From the elementary school lens: one of my favorite beginning of the year brain-break/ice breaker activity is the idea of Stand Up-Sit Down. You put a statement on the board: Stand up if: I have pet. Students then get to see who in the class has a pet and who doesn't. You can allow students to share with a partner or the whole group about their pet or if students don't have one, what pet they might like to have. This helps students move and also get to make connections with others in the room! I usually create a slide show presentation with some statements and use them throughout the first week. That way students don't get bored and gives time for discussion if that's what you want to facilitate!

As I was reading an educational article recently, I saw this idea, and I loved it! I will definitely implement it at the start of next year:

Have students write down (or tell you if they are little ones) what they want to hear on hard days. Collect those notes and hand them back out to students when you feel like they need to be reminded.

What are some ways you help students persevere on hard days?

What are some ideas or lessons you do with students for Earth Day or Arbor Day?

What are some of your favorite dramatic play experiences that you set up for your students?

FREE SEL Resources for quick check-in/s and support: https://www.ginapepin.com/_files/ugd/5fe563_dde7da71d3674f06a3764b08ee207c3e.pdf

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