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The Ultimate Back to School Guide for Teachers

Is it that time of year again already?! Summer break is beginning to wind down and ALL the back to school nightmares begin. But wait, don’t fret, just because it’s getting to be that time, doesn’t mean it needs to be stressful. In this post, you will learn tons of ideas, tips, and tools to help make back to school a BREEZE! 

the Ultimate Back to School Guide for Teachers blog post

We’ll dip into classroom set up, first few weeks of planning, community building ideas, considerations for class structure and expectations, and of course some awesome activities to keep your students engaged! There will also be links included for you to go deeper into certain topics so you can get EXACTLY what you need. Let’s get started!! 

Classroom Setup

School doors are finally back open and it’s time to think through setting up your classroom. One thing that I’ve found to make the school year less stressful and running more smoothly is setting up a student centered classroom. This means to make as much as possible in your classroom accessible for students so they can meet their own needs. I’m talking about giving them full access to things like materials (pencils, scissors, glue, etc), manipulatives they may need for working through subjects, and even things like anchor charts and library books. 

Now this can definitely be a mindshift, but I promise you it’s totally worth it. You’ll be amazed at the fact that your classroom can *almost* run itself with this set up! You can learn more about setting up a Student Centered Classroom by clicking the link. If you want some extra tips for setting up your classroom, check out this post HERE. Don’t forget to grab this FREE checklist to set you up for success when it comes to the ever growing to do list during your classroom set up time! 

classroom setup checklist freebie

Classroom Setup Checklist Freebie

Plan it Out

After you’ve got your classroom setup and ready, big congratulations there! It’s a huge task and you should be proud! Now it’s time to start thinking about the first few weeks of school and creating a rough draft of your plans. The reason I plan so far ahead even before school starts is so that when I walk in the door starting day one, I will know exactly what I want to accomplish with students and be ready for anything. The goal I always set for myself is to be OVERPLANNED with tons of ideas and activities so there is NO down time those first couple of weeks. 

Of course we’ll take the time to sketch out plans and they’ll possibly change once or a few times. However, my goal is to help make this transition back to school as stress free as possible for you. To do so, I’ve created sample lesson plans that are jam packed with ideas and activities for not just the first day of school, but also the first week of school. These are also editable for you to change and edit to fit the needs of you and your students! 

editable first week of school lesson plans and activities

First Week of School Kit

Planning for the first six weeks can be very overwhelming. I’m here to help with the FREE Back to School Teaching Timeline. Grab yours below!

beginning of the year teaching timeline checklist freebie

Love this FREE resource?

Sign up now and get exclusive access to this freebie and many more in the continuously growing freebie library!

Building Relationships

Above all, the main focus of back to school should be building relationships with students and families. Get to know your families as they will help be the biggest help in supporting your students throughout the year. One of the best ways to start off on a great foot is by making the most of Meet the Teacher night. Check out THIS post to get some amazing ideas to have a fun filled family oriented time where you all can get to know each other better! 

As for students, it’s important to start connecting with you and their classmates on day one- getting acquainted and beginning to create the positive classroom community you want to have for the entire year together. Some ways to foster this are with team building activities, connection circles, and dedicated time to focus on Social Emotional Learning. Learn more ideas HERE!

Lily Pads Game

Structure and Expectations

The last and one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is creating structure and expectations for students. Remember that the beginning of the year is the foundation for the entire year so it’s crucial to spend ample time getting things as smooth as possible. Of course things will always change and you must adapt and be flexible, but having that solid base to hold you all up throughout the chaotic time will be so helpful to your classroom structure. 

So where do we start? Spending time creating rules WITH students, teaching ALL those routines and procedures, and of course setting high expectations for EVERY student to follow, is a recipe for success. With the Back to School Guide, I will help you make a solid plan for the first 6 weeks of school and help you work through all those really tough, but crucial pieces to have a great foundation with students. If you like a more interactive version, you can check out the Building a Student Centered Classroom course! 

Beginning of the Year Teacher Survival Guide

Back to School Survival Guide

Engage Those Brains 

You didn’t think I’d give you a bunch of tips without super fun activities and resources did you?! It can be stressful trying to come up with an excess amount of ideas and activities to keep students engaged and teach ALL the things at the beginning of the year. Below you’ll find a jam packed bundle FULL of back to school activities to help students have fun, get back into the groove, and continue to build those relationships! 

back to school activity kit and lesson plans

Jam Packed First Week Mega Kit

I really hope you enjoyed learning more about tips and tricks for starting the year with students! Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list! Not only will you get the most up to date tips, tricks, and classroom projects… and of course more fun FREEBIES including the Back to School Teaching Timeline FREEBIE! You will also have exclusive access to tons of digital how to videos! If you would like to learn about this and other things happening in my classroom follow me  @sweetnsauerfirsties on Instagram.

To follow me on TPT and get all the latest updates on HALF OFF new products, click HERE!

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A fun place to be apart of the educational journey. Full of all things teaching! The good, the bad, and even the ugly. Join my experiences and subscribe to my email list to get the most up to date tips and tricks.

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It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! 🥳 Grab thi It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! 🥳

Grab this adorable and no prep color by code activity.

It’s an easy and engaging QUIET activity that students can enjoy as morning work, a time filler, fast finisher, or even as homework!

Grab your FREEBIE now with the link on my profile or drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link!

When is your 100th day? Let us know below! ⬇️
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Y’all I am SO in love with this new dress from @ Y’all I am SO in love with this new dress from @shop_rbc!!

It’s cute and even more… It’s comfortable!! 

I will definitely be getting more dresses from their shop and they have adorable teacher tees too. Check out all the beautiful items now @shop_rbc! 😍

Have you gotten one of their pieces before? Let us know below! ⬇️ 
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Bahahah accurate! 🤣 • • • • #elementar Bahahah accurate! 🤣
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Have you ever tried using stations for the 100th d Have you ever tried using stations for the 100th day of school?!

They can help make what could be a chaotic and overwhelming day really fun and well planned out. 

There are so many engaging station ideas that are easy and low prep like 

🌟Reading 100 books
🌟 Writing 100 words we know
🌟 Building with a 100 items
🌟 And so many more! Swipe left to see some examples!

Not only do the students love every second but it gives you more time to go around and be with each group of kiddos as they go through the stations and reflect on all their great learning in the first 100 days of school!

Learn more now with the link on my profile or drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link!

Have you ever tried stations for the 100th day? Let us know below! ⬇️ 
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
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Have you tried would you rather with students?! I Have you tried would you rather with students?!

It’s an easy, engaging, and NO PREP activity for the 100th day. 

You can easily build in movement by having students jump for answers or run to a side of the room for their choice. 

This is a great activity that can be used as a morning meeting activity or as a timer filler throughout the day. 

The students LOVE the 100th day themed prompts and have a BLAST!

Learn more about this and other easy and engaging 100th day activities with the link on my profile or drop a 🥳 and I’ll share the link!

Thanks for capturing this @mrs.rappsclass 😍
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
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This though. ❤️ • • • • #elementarytea This though. ❤️
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers #teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teachingideas #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #primaryteaching #teacherblogger #teachermomlife #teachermom #teachershare #teacherquotes #kindergarten
Want an easy and super engaging activity for the 1 Want an easy and super engaging activity for the 100th day?!

Have students practice recognizing,  writing numbers, and seeing patterns within 120 with a pocket chart seek and find game. 

There’s a special hidden picture students have to work together to find. (Swipe left to see) they LOVE it and get great practice!

This could easily be a whole class activity or a 100th day station.

Learn more about this and other easy and engaging 100th day activities with the link on my profile. You can also drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link with you! 
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #kindergarten #playbasedlearning 
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We are so in love with these adorable winter theme We are so in love with these adorable winter themed books from @scholasticbookclubs! 

They both have a wonderful story and a great message for children. 

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Snowball searches everywhere for a friend to have and finds one much closer than he thought! 😉

Check out these adorable books now @scholasticbookclubs! 😍
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
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Bahaha I am definitely teacher number 2! 😂 Whi Bahaha I am definitely teacher number 2! 😂

Which are you?!
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teachingtips 
 #igconnect4edu #teacherssupportteachers #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #teachermemes #teacherhumor #teacherfunny #teacherquotes

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Lindsay Sauer

1 hour ago

Lindsay Sauer
Well this should be fun! 😝 What is something you say 2451 times a day as a teacher? Let us know below! ⬇️••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teacherfunny #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachergram #teachershare #teacherquotes #teacherhumor #teacherfun #teacherweekend ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer

15 hours ago

Lindsay Sauer
It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! 🥳Grab this adorable and no prep color by code activity.It’s an easy and engaging QUIET activity that students can enjoy as morning work, a time filler, fast finisher, or even as homework!Grab your FREEBIE now with the link on my profile or drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link!When is your 100th day? Let us know below! ⬇️••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teacherhacks #numbersense #makelearningfun #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #colorbycode #teachershare #teacherinspiration #100thday #100thdayofschool ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer

1 day ago

Lindsay Sauer
Bahahah accurate! 🤣••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teacherhacks #teacherquotes #teachingtips #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherhumor #teachershare #teacherinspiration #teachermemes #teacherfunny #classroommanagement ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer

2 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
Have you tried would you rather with students?!It’s an easy, engaging, and NO PREP activity for the 100th day. You can easily build in movement by having students jump for answers or run to a side of the room for their choice. This is a great activity that can be used as a morning meeting activity or as a timer filler throughout the day. The students LOVE the 100th day themed prompts and have a BLAST!Learn more about this and other easy and engaging 100th day activities with the link on my profile or drop a 🥳 and I’ll share the link!Thanks for capturing this @mrs.rappsclass 😍••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teacherhacks #teacherideas #teachingtips #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #classroomcommunity #teacherinspiration #makelearningfun #100thdayofschool #100thday ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer

2 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
This though. ❤️••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers #teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teachingideas #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #primaryteaching #teacherblogger #teachermomlife #teachermom #teachershare #teacherquotes #kindergarten ... See MoreSee Less

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  • Have you been looking for end of year classroom community activities? These classroom community building activities are perfect for your K-2 classroom! I love creating an end of year anchor chart so students can write down their favorite memories of first grade. K-2 students will love the balloon bulletin board countdown with themes. Early elementary students enjoy creating a reflection writing craft, first grade end of year memories, would you rather end of school year game, and much more!
  • If you need some graphing activities for your K-2 classroom, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! I love using the CRA Math Model to help with concrete ideas and engagement in math. One of my favorite graphing lessons in first grade is to do real data collection activities for kids. These graphing lessons are perfect to use in math whole group lessons, math center activities, math independent activities, morning work, fast finishers, and more!
  • Do you hear indoor recess and get nervous? Today, I’m sharing my best teacher tips and tricks! These indoor recess ideas in elementary are easy things like GoNoodle brain break or hands on activities. You can easily get play dough activities, pattern blocks activities, or drawing for kids. Don’t forget your childhood favorite games too! Elementary students love freeze dance game for kids, Simon Says game, four corners game, Heads Up 7 Up game, and more. Set your classroom expectations too!
  • In your early elementary classroom, do you need classroom management strategies? It’s never too late for classroom management ideas to be implemented. I’m sharing classroom management hacks in early elementary. One basic classroom management idea is to review your rules. Shake it up with whole class rewards. Don’t forget kind classroom activities. Fun learning activities for kids can really help. Learn more about my whole group, small group lessons, and center ideas!
  • Are you looking for ways to teach kindness to kids in the classroom? Today, I’m sharing my favorite teacher tips on helping your early elementary students understand kindness in the classroom. Some of my favorite kindness activities for kids is setting expectations and modeling kindness. We love reading, How Full Is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath and more. It’s important to role play ideas for kids in the classroom. Kindness anchor charts are great to create during whole group and small group lessons.
  • Do you hear indoor recess and get nervous? Today, I’m sharing my best teacher tips and tricks! These indoor recess ideas in elementary are easy things like GoNoodle brain break or hands on activities. You can easily get play dough activities, pattern blocks activities, or drawing for kids. Don’t forget your childhood favorite games too! Elementary students love freeze dance game for kids, Simon Says game, four corners game, Heads Up 7 Up game, and more. Set your classroom expectations too!
  • Are you looking for ways to teach kindness to kids in the classroom? Today, I’m sharing my favorite teacher tips on helping your early elementary students understand kindness in the classroom. Some of my favorite kindness activities for kids is setting expectations and modeling kindness. We love reading, How Full Is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath and more. It’s important to role play ideas for kids in the classroom. Kindness anchor charts are great to create during whole group and small group lessons.
  • Do you need some ideas about teaching money to your first grade students? Check out my favorite teaching tips on money for kids. First, have your students watch some BrainPop Jr. videos and books about money for kids. Money anchor charts are fantastic to use during math whole group to better K-2 students' understanding. The CRA Math Model is perfect for understanding money for kids. I also share my favorite math centers like money puzzles, money bingo, and math money games!
  • Have you been looking for end of year classroom community activities? These classroom community building activities are perfect for your K-2 classroom! I love creating an end of year anchor chart so students can write down their favorite memories of first grade. K-2 students will love the balloon bulletin board countdown with themes. Early elementary students enjoy creating a reflection writing craft, first grade end of year memories, would you rather end of school year game, and much more!

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