Importance of Back to School Activities in Middle and High School
When it comes to back to school activities, we often think of them as something just for the younger kids. I’m here to tell you that they’re just as important for our older students in middle and high school. At this age, our students are navigating so much from new classes, different teachers, and all the social dynamics that come with being a teen. Back to school activities provide a way to ease them into the school year, helping to break the ice, build connections, and set the tone for a positive classroom environment.
Even though they might not show it, our older students appreciate a chance to reconnect with friends, meet new classmates, and establish routines in a way that’s low-pressure and fun. These activities help them feel more comfortable and confident as they dive into the more serious academic work ahead. Plus, it’s a great way for us as teachers to get a glimpse into their personalities, learning styles, and group dynamics. So, don’t underestimate the power of back to school activities. They’re essential for getting our older students off to a great start!
Back to School Activities to Learn About Your Students
Now that we've talked about why back to school activities are so important for our older students, let's explore some activities that help us get to know them better. These activities are fun while also giving us a chance to learn about our students' interests, strengths, and even their hopes for the school year.
About Me Student Survey
One of my favorite back to school activities to kick off the year is my free About Me student survey. It's such a simple yet powerful tool to get to know my students on a deeper level right from the start. This survey asks questions that really tap into their personalities, interests, and even their quirks—like what song on their playlist best represents who they are or what their motto is.
When I hand out this survey, I tell my students that it’s their chance to share what makes them unique in a way that’s not tied to academics or the usual classroom expectations. I’ve found that my older students appreciate having a voice in the classroom from day one. Plus, their answers often spark some great conversations, helping to build a sense of community among the class.
For example, when a student shares their superpower or the historical figures they’d invite to dinner, it gives me insight into their thinking. It also creates opportunities for connections with their peers who might share similar interests. This back to school activity sets the tone for an inclusive and engaging classroom environment where each of my students feels seen and valued.
Make sure to check out the free, Digital About Me student survey as well if you'd like your students to complete it on the computer or another device!
Back to School Social Media Activity
Another fantastic back to school activity I love using is the Social Media project. My students create a Pinterest board that represents their life. This activity is always a hit because it taps into something they’re already familiar with, which is social media. Then it also gives them a creative outlet to express themselves.
I start by explaining that they’ll be designing a series of “pins” that showcase who they are, what they value, and what makes them unique. Whether it’s a hobby, a favorite memory, or a future goal, I encourage them to draw or write about things that are meaningful to them. I always reassure my students that they’re not being graded on artistic ability! It’s all about the thought and effort they put into representing their lives.
This back to school activity allows our students to share a bit of their personality. It also gives us a window into their world. It’s amazing to see the variety of pins they come up with and how each one is a little glimpse into what drives them. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and helps build a classroom community where everyone’s voice is heard and appreciated. By the end of the activity, I’ve learned so much about my students, and they’ve had a chance to connect with each other in a meaningful way.
Back to School Activities for Bell Ringers
One of my go-to strategies for getting my students on task as soon as they walk into the classroom is using On This Day bell ringers. These quick, engaging activities are a fantastic way to kick off the class by getting students thinking and focused right from the start. Having these in our routine at the start of class helps my students know what to expect and what they need to be doing when they arrive at class. It helps them shift their mindset as well!
As students file into the room, I project the slide with the day's date and historical events. They know the routine once we go through it a couple of times at the start of the year. They immediately grab their student handout and start jotting down their responses. The questions are designed to be thought-provoking but accessible so everyone can participate without feeling overwhelmed.
Once everyone has had a chance to write down their answers, I like to take a few minutes to discuss the events with the class. This is where the magic happens! Students share their thoughts, ask questions, and even make connections to things they’ve learned in other classes or from their own lives. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and set the tone for the day’s lesson.
These bell ringers help our students transition into learning mode. They also provide a perfect opportunity for some quick historical discussions that are both informative and fun. By the time we’re done, everyone is settled and ready to dive into the day’s main lesson.
Back to School Activities to Review Skills
As we ease back into the swing of things after summer vacation, it’s the perfect time to refresh our minds and brush up on some key history skills. We all know how easy it is to get a little rusty over the break, so I make sure to include review activities that will help my students jump back into the groove. These activities are designed to revisit important concepts and provide tools for the year! It's the perfect foundation for the year ahead.
Countries and Capitals of the World Map Activities
If your students need to brush up on the locations of countries and their capitals, I’ve found that using maps in a variety of ways keeps things fresh and effective. I like to start by putting a blank map up on the SmartBoard or projector. We work together as a class to fill it out, which helps my students get comfortable with the material. Plus, it gives them a chance to ask questions as we go. This interactive approach makes it easy for everyone to stay engaged and ensures that no one falls behind.
For my students who need a bit more practice, I use the animated slideshow that walks them through all the locations. It’s a lifesaver, especially if you don’t have textbooks or internet access handy. The slideshow is designed to be straightforward, which makes it a breeze for students to follow along and complete their maps accurately.
I also love giving them the coloring page version of the map. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to reinforce their knowledge of geography. It also gives them a chance to get a little creative while still learning the important stuff.
No matter which version we’re using, the key is to keep the activity varied and interactive. By mixing things up, our students stay engaged and are more likely to remember what they’ve learned. This makes this particular back to school activity both educational and enjoyable!
World Map Activity
My world map review activities are very similar to the country and capital resources I use. Both provide multiple ways for our students to engage with geography. Whether it's through working together on the SmartBoard, using an animated slideshow, or getting creative with a coloring page, I know my students are reviewing important skills. These map activities are designed to be flexible and accessible, which makes them perfect for meeting the needs of all learners.
The best part is that this world map review makes for great back to school activities! They’re a fantastic way to ease our students back into learning after the summer break. They help them refresh their knowledge while having some fun. By the time we’re done, everyone’s ready to dive deeper into our history lessons with a strong foundation in geography.
Telling Time in History Doodle Notes
One of the back to school activities I love using in my classroom is my Telling Time in History Doodle Notes or coloring sheets. They’re a great way to keep my students engaged. They also help reinforce the material we’re covering in a fun and interactive way.
I often start by projecting the PowerPoint that aligns with the doodle notes so all of my students can see the slides. As I go over the information, my students can either fill in the blanks or simply color and doodle on the page. This dual approach helps cater to different learning styles. Some of my students prefer to listen and doodle, while others actively take notes.
For those who enjoy a more structured approach, I provide the fill-in-the-blanks version. This version guides my students through the key points we’re covering. On the other hand, if they’re more visual learners or just need a creative break, they can focus on the coloring aspects while still absorbing the content.
The colored versions of these notes make for purposeful classroom displays. Once completed, they brighten up the room and serve as visual reminders of the topics we’ve covered. This activity is incredibly effective for helping our students connect with the material.
Back to School Activities to Teach Primary and Secondary Sources
Understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources is a critical skill for our students. There are so many creative approaches we can take to make this concept stick. So, let’s explore a couple of favorite resources for teaching this skill!
Reading Primary and Secondary Doodle Notes and Station Activities
A favorite way of mine to help students become familiar with primary and secondary sources is through the interactive learning stations in my Reading Primary and Secondary Sources resource. This setup of stations makes the daunting task of analyzing primary and secondary sources much more approachable and fun. They also help students build essential skills in a way that’s both structured and creative.
I set up five different stations around the room so groups can spread out. Each focuses on a unique aspect of primary and secondary sources. For example, at one station, students might be coloring in the Republican and Democratic symbols while identifying whether the images are primary or secondary sources. At another station, they might be sorting cards to decide which items are primary sources and which are secondary.
What I love about this setup is the variety it offers. My students get to engage with the material in different ways. One group may be reading a famous speech like FDR’s “Day of Infamy,” while another group uses clues in a document to draw their own conclusions. The stations are designed to take about 10-15 minutes each, so we usually have time to rotate through all of them in one class period.
For early finishers, I always have the option to color and decorate their doodle notes. This keeps them occupied but also reinforces what they’ve learned. If I want to extend the activity, I can spread out the stations over several days, giving my students more time to dive deeper into each topic.
Primary Source Analysis Doodle Notes
Another great resource for helping students get comfortable with primary sources is my Doodle Primary Source Analysis Guides. They’re such versatile tools for helping my students analyze various types of primary sources. We cover art, speeches, songs, letters, photographs, and political cartoons.
When we’re tackling a new primary source, I hand out the doodle guides and let my students work through the prompts as we explore the material together. The guides break down the analysis process into manageable steps This makes it easier for my students to engage with the content and think critically about what they’re studying.
For example, when we’re analyzing a political cartoon, the guide might prompt us to look at specific symbols. We might need to consider the artist’s message and reflect on the historical context. As students doodle and write their responses, they’re not just passively reading. They’re now actively interacting with the source in a way that makes the information stick.
The best part is that these guides are so adaptable. Whether we’re analyzing a famous speech or a piece of art, the structure of the doodle notes helps keep my students focused and engaged. Plus, the creative aspect of doodling makes the learning process more enjoyable, which is always a win in my book!
Additional Resources to Explore
Let’s take a look at some additional resources that can further enrich our lessons. I’m always on the lookout for new tools and strategies to keep my students engaged and excited about learning, so I can’t wait to share a few more of my favorites with you. Make sure to take some time to explore the posts below!
- The Power of Primary Source Letters in History Class
- Using Primary Source Photos in the Secondary History Classroom
Start Your Year On a Positive Note With Back to School Activities
As we gear up for another exciting school year, I hope these back to school activities have sparked some ideas for how you can create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment right from day one. Whether it's getting to know our students through creative surveys, refreshing their geography skills with fun map activities, or diving into primary source analysis with Doodle Notes, these strategies are all about setting the stage for a successful year ahead. Remember, the key is to keep things interactive, enjoyable, and meaningful. When our students are engaged, they’re ready to learn. Here’s to a fantastic year filled with curiosity, growth, and plenty of memorable moments in the classroom!
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