Fun in First

A Teaching Blog by Jodi Southard

Back to School

The Benefits of Flexible Homework & Homework Menus

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Okay, confession time: I am not a huge fan of homework. I know, I know… Homework is one of those staples in the classroom that you might expect every teacher to get behind. It’s a core part of education standards, and it has been for a long time. But in my experience, nightly homework and worksheets actually come with a fair bit of downsides.

As a teacher, I definitely see the value in homework. It helps reinforce those key concepts that we often don’t have enough time in the day for. Plus, homework assignments are a great way for parents to learn about what we’re doing in class.

As a parent, I know that homework has several drawbacks. For one, most families have incredibly busy schedules. Our family always has something or other going on after school, whether it’s gymnastics, soccer, or dance practice. It’s hard to find the time every night to help their kids get their assignments done. Most homework shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to complete, but when the kiddos are feeling stubborn or struggling with a certain subject, there’s no telling how long a task can take.

A few years ago, I had the bright idea to try out a new homework format: homework menus! Ever since I incorporated homework menus into my classroom routine, I knew there was no going back. My students and their parents absolutely love the option of flexible homework. It’s something every teacher should consider using with their class!

What are homework menus?

Homework menus are handouts that can be given out every week or month. They should include a range of activities that span what you are learning in class. Students get to choose a certain number of the activities to complete each week. For instance, you might ask your students to complete and cross off at least 4 activities during the week. To confirm their work, parents sign off at the bottom of the menu. Once Friday or the end of the month rolls around, they can turn in their homework menus to get credit!

How do homework menus benefit students and parents?

Since homework menus are due at the end of the week or month, students and parents are afforded more flexibility during weeknights. For example, if Tuesdays and Thursdays are filled with extracurricular activities, students can split their activities up between Monday and Wednesday. Every household is different, so this system allows each family to work out a schedule that works best for them.

I also believe that giving students a choice helps them build their sense of confidence and independence.

How can I make my own homework menus?

These Editable Homework Menus for 1st Grade are hands down the easiest way to incorporate flexible homework into your classroom routine. Teachers can edit their weekly or monthly homework menus as much or as little as they need. They include my own preset assignments with the option to enter your own.

In this packet, you will find a zipped folder with two separate files.  The first one is a secured PDF where I have typed in all of the boxes. I have monthly calendars, as well as two different weekly calendar options for the entire year. The second file is an editable file. You will be able to type into each of the boxes to make this packet work for you. The third set includes a newly added file with editable calendars where the homework squares and the directions can be edited to customize the assignment to your class!

The resource includes enough homework menus to last the entire school year. Whether you prefer to use my done-for-you menus or edit your own, you will be set all year long!

If you’re looking for homework menus for other grade levels, I have Editable Menus for Kindergarten and Editable Menus for 2nd Grade as well!

Conclusion

While I’m not a huge fan of homework, I found a great solution to standard nightly worksheets in my Editable Homework Menus for 1st Grade. Homework menus are an awesome way to give your students some flexibility and choice at home. Plus, parents will appreciate the ability to work homework into their schedules, not the other way around!

The benefits of flexible homework

The Best Back to School Activity

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Who else is getting excited for back to school season? The first day of school is right around the corner for many teachers, and I for one could not be more pumped. With all the chaos and excitement that back to school brings, you probably don’t have a lot of extra time on your hands right now. Even so, we all want to make sure that the first day goes as well as possible!

To help you out, I wanted to share one of my favorite back to school activities for K-2nd graders: the Digital Back to School Activity! It can be hard to know exactly what to do on the first day of school. Having a great back to school activity in your plan will help structure your time and add a lot of value to the day.

 

What does a good back to school activity involve?

I love first day activities that cover several bases. It can be overwhelming for students to constantly flip flop between tasks, even if they are relatively simple. Since my Digital Back to School Activity includes a bunch of different games and tasks, it helps you get more done with less pivoting between activities! Here are a few things that I love to see in a back to school activity:

Ice breakers

The first few days of school are an important time to build community between classmates. It’s also the key timeframe where you will be learning all of your students’ names and what makes them special! For this reason, I love including some good ice breakers in a back to school activity. They are the best way for you to get acquainted with your new class and introduce your students to each other. A good ice breaker should include name introductions and a silly twist to keep them fun.

Fun assessments

While it’s a good idea to keep the first day of school fun and engaging, it’s also a good idea to perform some quick assessments to get a feel for your students. These don’t need to be anything intensive or crazy! I like to use activities that are fun for my class, but help me jot down some quick notes on their strengths and weaknesses. Games that involve unscrambling words and identification work great for this.

Silly activities

I always pack in the fun on the first day of school! Silly activities help students shake off their nerves and get excited for everything that the rest of the year has to offer. For younger students, I highly recommend incorporating some jokes, songs, and anything else that you think your new class would love.

Why I love the Digital Back to School Activity

This Digital Back to School Activity checks all the boxes for me when it comes to the first day of school. It includes 8 different activities that are super fun and engaging for students. Students can introduce themselves to the class (and you) while showing off their unique personalities! Plus, the digital format makes it easy to lead your whole class through the activity without having to print out individual copies. It’s also great to use during a Google Meet or Zoom for distance learning!

What does the Digital Back to School Activity include?

As I mentioned before, the Digital Back to School Activity contains 8 different games to engage in a variety of ways with your new class! Here is what the activity includes:

  • Jokes
  • Mystery Picture
  • This or That
  • Unscramble the Word
  • Talk About It
  • Brain Break Dance
  • What’s Your Silly School Name?
  • Teacher Says

How can you use the Digital Back to School Activity in the classroom?

This Digital Back to School Activity works well virtually during distance learning or as a whole group during in-person instruction. If using this during distance learning during a Google Meet or Zoom call, share your screen with your students. If you are in-person, this works well by projecting the presentation and completing it in class.

Conclusion

The first day of school can be pretty crazy! But with the Digital Back to School Activity in your lesson plan, it’s easy to cover lots of ground while having fun with your new students. The 8 different games allow students to introduce themselves, get a little silly, and show off what they know.

If you use this activity on your first day, I’d love to know how you and your students liked it! Have an awesome first day, teachers!

To help you out, I wanted to share one of my favorite back to school activities for K-2nd graders: the Digital Back to School Activity! It can be hard to know exactly what to do on the first day of school. Having a great back to school activity in your plan will help structure your time and add a lot of value to the day.

What to do on the First Day of School

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The first day of school brings SO much excitement, but it can also be very overwhelming to know exactly what you want to do.  I am always worried that I will forget something important.  Here are some of things that I make sure to do on the first day of school.

Ideas of what to do on the first day of school.

  1. I ALWAYS make sure that I have something EASY for the students to do when they come into the classroom on the first day of school.  I like to use a coloring sheet (You can find the one I use in my First Days of First Grade Packet) or a Play-Doh mat.  Download the Play-Doh mat for FREE here.  This gives me a chance to help students as they come into the room and organize their supplies.  The most important thing is to make this activity something that they can do independently.
  2. Procedures, procedures, procedures.  Throughout the day, I make sure to teach procedures for EVERYTHING.  Lining up, getting out supplies, walking throughout the classroom, sharpening pencils, what to do when finished, etc.  You can never go over too many procedures.  You cannot just assume that the students will know what you expect from them.
  3. Morning Meeting – Since this is something that we will do every single day in our classroom, I want to start right away on the first day.  It is also a great time to learn more about each other.  I start by holding a ball or a stuffed animal.  I tell something about myself.  Then, I pass the ball to a student to do the same thing.  We continue this until everyone has had a turn.
  4. I read quite a few books to the students throughout the day.  There are so many amazing books for the first weeks of school.  (See my list of my favorite back to school books.)  Kids love listening to their teacher read.
  5. I take the students on a tour of the school.  You can make this more fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt.
  6. I make sure to include some type of structured play time into our first day.  I personally use Morning Tubs in my classroom every morning, so I introduce these on the first day.  I explain the expectations and procedures.  Then, we “practice” these procedures.  You can also give them time during the first day to explore some of the math manipulatives that you may be using this school year.
  7. Take pictures!!!  I always take a First Day of School picture of each child.  I like to print these off and mail them along with a letter to the parents, but you could definitely just send them digitally to each parent.  They LOVE to see pictures of their child in your classroom.
  8. Give the students the opportunity to get to know you.  Let them ask questions, tell them some fun facts about yourself, etc.  You want to build as much classroom community as you can.  This Digital Back to School is also a fun activity for the first day.
  9. If you have time…try and do some quick observations and assessments of your students.  Definitely don’t do anything formal or overwhelming for them on that first day, but you can definitely walk around and jot some notes about strengths and weaknesses that you may notice as they work.  You can save the more formal assessments for later on in the week.  (Easy Back to School Assessments)
  10. Make sure that you practice and plan for dismissal BEFORE dismissal.  Dismissal is one of the most stressful times of the entire first day of school.  You have to know how every child is expected to get home before that final bell rings.  (Dismissal tags and sheet are from my First Days of First Grade packet.)

Everything you need for the first days of first grade.

I hope that you have a WONDERFUL first day of school!

Morning Tubs – All Your Questions Answered

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Morning Tubs are my go-to every single morning with my 1st graders.  They come in, put their things away, complete a quick morning work sheet on their desks, and then move onto their tubs.  Every time I post about Morning Tubs on my Instagram or Facebook page, I get tons of questions, so I thought that I would put together an “All Your Questions Answered” post about Morning Tubs for you.

Do you want to do Morning Tubs in your classroom? Here are all of your Morning Tub questions answered for you.

What do you put in the morning tubs?

I have collected many items to use in my morning tubs over the past couple of years.  I started off by using things that I had (math manipulatives, popsicle sticks, Legos, Play-doh, mini-erasers, etc.) and have expanded over time.  I purchase most of my items off of Amazon, but I have also received items through Donors Choose projects as well.  You can see many of my Morning Tub items in my Amazon store front.

Do students choose at random or are they assigned a tub?

I have six different morning tubs.  I have a chart on my board to rotate the students through the tubs.  There are 3-4 students per tub.  I keep students at a tub for 3 days before switching.  This allows me to only have to change out the tubs every 18 school days.  It also gives the students more opportunities to be creative.  I love seeing what they come up with each day.

How long is your school day and how do you make time for them?

Our students can begin coming into our classrooms at 8:00, but our first bell doesn’t ring until 8:15.  Morning announcements and the pledge take place around 8:20, so we do Morning Tubs until about 8:30.  At that point, we clean up and go over our morning work page.  This gives my students about 15-20 minutes max to do Morning Tubs, but most of them have about 5-10 minutes of play by the time they come in, eat breakfast and get settled.  Our school day ends at 2:45.  If these tubs work better for you as a transition after lunch or to end the day, that would also be a great time to do it.

How do you introduce the tubs, and when do they start them in the year?

I actually introduce the tubs on the first day of school.  I explain how they will work and where to find their name and tub number on our chart.  Then, I go over what is in each of the 6 tubs.  I show the students how to get the tub for their group and where they should take it in the classroom.  After I have explained all of the expectations and procedures, I have them practice.  Then, they get to “play” for about 10 minutes before we clean up.  I review this again on the second day of school just as a refresher.

What are the expectations and procedures?

The expectations and procedures definitely need to be set in place right away.  When I first introduce Morning Tubs, I show them every little detail.  How to pick up the tubs and where to place them in the room.  How we sit and play using inside voices.  We do not throw any items.  We share with others and work together.  How to clean up and put them away when it is time.  After I explain and show them, I have the students practice.  If we have to practice 10 times before we get it, that is fine with me.  Every once in awhile throughout the year, you may need to go back and review expectations and procedures.  If someone cannot handle the expectations of morning tubs, I have them return to their seat and sit out of tubs for the day.  This usually solves any issues.

Do your kids have to complete something prior to going to their morning tub or do they go straight to it?

I personally have my students complete a Morning Work page prior to going to their tubs.  The sheets that I use only take about 5 minutes to complete.  I do keep an eye on their work to make sure that they aren’t being sloppy and rushing through just to get to their tubs.

How many students per tub?

I have 3-4 students per tub.

Where do they sit?

I have them assigned to spots around the classroom.  For example, Tub #1 is on the carpet by the calendar.  Tub #2 is over by the sink, etc.

Do you have a guide at each tub?

I don’t.  This is something that you definitely could do, but I am a big proponent of “free play.”  I personally LOVE to see what my students come up with, and I have found that they are MUCH more creative without strict guidelines to follow.  For example, the first time that I ever put popsicle sticks in a tub, I showed them some examples of things that they could do, but what they came up with on their own was so much more creative.  This is really a time for them to explore and use their imaginations.

How and when do you rotate?

Like I said above, I keep my students at a tub for 3 days.  This gives everyone an opportunity to use the items even if they have a day when they are running later than normal.  This also frees me up a bit because I only have to switch out all of the tubs every 18 school days.  To rotate the tubs, I just move the numbers down on my chart and I’m all set.

Do they eat breakfast while doing tubs?

This is a personal preference, but I do not allow them to eat while doing tubs in my classroom.  They can work on their morning work page while they eat, but they have to finish at their desks.  I don’t want food spread out all over my classroom.

How do you respond to potential backlash of “it’s an extra recess or free play time?”

I really think that setting those expectations right away and sticking to them is extremely important.  If students are taking advantage of this time and not following the procedures, have them return to their seats and not participate in Morning Tubs for that day.

How did you accommodate for social distancing?  How can you utilize these when students can’t share supplies due to Covid?

This was a huge challenge last summer when I was trying to figure out how to make this still work in my classroom.  Since we could not share supplies, I created individual Morning Tubs for my students.  These were stored up on my shelf and the students came and grabbed their tub after they finished their morning work.  After 3 days, I sprayed all of the materials.  Then, I rotated their names on our chart and they used the next tub on the following day.  I also had students use hand sanitizer prior to grabbing their tubs and after they were finished.  This really worked well last year.  I am hopeful that we will be able to go back to sharing supplies though.  Even though individual tubs worked, I missed the interaction and the sharing of ideas that comes along with small group play.

Can you include a list of tubs and the links?

You can find many of the items that I have purchased over in my Amazon Storefront.  Remember to keep in mind that you can use things you may already have in your classroom.  Math manipulatives like pattern blocks, Base-10 blocks, dominoes, snap cubes, geoboards etc. are great items to include.  Also, simple things like popsicle sticks, mini-erasers, index or playing cards, magnetic letters, strips of scrap paper, small paper cups, etc. make great tub items.

How do you buy these items?

My biggest recommendation is to start out by using things that you already have and start collecting other things slowly over time.  Look at yard sales or Dollar Tree for some affordable items.  I have also used Donors Chose to get some of my materials.

Want to read more about Morning Tubs?  Check out these blog posts.

Morning Tubs – Round 1

Morning Tubs – Round 2

Morning Tubs – Round 3

Morning Tubs – Round 4

Morning Tubs – Round 5

Morning Tubs – Round 6

Digital Morning Meeting

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The 2020-2021 school year definitely brought the importance of technology and digital learning into the forefront.  Teachers and students had to adjust quickly and as seamlessly at possible.  Digital Morning Meeting was the perfect way to make this adjustment in my classroom and will continue to be something that will work well during a “normal” school year.

What is a digital morning meeting?

The focus of a morning meeting is to help build classroom community and provide a safe environment for students to feel heard and supported.  Digital morning meetings serve the same purpose, except with the use of technology.  These can be projected on a screen for your students as they sit on the carpet together or in their own seats.  I go through each of the daily sections as we discuss the items together.  (Welcome song, discussion questions, phonics, math, word of the day, physical activity, etc.)  The entire meeting takes about 15-20 minutes, but can definitely be adjusted for days when we are short on time.

A Digital Morning Meeting is the perfect way to start the day whether you are in the classroom or teaching virtually. Students will be engaged while you work through each of the sections together as a class. Review phonics, math, and vocabulary, and have wonderful and engaging discussions every single morning. This includes 11 months of daily morning meetings. Each monthly download includes 4 weeks of daily Morning Meeting activities.

 

What is included in the Digital Morning Meeting?

This Digital Morning Meeting is the perfect way to start the day whether you are in the classroom or still teaching virtually.  This includes 11 months of daily morning meetings. Each monthly download includes 4 weeks of daily Morning Meeting activities.

What are teachers saying about Digital Morning Meetings?

“I LOVE this resource! I have used this both with my distance learning students and my in person students and it is extremely engaging and low stress. My kids love the songs and I love all of the different components. I am never able to get to all of the components but I love having all of the options. It keeps it fresh and exciting for my students.” -Deandra

“This resource is INCREDIBLE! I have used it in-person with my class since September. We went remote right before Thanksgiving and the transition for Morning Meeting was seamless. The kids are super engaged. The “Question of the Day” is our favorite! Best.Purchase.Ever!!! :)” -Jennifer

“This resource is a game changer during hybrid teaching! My students love every facet especially the movement and the word of the day! I have both at home students and in school students use the word of the day in a sentence then seesaw it to me so both myself and parents can see how they are doing! Also great vocabulary building activity! I can’t say enough about it! Thank you!!!” -Margaret

Do you want to try a FREE WEEK of Digital Morning Meetings?  Click on the picture below.

Try a FREE WEEK of Digital Morning Work.

20 Books to Read Aloud at the Beginning of the School Year

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The beginning of the school year brings so much excitement!  One of my favorite things about the beginning of the year is getting to read so many wonderful books to my class.  I have a huge collection of books that I love to read during the first month of school.

These 20 books are some of my favorites to read aloud.  They are perfect for building community, teaching rules and procedures, and character education.

20 Books that are perfect to read at the beginning of the school year.

You can click on any of the books below for an Amazon affiliate link.  Should you make a purchase using any of the links, I do earn a small commission, which helps to support Fun in First.

 1. The First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

No back to school book list is complete without First Day Jitters.  The kids are always surprised at the end.

 2. The Invisible Boy by Tracy Ludwig

This book is great for any time of the school year, but it is definitely a MUST READ.  It’s easily one of my favorite picture books of all time!

3. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

I love using this book at the beginning of the year.  It’s the perfect lead-in to introduce everyone and get to know each other’s names.

4. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

This is another great book to read when you are discussing names and getting to know each other.

5.  Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Really, any book by Kevin Henkes is a good choice.

6. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

This is a cute book about being proud of who you are, which is always a great message for kids.

7. Tattle Tongue by Julia Cook

This is the perfect way to lead into a discussion about tattling vs. reporting.

8.  Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester

I just love Wodney Wat 🙂 He can’t pronounce his R’s and always gets teased, but saves the day at the end.

9. The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray

I always read this book on the first day of school.  Then, we go on a scavenger hunt around the school.

10. Quiet Please, Owen McPhee by Tracy Ludwig

This is another great book by Trudy Ludwig.  You definitely have a couple Owen McPhee’s in your class each year.

11.  The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill

Mean Jean is a bully, which can be relatable to some students.  This is a wonderful way to talk about bullying.

12. The Pigeon HAS to go to School by Mo Willems

Kids LOVE the pigeon, so this is definitely a must-have!

13.  How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague

I love so many of Mark Teague’s books because the illustrations are wonderful.  This one is perfect for the beginning of the school year.

14. The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi

The message in this one is wonderful for all students and how they may have not accomplished certain things, YET.

15. School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

This book comes from the perspective of the actual school building’s feelings about the first day of school.

 16.  We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

A dinosaur’s first day of school with human classmates make it challenging for her.

 17.  How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan

The students give tips for how to get the teacher ready for the first day of school.

18. Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller

Such a cute book about how to treat others.

19.  Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Spoon thinks that Fork, Knife, and Chopsticks have it much better than him, but he learns how special he is.  I also recommend Straw and Chopsticks by this same author.

20.  My Mouth is a Volcano by Julie Cook

This is a great book to talk about interrupting and how to control your thoughts until it is time to speak.

Which Back to School books would you add to the list?

20 books that are perfect to read aloud at the beginning of the school year.