them feel a sense of trust with you, especially once you can make steps to reaching the goal

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Giving a positive note about a friend rather than tattling

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Positive building for friends in a classroom

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This lets students know that you see that they are trying hard and excelling in their work. It makes them want to work harder and do their work

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This game helps students use teamwork to create ONE person, by letting students use their legs, arms, etc. to make up just one person.

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Students can use this game for name recognition. This will help students cooperate and listen to try to get to the end of the game remembering names and items brought to the cookout.

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This game will help your students with communication and creativity to try to get their classmates to smile.

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In order to have a classroom that works cooperatively and efficiently they need to understand how to respect one another.

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Sesame Street: Respect | Word on the Street

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When we hurt our friend's feelings we want to apologize the correct way and make up so that we have a positive classroom atmosphere. This can help!

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Stuffed animals to encourage kids reading and make them feel safe and warm in a content environment while reading.

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16 Ways Parents Can Be Involved in the Classroom This School Year

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Learn how even busy parents can help out their kids' schools -- whether you have 3 hours a day, a week or month or a year. When parents are involved in their children's education, children succeed at higher rates. Analysis from the National Center for Family and Community Connections with ...

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Journals can help learn more about students and even share things that they may not be willing to share aloud.

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Story Starters & Writing Ideas for Elementary Kids - Oh the many joys of journaling!

I love to write about journaling tips, creative journaling, and journal writing techniques. But I am most often asked for a listing of journaling topics and prompts.

Writing in a journal is one of my very favorite activities, and I hope it is one of your student's favorite activities, too. Personally, I am rarely at a loss for something to write about in my journal, but many people need some help to get them started writing. This seems to be the case, especially for elementary kids. This is why writing prompts are so helpful to them.

Elementary Writing and Journal Prompts and Story Starters for Kids

So, without further ado... here's an amazing list of elementary writing prompts and writing starters for your students!

1. Imagine that you can become invisible whenever you wanted to? What are some of the things you would do?

2. I am very proud because...

3. If I were President I would...

4. If I were a turtle living in a pond, I would ...

5. I am afraid to________ because

6. Name on thing you do really well? Give lots of details telling why.

7. What is your favorite room in your home and why?

8. Describe what it means to be a good neighbor?

9. What is your favorite time of day? Why?

10. Describe your best day ever?

11. How do you deal with people who bug you?

12. What excites you?

13. Describe your favorite hobby.

14. What is your favorite quote by a famous person? Why?

15. What is your favorite song and why?

16. Climbing trees is...

17. I wish trees could ___________ because....

18. I want to be a ________ when I grow up. Then I will....

19. I wish there were a law that said.....

20. I wish I could forget the time I ___________ because....

21. I wish I could do ___________ because.....

22. Older people are...

23. Younger people are...

24. The perfect place in the whole wide world is ___________ because ...

25. What makes you feel sad? Why?

26. What makes you feel happy? Why?

27. What can you do to help you feel better when you're feeling blue?

28. Name your favorite book and why?

29. If I were a raindrop, I'd ...

30. What I know about rabbits is that

31. If I were an Easter egg...

32. For lunch today...

33. Pretend that you can fly whenever you wanted. Where would you go?

34. Pretend that there is no such thing as television, the Internet, or video games. What do you do with all your time?

35. My favorite stuffed animal or toy is...

36. Imagine if cows gave green juice instead of milk! What would the world look like?

37. Imagine that all the streets are rivers? How do you get around?

38. What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?

39. If I were a snake, I'd ...

40. Use descriptive words like amazing, incredible, outrageous, super-fun or mind-blowing in your journal entry.

41. If I could choose a different name, I would choose...

42. Let's go _______________. Describe your adventure.

43. Write a letter to your Mom, Dad, friend, cousin, classmate.

44. What would happen if animals could talk?

45. What questions would you like to ask animals and what would their answers be?

46. What would you do if you were in the middle of the lake and your boat springs a leak?

47. What would you do if you suddenly woke up in another country and no one could understand a word you said! What would you do?

48. Write a poem about your favorite person, animal, or place.

49. What is your dream vacation?

I am always looking to expand my listing of journaling prompts and would love to hear your ideas. I'd invite you to add to this list of elementary writing prompts by posting your comment below!

May your student's journaling adventure be filled with joy, fun, and creativity.

Happy journaling....

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48 Thought Provoking Elementary Writing Prompts for Kids

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Story Starters & Writing Ideas for Elementary Kids - Oh the many joys of journaling! I love to write about journaling tips, creative journaling, and journal writing techniques. But I am most often asked for a listing of journaling topics and prompts.

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By giving students more choice they feel they are in control of their learning and vital to their learning experience.

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5 Ways to Give Your Students More Voice and Choice

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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The first week of school is a crucial time for both teachers and students and can often set the tone for the entire school year. Luckily, there are a multitude of fun activities that can help form bonds that will strengthen all year. From orienting students to the new classroom to learning how to collaborate as a team, these interactive ideas will get students and educators off on the right track.

1. Classroom Treasure Hunt

The Treasure Hunt activity is a great way to help your students get to know the setup of their new classroom while also learning how to work together as a team.

Make a list of several important items in the classroom, such as reference books, art supplies, staplers, paper and more. Then, in teams of two or three, have the students locate each item on the list. A simple, but effective, game that will have everyone feeling more at home in no time.

2. Tennis Ball Transfer

This game requires small groups to focus and collaborate on a task-building on skills students will need in the classroom and beyond.

Each group of about four to five children will need a cup, string, a large metal washer and a tennis ball. The students will need to work together to decipher the best way to hold the strings and balance the tennis ball on the washer while walking toward the cup. (The teacher should determine how far the students need to walk based on age/grade level.) Once the team arrives at the cup, they'll need to work as a group to figure out how to drop the ball into the cup without touching either object.

3. First Day of School Puzzle

This clever craft project allows students to express what's special about themselves, learn about fellow classmates and create a unique art piece they can enjoy year-round.

Come to class prepared with puzzle piece cutouts -one for each student-in various colors (be sure they connect as a complete puzzle). Using old magazines and any other materials you like, have the students decorate their puzzle pieces with cutout photos, words and visuals that describe who they are. Go a little deeper and have each student give a brief presentation of their puzzle piece before fitting them all together.

The overall message: Every piece of the puzzle is different and it takes all of them to make a complete picture.

4. One-Minute Talk

Based on topics either chosen by the students or determined by the teacher, have students give an impromptu 60-second talk on anything they are interested in. It could be a favorite book, a memorable vacation or even a hobby they're passionate about.

This exercise may be best suitable for middle to high school aged students, but could also work with younger kids, depending on the topic.

5. Inside-Outside Circle

It can sometimes be difficult for students to open up to one another, but this kinesthetic activity is designed to get students moving and talking.

Instruct students to form a circle within a circle-aim for an equal number of students for each circle. Students in the inside circle turn and face those in the outside circle. The group facilitator-this can be the teacher or a student-determines a topic and the partnered students share their thoughts on that subject, alternating every 30 seconds or so. Then, ask the inside circle to rotate and repeat the exercise.

These short exchanges involve everyone and can be used to dig deeper into a lesson or simply as a means of getting to know each other.

6. Alien Greeting

Perfect for new groups that don't know each other very well, Alien Greeting is an amusing game that's rooted in improv.

Have students form a circle. Then ask each to imagine they are from another planet and to think of a sound or movement that would be used as a "hello" on their fictional planet. Give them a few minutes to think of something.

When ready, ask each student to greet the student on their left with their unique "alien greeting." Next, have everyone share their greeting with the class along with some insight into how they came up with their idea.

7. Where-We-Come-From Map

This mapping activity is a wonderful way to illustrate how diverse your classroom is.

Project or hang up maps of the United States and the world. Ask each student to write their name on a piece of paper or sticky note. One at a time, have each student come to the front of the class, tell everyone their name and where they were born, while placing their piece of paper on the state or country they are from. For some younger grades, students may need a teacher's assistance to find their state or country on the map.

There are plenty of follow-up opportunities, such as creating a graph that shows all of the different states and countries the students are from, geography lessons, research projects and more.

8. Q&A Hands

Students will learn important information about their fellow schoolmates and create a fun display for their classroom with this project that combines sharing and art.

In pairs, ask students to trace their partner's hands on paper and cut them out. Students should write one question on each finger. It's helpful if the teacher provides some questions, but it's also fun to allow students to come up with some of their own.

Some examples are "What is your favorite TV show?" What's your favorite subject?" and "Which countries have you visited?"

Have students write the answers to their questions on the fingers and then ask them to share their answers with the rest of the class. When the activity is complete, hang the hands on the wall for an informational art display!

9. Classroom Promise

Having an agreed upon set of rules will help create a classroom atmosphere that's collaborative and respectful. By developing a promise or mission statement with your students, it gives everyone a chance to take ownership of their actions.

During the first week of school, lead students in a discussion about responsibilities, respect, safety and more. As a class, write a promise, pledge or mission statement that incorporates tenets from that dialogue. Recreate the classroom promise on a poster. Hang it prominently in the classroom and refer to it often throughout the year to instill a positive classroom climate.

10. Have You Ever

Have You Ever is one of the most popular "getting to know you" games for a reason-it's simple, effective and fun.

Have students stand in a circle, each on a marker, with one person in the center. The person in the center of the circle is "it" and will ask a question starting with "have you ever?" followed by something they have done (Example: "Have you ever gone to Disneyland?").

The person who is "it," and everyone in the circle who has done the thing that was asked, must move to an empty spot, but not the spot right next to where they were originally standing. Whoever is last to get to a safe spot becomes "it."

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10 Team-Building Activities for the First Week of School " Connections Article

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The first week of school is a crucial time for both teachers and students and can often set the tone for the entire school year. Luckily, there are a multitude of fun activities that can help form bonds that will strengthen all year.

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This chart lets students help the teacher know what area they want to help in with the classroom jobs, with this the instructor can try to have some variety in who's doing what.

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You're not the only one who should be tidying up the classroom. Getting your students involved from the start is the way to go. Here's how.

The best way to ensure that students take an active role in maintaining the classroom is to assign classroom jobs on a rotating basis. Classroom jobs have the added benefit of giving students important responsibilities and ownership in the classroom. Rotating a variety of jobs among students will ensure that everyone is sharing these responsibilities and will help prevent jealousy over coveted jobs. Posting the list of classroom jobs with moveable student names, as shown in the Community of Helpers board below, will clarify which student is responsible for which job.

Take a look at these twenty-two job suggestions, and remember to take time early in the year to demonstrate how each of the various jobs is done. Students simply don't know how to put new staples in the stapler, reload the tape dispensers, and tap a stack of papers on the table to align pages. Once you show them, they're happy to become the in-class experts.

Room Maintenance Jobs

Supply Chief: keeps supplies organized and replenishes them as necessary

Sweeper: sweeps floor

Spill Crew: deals calmly and efficiently with spills of small items, juice, paint, and so on

Board Eraser/Board Washer: cleans all boards at the end of the day

Animal Caretaker: feeds pets and maintains cages or aquariums, with teacher's help when necessary

Plant Caretaker: waters and maintains plants

Recycling Chief: ensures bins are emptied regularly and reminds students to recycle whenever possible

Bits and Pieces Helper: crawls around under desks at the end of the day, collecting items that have been dropped (i.e., paper clips, scrap paper, pencils, math manipulatives) and returns them to their rightful place

Teacher's Helpers

Paper Handler: passes out and/or collects class work, homework, blank paper, and so forth

Alphabetizer: puts stacks of notebooks or papers in alphabetical order so record-keeping is easier and faster for the teacher

Messenger: delivers notes to other teachers or to the office

Display Helper: "frames" work with construction paper; helps design displays, tacks them up, and takes them down

Peer Support and Leadership Roles

Nurse Buddy: accompanies students to the nurse's office if they are sick or hurt

Librarian: keeps library neat and recommends a favorite book during a morning meeting

Ambassador: helps visitors or new students learn their way around and keeps them company at lunch and recess; explains classroom projects or displays to parents or visitors with questions

Special Meeting Leader: decides on a topic for the class to discuss or debate, and moderates the discussion

Current-Events Reporter: chooses, with teacher and parent approval, a news story to follow and share with the class throughout the week

Class Journal Writer: records each week's most memorable classroom events or activities

Jobs That Benefit the Greater School Community

Guest Reader: reads to a partner in kindergarten or first-grade classroom

Recycling Expert: teaches younger students about classroom recycling

Custodians and Decorators: maintains school common spaces (like the lobby or cafeteria), or decorates common spaces in preparation for holidays or special events

Secret Admirer: writes an unsigned note of thanks and appreciation to a school worker (custodian, office worker, cafeteria worker) whose contribution the school counts on

This article was adapted from Your Best Year Yet! A Guide to Purposeful Planning and Effective Classroom Organization by Shoshana Wolfe.

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Classroom Jobs for All Your Student Helpers | Scholastic

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You're not the only one who should be tidying up the classroom. Getting your students involved from the start is the way to go. Here's how. The best way to ensure that students take an active role in maintaining the classroom is to assign classroom jobs on a rotating basis.

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ELA.SL.5.1b

Common core State Standards

ELA: English Language Arts

SL: Speaking and Listening

5: 5th Grade

1b: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative
discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacherled)
with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and
texts, building on othersâ\x80\x99 ideas and expressing
their own clearly.

a. Come to discussions prepared, having read
or studied required material; explicitly draw
on that preparation and other information
known about the topic to explore ideas under
discussion.

b. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and
carry out assigned roles.

c. Pose and respond to specific questions by
making comments that contribute to the
discussion and elaborate on the remarks of
others.

d. Review the key ideas expressed and draw
conclusions in light of information and
knowledge gained from the discussions.

Download Common Core State Standards (PDF 1.2 MB)

|

ELA.SL.5.1c

Common core State Standards

ELA: English Language Arts

SL: Speaking and Listening

5: 5th Grade

1c: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative
discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacherled)
with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and
texts, building on othersâ\x80\x99 ideas and expressing
their own clearly.

a. Come to discussions prepared, having read
or studied required material; explicitly draw
on that preparation and other information
known about the topic to explore ideas under
discussion.

b. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and
carry out assigned roles.

c. Pose and respond to specific questions by
making comments that contribute to the
discussion and elaborate on the remarks of
others.

d. Review the key ideas expressed and draw
conclusions in light of information and
knowledge gained from the discussions.

Download Common Core State Standards (PDF 1.2 MB)

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Discussion and Supporting Materials

Thought starters

1. What types of academic skills are addressed in the morning meeting?

2. How do students accomplish their learning goals while also taking time for such activities as "self-reflection" and "greeting?

3. " What role does Ms. Noonan play during the morning meeting?

School Details

Think College Now School
2825 International Boulevard
Oakland CA 94601

Data Provided By:

Teachers

English Language Arts Math Social Studies / 5 / Teacher

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Madeline Noonan starts every class day with a morning meeting. Students use vocabulary to describe how they're feeling, practice speaking in front of peers, and gain trust by sharing a little about themselves. A daily "greeting" adds a bit of fun.

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Puzzle pieces of students fitting altogether in one although they are all different.

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A great book to use for community building.

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Encourages all students different likes and personalities.

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Book against bullying - helps students understand it's not okay to bully one another.

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Helps students remember that we are all one and no one is better than anyone else.

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These help create an environment where students feel safe sharing and encourages student voice - making it easier to make connections to content.

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The first day of school is quickly approaching for many of our Georgia school districts, and in an effort to help teachers and students overcome their first day jitters, we have added even more activities to our popular icebreaker blog!

Icebreakers may seem trivial but they can assist with building meaningful relationships with students. Jennifer Gonzalez wrote a wonderful article outlining a four-part process for getting to know your students and lists breaking the ice as the first step to creating a comfortable environment where students aren't afraid to ask questions and take academic risks. Below are some icebreakers that can help you establish an encouraging, educational environment where students thrive.

Establish a collaborative, cooperative learning environment on the first day of school with Marooned. Place students into groups of five and tell them that they are stranded on a deserted island. Explain that they must select five items from their personal belongings to help them survive and that each member of their group must contribute one thing. Give them about ten minutes to dig through their book bags, purses, or pockets to select necessary items. Then, have each group stand and explain what they selected and how each object is essential to their survival.

2. A Great Wind Blows
A Great Wind Blows may ease the fears of younger children who are anxious about starting their first day of school. Arrange your classroom chairs in an inward facing circle and have everyone sit in a chair. There should be one less chair than students. Stand outside of the circle and say the phrase "A great wind blows for everyone who..." and fill in the statement with a characteristic that students may have in common. Any student that identifies with that particular characteristic must stand up and move to a different chair. Every time someone gets up, a chair is removed. Any child that cannot find a chair will step outside of the circle and help the teacher think of phrases for the remaining players.

3. Six Word Story
Make students describe their summers in a complete sentence using only six words. Have them switch papers with a classmate that has to add a comment comprised of only six words. It may appear easy but it's a lot more difficult than it seems.
4. #I'm Awesome
Take a gigantic piece of butcher paper and tape it to the wall. Once students enter the classroom, hand them a marker and have them think of 2-3 hashtags that describe themselves. Allow them to write their hashtags on the wall and explain them to the rest of the class.
5. Blobs and Lines
This easy icebreaker from Cult of Pedagogy is sure to get everyone moving, conversing, and discovering their similarities. Simply ask students to line up in a particular order (by birthday, height, etc.) or gather in blobs based on something they have in common (favorite color, movie, number of siblings). Not only does this activity keep students engaged, you get to learn more about them. It also provides them with a sense of belonging. You can have them gather and line up as many times as you would like and you can even join in to see how much you have in common with you pupils.
6. The "What Am I?" Game
Modify the game of Pictionary by handing children sticky notes and letting them write down their favorite artist, movie, or athlete. Next, tell them to find a partner and to describe what they wrote down without using words. If their partner guesses correctly, the partner receives a point. If their partner guesses incorrectly, the actor receives a point. Have them find new companions three or four times.
7. Something's Not Quite Right
Education World has a host of icebreakers that have been tested by educators. One that aids younger students with observation skills is called Something's Not Quite Right. Before school starts, create chaos in your room by purposely misplacing a few items. This could mean that one of the numbers on your number line is out of place, a word is misspelled on the bulletin board, or that the date is incorrect. On the first day of school give students an observation sheet, place them into groups, and have them explore the room looking for abnormalities. Once they've had enough time to observe the room, discuss their findings in a whole group setting.

8. Classroom Scavenger Hunt
Instead of finding misplaced items, send children on a scavenger hunt around the room. This may help them take note of where key functional items such as the pencil sharpener are located. Make sure you require a description of the items you are asking them to find.
9. Snowball Fight
Have students write at least two identifying facts about themselves on a plain sheet of paper. Afterwards, everyone should gather in a circle, crumple their sheets of paper, and throw them in a pile inside the circle. Students should scramble to pick up a new paper and take turns reading the identifying characteristics. When someone recognizes his/her paper, they should raise their hand and elaborate on what they wrote.
10. Time Capsules
Create individualized time capsules on the first day of school. Fill them with pretests taken that week or personal letters about what they plan to accomplish throughout the school year. Letters can include expectations, clubs they would like to join, and desired grade point averages. You can even take pictures of your students on the first day, print them out, and place them inside the boxes. On the last day of school, distribute their time capsules and allow them to see how much they have learned, grown, and accomplished in one year. Younger students can complete handouts that ask about their favorite color, food, and book. It is amusing to see how their interests change over time.

Mrs. B from Texas came up with an excellent way to get her students to cooperate using index cards. First, place your students into groups of four or five and have them discuss their likes and dislikes. Then, give them each approximately 30 index cards and have them label each card with one thing they have in common. Next, have them create towers out of the index cards that are at least 10 inches in height. Challenge them to compete against the other groups in the classroom. You can even give the team with the tallest tower a prize!

Photo Courtesy of the pensivesloth.com

This STEM activity from the Growing a STEM Classroom encourages team building and critical thinking. It can also serve as an introduction to the scientific method. Explain to your students that Fred the worm is stranded on top of his boat in the middle of the ocean. Your students' job is to rescue Fred without touching him, his boat (the cup) or his life preserver (the life saver). The only things they can use to save Fred are the four paper clips provided. Mrs. Mastriana has posted an instructional guide and worksheet to accompany this activity. You can find them .

The Marshmallow Challenge works well with middle and high school students. The materials you will need include: 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. Break your students into groups of four or five and have them build the tallest structure that can support a marshmallow on top.

Getting-to-Know-You Bingo really gets students moving and learning about one another. Give each student a bingo card with different descriptive sentences in each square. Tell students to find a different individual that fits the description and have them write their name in that specific box. Once a student has collected a name in every box of their bingo card, they should call out, "Bingo!"

The Cup Challenge establishes teamwork in the classroom by requiring your students to move a group of cups from one place to another using only a rubber band and string. Jaclyn Sepp has done an excellent job of explaining the necessary materials and instructions. You can find those .

Photo courtesy of mssepp.blogspot.com

This exercise by Grahame Knox helps students learn interesting and unique facts about one another. After having your students stand in a circle, take a ball of yarn and hold on to the end of the string while throwing the ball to another student. Ask this student a question such as "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?" Once they have answered the question, have them toss the ball of yarn to another student and ask them a question. When all of your students have gone, explain that the web they created represents the uniqueness of your classroom and that their participation makes the classroom a special place for learning and creativity.

If you are looking for a way to combine vocabulary and teambuilding, then Letter Scramble is for you. Divide your students into groups and give them letters that make-up a word or words. Then, have them figure out what word (or words) their letters create. Providing hints can give students insight on the correct word they are creating. If the words are from a book they will be reading, you may want to give them a copy of the book and direct them to the page the word can be found on as well. Rulin' The Roost takes it a step further by providing additional rules that incorporate segmenting and blending. She also provided a copy of the letters she used for her first grade class.

Another activity by Grahame Knox allows you to create your first classroom story by having all of your students participate in creating a tall tale. Begin by having all of your students stand in a circle. Next, start the story with a sentence such as "Yesterday, I went to the zoo and was passing the elephant enclosure when SUDDENLY..." Then, have all of the students add on to the story ending it with the word SUDDENLY. The story will become more and more hilarious as students add on to the previous sentence.

Combine cooperative learning and creativity by placing your students into groups and giving them "mystery bags." Give each group a bag with a description of what they are required to build using the materials found in their bag. Watch their creativity flow as they attempt to figure out how to master the challenge! Christie Burnett has put together some excellent mystery bag engineering challenges in her blog Childhood 101 . I encourage you to look at these for inspiration!

Picture courtesy of Childhood101.com

Inviting students to help decorate your room sends the message that they are welcomed and that their opinion is valued. Simply designate a wall to them, place them in groups and give them markers and a piece of chart paper. Have them come up with one common goal that they would all like to accomplish in your class and summarize it in one word. Next, have them write the word in huge letters on the chart paper. Make sure that all of the groups have different goals from one another. Once all of your students are finished, hang these on the designated wall and explain to your students that they are all responsible for making sure they all achieve their goals by the end of the school year!

Do you have any icebreakers that you like to incorporate at the beginning of the year? Share with us on Twitter or Facebook!

Have a great school year!

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The first day of school is quickly approaching for many of our Georgia school districts, and in an effort to help teachers and students overcome their first day jitters, we have added even more activities to our popular icebreaker blog!

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Helps get students day started and ready to cooperate with one another.

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After reading the book "Ish" students are given wikki stix strings to make a sculpture. This will let students use their creativity to both make a sculpture and see what they think their classmates have made.

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This book helps encourage students' creative side.

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On Fridays, students can pick a friend's name off the board to write something POSITIVE about them. This will help bring a positive atmosphere and community to the classroom.