10 Ways to Connect with Your Students! CONNECTIONS!

CONNECTIONS are a vital part of relating to curriculum, learning, people and our world.

Making, maintaining and building CONNECTIONS with our students is a vital part of the LEARNING PROCESS in our classrooms.

We all know that we need to HOOK our students, GRAB their attention and ENGAGE them in their learning. Here are 10 Ways to Make CONNECTIONS with your students so that when you speak...they want to LISTEN.

Over the years I have had dozens of Student Teachers observing and teaching in my classroom. Let me start out here with what I always tell them. These are 10 things that "Work for Me". Feel free to incorporate and share any of the techniques that I use into your own style. Always remember though that you have and will develop your own style and you always have to be YOU. So, think about it, try it out and if it does not feel comfortable or natural to you, modify it or don't use it at all. Just think about what might be YOU. So much of what I will be talking about deals directly with personality and style. So, that being said, here are 10 things that make CONNECTIONS in my classroom and help me establish and build a rapport with my students that can lead to lasting relationships for years to come. (Many of those Student Teachers have been former First Graders of mine that came back to hang with me while studying to be Teachers.)

• 1) LISTEN:  When your students come to you and want to share something. Stop and LISTEN. Sometimes it's very hard because you have something in your hand, you are in the middle of doing something and that voice just has something that they want to share. Whether they are bursting with excitement or nonchalantly mentioning something. Take a moment and LISTEN. It can mean the world to a student to share an idea or experience or comment with their teacher.

• 2) REMEMBER:   This goes hand in hand with the LISTEN. REMEMBER what your students have shared with you. They are letting you into their lives a bit, letting you discover who they are. Treat it as an honor that they care for you to know. Remember little things that they have told you. Maybe it was their brother's birthday, or Grandparents were visiting from far away. Maybe they love trains or legos or superheroes, remember it and MENTION it sometime. Their faces big and small, light up when you casually mention something about them that they have shared with you. It might be in a simple conversation one on one, or you may fit it right into a lesson that "Troy will love this book because there is a train in it and I know that Troy loves trains!". If you have never had a chance to do this, give it a try and watch how you just made an ordinary day become a memory for that student. They may always remember what you said, or like the saying goes, they may only remember HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL that day. BUT, they will remember. Mentioning something special that a student has shared at a parent-conference can also build connections with them. Parents have a lot more confidence in teachers when they hear that you really know their child, and that you Care to know their child. More on that in another blog post.

• 3) TELL STORIES:   O.K. this one is the converse of LISTEN. YOU SHARE. Tell some stories to the whole class or even individuals that let your students know WHO YOU ARE. Let them see that you are a person, with feelings, likes and dislikes and favorites. Show them that you have a brother or a pet or a best friend. Share with them that you knew a bully when you were their age, or  that you play piano or tennis or you love the Mets. They will love it and they will soak it in. When they realize that they share a common interest or family characteristic with you, they feel connected. When they feel connected, they listen to you and they remember. I have so many little stories that I tell each year. Many times they fit into specific lessons or topics and other times they work in spontaneously. I tell them about when I was their age, stories about my "little brother", my pets and all their goofy adventures, friends from elementary school, high school and college. When you tell your little side-note stories, it can be effective to really slow down your speech or whisper, even. Let them know that something special is coming. Sometimes I will even think of a story and I look at the time and tell them that I have a great story, if we have time. That can be an incredible incentive for good listening and work habits too. Many times my "stories" have been a topic at parent conferences. Many parents have told me that it's their child's favorite part of the day if I share a story. One parent told me that asking about my stories was part of a bedtime ritual and would be a way to share about their day at school. I loved hearing that, that remembering and sharing little stories, could help them remember and share with their parents what we were learning about in school.

• 4) HAVE YOUR OWN LANGUAGE:   This was something that a Principal pointed out to me many years ago. She said that when she came in to observe my classroom, that it was like we had our own language in there. She said that I would be mentioning these little catch-phrases and she did not always know what I was talking about. I wasn't quite sure how to take that, but then she followed up with, "...but all the students knew what you were saying and they understood exactly what they needed to do.". Phew!! What a relief, it was a Positive thing.  Anyway, in a classroom community we need to be able to communicate quickly and clearly and coming up with little names for things and places in the room can really help. For example, we have 2 rugs that define areas where students can go to or find things, the ABC Rug and the Zoo Rug. We have a Hand-In Bin and a Homework Box, which are the same box, just turned around to find the other to conserve space. Our "biggest enemy" is "Mr. Clock". A "Sammer" can be a nick-name for a Silly Sam Award or a Student that is earning a Silly Sam Award. I could go on and on, and I will in another blog post. Simply though, coming up with names for things and places and having systems that run in your classroom can help your daily functions run smoothly. They create common connections with your students because THEY understand what you are talking about. They are part of a shared community and it can be kind of cool, that other people do not always know what you are referring to, but THEY do. They are connected.

• 5) MAKE THEM LAUGH:    Here is a personality thing and a grade level thing. Although, I have taught Pre-School-9th grade and for me this works in all settings, but you have to be YOU. Make them laugh. Make them laugh whenever you can. Make them laugh! Use a different voice, make a face, laugh with them when something funny or goofy happens. When I drop something, we laugh, sometimes I make it look like the lunch bell was my stomach growling, or that they scared me when they put their hands on their head for the next letter when we are alphabetizing, anything! Tell a joke, let them tell jokes. I actually have a funny face that I teach them how to do. Once I show them, it makes a nice little incentive for staying on task and finishing on time because they will ask me to do the face, or "Can you show us the face again?". Sometimes I just surprise them with it out of the blue, but it always makes them laugh. Just Laugh!

• 6) FOREVER BOOKS:    Each month and with each unit that I teach, I have a collection of "Forever Books" to read to students. They are my favorites of the season or topic that we are in and covering. Every time I'm about to share one of my special books, I tell them that this is one of my very best favorites and ask them to try to figure out why, as I am reading it to them. Believe it or not, this simple little technique has really allowed them to get to know me. They have great insights as to why I love certain books, whether it is the illustrations, the setting or the subject, they make wonderful predictions. It's just another way of connecting. By the way, I highly recommend reading children's books to older students as well. I still love reading them, and I am way older than H.S. Well, a little older.

• 7) SHARE YOUR OWN PASSIONS:    Are you a sports fan? Do you love animals or specifically elephants or giraffes or manatees, like me? Are you a music, art or theater enthusiast? Do you love boating or dogs? Do you have cats or a garden? Whatever your passions are that make you happy, share it with your students. Let them know what things are special to you. These things make for wonderful connections. Some students will relate to you because they share an interest, or know someone else that does. They may just appreciate the things you love just because you love them. Knowing these little things about you and sharing them once in a while allows for many opportunities for connections. When we got two kittens, I would tell stories about all the cute and crazy things they would do. My students would stop bustling around and unpacking just to hear about how Olea stole a sock out of the laundry basket. One student was so thrilled with all of the stories, that he asked to get a kitten that summer. Not one, but two! We still keep in touch and I get to hear about his kitten adventures now. Telling about a spectacular play or exciting game or the lilacs are blooming, whatever it is, it's a little glimpse into your world beyond the classroom. Get to know your students and let them get to know you.

• 8) GROUP EXPERIENCES:    We all know about the Group Experience Charts to brainstorm about an experiment or an event that the class has been through together. Just keep in mind GROUP EXPERIENCES when creating any lesson. Every Science Experiment works for this, but think about infusing experiences for many more lessons as well. For example; for teaching The 5 Senses in Health, we take a Nature Walk around the school in the Fall. We notice and discuss what we see, hear, smell, feel and taste (I bring a little treat to give out with their eyes closed). When we return to the classroom we brainstorm things that fit into each sense category. We make it rain in our classroom, Silly Sam's Water Cycle World,  we act out the Earth, Sun & Moon with blow up balls, outside, we build our own community, Liberty Town USA Build a City in Your Classroom, we create an interactive bulletin board to learn about the world Underground, What Can Be Found Underground? we delve into the Polar and Plant world, Polar Pals Integrated Science Unit, Plant Power Nature Magic Poem, and many more. So, just think about your lessons and what little or big thing or twist can you add that makes it an EXPERIENCE and not just a lesson. You will be building CONNECTIONS.

• 9) PRIVATE JOKES:    This one just kind of happens when you have all these other components in place. Your own classroom PRIVATE JOKES are made, each time you LAUGH because you stumbled on your words and something came out funny. Now, the new word that you made, becomes a PRIVATE JOKE. It happens when you have your OWN LANGUAGE and you and your students know what you are talking about and where it is, but "outsiders" might not. Making mention of any of your GROUP EXPERIENCES with a key word or two, makes those things your own PRIVATE JOKES. When you refer back to funny things, engaging things, things you have experienced together, each time you mention them, brings that connection close again. Students love to share these little things with you. It means so much to them to feel a part of something and to belong and to know exactly what you are talking about when you say a goofy word. They are in your CLUB. I promise you, they will always remember that.

• 10) MEMORIES:    This is my perfect kicker ending to this post. MEMORIES! Make them, share them, refer to them, keep them, cherish them. All of the pieces above describe simple ways to make your time with your students MEMORABLE. They are engaging, they are having fun, they are using ALL of their senses. They are tapping into the chemicals in their brain that lead to higher order thinking, memory and meaningful learning. For so much more on these topics, I highly recommend visiting this TpT store  Ellen Weber Brain Based Tasks For Upper Grades and this website  BRAIN LEADERS AND LEARNERS  for comprehensive guidance in the effects of teaching with the brain in mind. Building and cherishing memories with your students is truly CONNECTING. These CONNECTIONS are what lead to lasting relationships and inspired learners. I mentioned above that many of my former first graders have pursued education as their profession. The amazing thing about them staying in touch, coming back to visit and reminiscing with me, is that I get to feel the absolute power of making these memories and connections. Even in their twenties, they can recall the funny times, the laughing, the experiences. It means the world to me. I have a former student that is a professional writer and she claims that she knew she loved writing in my first grade class because of our writer's workshop. She came to me already brilliant and talented, but I am honored to be remembered in her writing memories. Some of my former students that have become teachers, and have told me that they knew that's what they wanted to do since being a part of my first grade class. They have said, "That's what I want to do." , even as a 6 year old, and then followed through! I have no words to describe the incredible feeling, none. 
•      So, I hope you enjoyed this little blog post, I hope that you picked up an idea or recognized yourself, related to something, or just looked at something you already do in a different way. Thank you for sticking with me till the end here too! If you are a newer teacher, meaning anything less than 30 years in a classroom, (haha), maybe this can let you know that you are on the right path. If your former students are not old enough to come back and visit you as adults yet, then please let my experiences validate the incredible work that you are doing each day! Keep making those CONNECTIONS. I promise you, that you will not regret it. 

Holidays Around the World Link at Silly Sam Productions

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD: SEASONAL: AT SILLY SAM PRODUCTIONS

MAIN IDEA FLASH FREEBIE!

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MAIN IDEA!

Click Here!! 

Retelling-Comprehension Sets at Silly Sam Productions

RETELLING-COMPREHENSION

Classroom Mascot

Classroom Mascot

I love all of the cute and clever themes that I see posted for classrooms. They are color coordinated and keep a uniformity in decorating a classroom. Long, long before Classroom Themes became all the rage, some of us were doing something similar but different.

Ever since I started teaching decades ago, I have had a Classroom Mascot or Character instead.

And...yes, you guessed it, it is...

SILLY SAM

I have always loved having a little character with a personality to encourage best behavior & best efforts and caring about others.

When you have a little guy or character in your class it is easy to have students acclimate and feel like they belong to something special. Giving your little mascot some human qualities can be beneficial as well. Many of us have created our own classroom incentive programs based on our classroom mascots. 

When students are displaying some specific behavior goals that need to be addressed, we just add that quality to our character as a focus for that year. For example, I once had a year where "Coping Skills" became our major goal for the classroom. That's when the Silly Sam Let's Make Lemonade Program was created. Then another year, the group needed to focus on becoming more independent and our awards and incentives reflected that. Another time, Blurting was our main issue and the blurt chart incentive was born.

Having a character can also take some of the pressure off of us too. A brilliantly talented special education teacher that I worked with many years ago, told me to use the "Clock" instead of myself when reminding students of what they need to do. For example, "The Clock says it is time to clean up", etc. I loved making the clock the bad guy, and letting them know it wasn't me that wanted all the fun to end, it was our dreaded enemy...THE CLOCK!

Well, with a character, I don't want him to ever become the enemy, but with a well established back-story and personality, they can encourage the behaviors that "they" want to see. "Remember, Silly Sam is watching for the quietest worker, nicest friend, neatest handwriting...whatever skill or work habit you are working on.

Now, Silly Sam is absolutely available, as well as the entire classroom management system to go with him. In fact I am so thrilled that Silly Sam has entered thousands of classrooms around the world since we have joined TpT. 

However, if you decide to adopt a Classroom Mascot, you may want to find something special for you. My wonderful colleague uses Sunshines in her classroom. Another wonderful colleague created Chip the Dog for her classroom, and modeled the personality after her actual pet. I have seen Frogs and Monkeys and Ladybugs too. Many times a mascot and a theme can go together hand in hand. 

Even if your character or mascot is not part of a theme per se, they can still make your classroom special and make your students feel like a part of something special!

So, answer below...

Do you have a theme or a mascot for your classroom?

Let's share!

Anyone interested in checking out the Bundle of Silly Sam items,

 you can find them here at

 Silly Sam Productions at TpT.

Silly-Sam-Classroom-Management-System-BUNDLE

Welcome Back to School!

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

Depending where you are Back to School time is already here or quickly approaching. 

Stop by TeacherspayTeachers site for the awesome Back to School Sale for up to 28% off on great Back to School Bundles and items to help kick off a great year! Tremendous Savings!

Use promo code BTS15

Here is a wonderful welcoming activity to use at the beginning of the school year for students to introduce and celebrate themselves! This is also a wonderful introduction to Common Core Writing Skills for an "ALL ABOUT" unit. If your All About writing unit comes later in the year, referring back to this project is a perfect way to open up your in-depth unit in a way that students can relate to.

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK

There are templates and patterns for students to easily create their own ME BOOK filled with important facts about their lives and interests. The books create a student and they can add details and be creative. Have yarn or other craft items available for them to make their hair or specialized clothing.

Each page can be worked on one at a time as a whole group with brainstorming ideas. Another option is to set this up as a center or station. Brainstormed ideas can be written as an anchor chart for students to refer to for ideas and spelling. More advanced students may want to just put it together and write away.

Sharing their finished ME BOOKS is a wonderful way to address the Common Core Speaking and Listening Skills! Sharing can be done in partners, small groups or the whole class. This is a great way to begin establishing a Caring Classroom where students acknowledge and celebrate commonalities as well as differences!

ME BOOKS make a spectacular interactive BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT Bulletin Board too!

You can have students illustrate with artwork and photographs as an option. Parents love to peruse through their own child's Me Book display, as well as get to know other students in their new class!

OK, so you get through your first day and first week, you even made a big splash with your awesome bulletin boards and presentation for your Back to School Night Open House!

Now, you are in the throws of lesson planning, scheduling, assessing, and don da don...

TEACHING!!!! YAY!!!! :)

POINT OF VIEW Differentiated Reader's and Writer's Workshop Unit

Here is my by far top selling #1 Teaching Unit!

POINT OF VIEW is a DIFFERENTIATED & INTEGRATED Reader's and Writer's Unit of lessons to last days or weeks.

In order to teach POINT OF VIEW this unit uses the well known and easy to find story of the 3 Little Pigs. Adorable graphics are included.

Included in the pack are recommended children's books to read to students and focus on the differing POINTS OF VIEW of the different characters. There are differentiated templates provided to help students break down the story and analyze the events and feelings of the characters throughout the story.

After students have worked with the 3 Little Pigs Story and are comfortable with telling that story through the POINT OF VIEW of the piggies or the wolf, or even the mom, then they move on to personalizing these skills!

Now, you either read them the KISSING HAND by Audrey Penn. You have them think back to their first day of school and brainstorm a bit. Share some personal stories. Here is where you can Introduce them to a "BED-TO-BED" STORY in a Personal Narrative. Ask them to fill out a template that walks them through their first day of school from the time they wake up until the time they lay down to go back to sleep. Bed-to-Bed is a great strategy to get even the most reluctant writers believing that they can in fact..."DO IT"!

Then, using the template that includes details about emotions throughout the day, weather conditions, time order words (first, next,...), adjectives, etc. they start to write their own story about their FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

This template makes it so easy to break down their day and build a wonderful, exciting, emotionally charged, well written story just by taking it one tiny step at a time. I once had a first grader with advanced skills that thought it was impossible for him to ever write a WHOLE STORY. It was completely overwhelming for him and he was driven to tears and shut downs whenever writing was mentioned. With this template, he never had to "write a whole story on a blank page", he just had to fill in one space. That he could do! Well, after putting together his whole story, this same little guy would be the one not putting away his writing folder at the end of writing time. My helpers that were collecting materials would come over and tell me that he is not packing up. I would just tell them that sometimes authors just need that extra minute to get a final thought down on paper. That it would be ok and I would help him be ready on time. 

I promise you this is a true story!!

So at the end of this unit students have a BEAUTIFUL engaging story of their first day of school! Of course we hit those SPEAKING AND LISTENING Common Core Standard and we share those stories like crazy! 

BUT... we are not finished yet!! After sharing their PERSONAL NARRATIVE stories with a SMALL MOMENT included in the middle of the story when they no longer felt nervous on their first day, THEN...

They have to write their story one more time...

But this time they have to pick a character mentioned in their first story (mom, dad, teacher, baby brother or even puppy or kitten) and tell the story through THEIR EYES!!!!! 

So, they have to imagine how Mom, or Dad, whoever they choose, spent their day!! Were they nervous for their FIRST DAY OF SCHOOLER? How many times did they think of them and wonder what they were doing? How about the cat or dog or guinea pig at home, wondering where their little playmate is when they are used to them being home with them on summer vacation?

These stories come out AMAZING!!!!!

There are templates to create a Published Book about the Personal Narrative and Small Moment of their FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Now, I am excited to get back to school! Hope you have an outstanding year and if you need some different ideas, motivators or time-savers, I would be honored to be able to help you with that. Come on by my TpT store at Silly Sam Productions. 

So, share a Small Moment of your first day below in the comments and email me at sillysamproductions@gmail.com and I will send you a Back to School awards pack of your choice from my store for free!

Welcome Back to School Sale!

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

Depending where you are Back to School time is already here or quickly approaching. 

Stop by TeacherspayTeachers site for the awesome Back to School Sale for up to 28% off on great Back to School Bundles and items to help kick off a great year! Tremendous Savings!

Use promo code BTS15

Here is a wonderful welcoming activity to use at the beginning of the school year for students to introduce and celebrate themselves! This is also a wonderful introduction to Common Core Writing Skills for an "ALL ABOUT" unit. If your All About writing unit comes later in the year, referring back to this project is a perfect way to open up your in-depth unit in a way that students can relate to.

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK

There are templates and patterns for students to easily create their own ME BOOK filled with important facts about their lives and interests. The books create a student and they can add details and be creative. Have yarn or other craft items available for them to make their hair or specialized clothing.

Each page can be worked on one at a time as a whole group with brainstorming ideas. Another option is to set this up as a center or station. Brainstormed ideas can be written as an anchor chart for students to refer to for ideas and spelling. More advanced students may want to just put it together and write away.

Sharing their finished ME BOOKS is a wonderful way to address the Common Core Speaking and Listening Skills! Sharing can be done in partners, small groups or the whole class. This is a great way to begin establishing a Caring Classroom where students acknowledge and celebrate commonalities as well as differences!

ME BOOKS make a spectacular interactive BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT Bulletin Board too!

You can have students illustrate with artwork and photographs as an option. Parents love to peruse through their own child's Me Book display, as well as get to know other students in their new class!

OK, so you get through your first day and first week, you even made a big splash with your awesome bulletin boards and presentation for your Back to School Night Open House!

Now, you are in the throws of lesson planning, scheduling, assessing, and don da don...

TEACHING!!!! YAY!!!! :)

POINT OF VIEW Differentiated Reader's and Writer's Workshop Unit

Here is my by far top selling #1 Teaching Unit!

POINT OF VIEW is a DIFFERENTIATED & INTEGRATED Reader's and Writer's Unit of lessons to last days or weeks.

In order to teach POINT OF VIEW this unit uses the well known and easy to find story of the 3 Little Pigs. Adorable graphics are included.

Included in the pack are recommended children's books to read to students and focus on the differing POINTS OF VIEW of the different characters. There are differentiated templates provided to help students break down the story and analyze the events and feelings of the characters throughout the story.

After students have worked with the 3 Little Pigs Story and are comfortable with telling that story through the POINT OF VIEW of the piggies or the wolf, or even the mom, then they move on to personalizing these skills!

Now, you either read them the KISSING HAND by Audrey Penn. You have them think back to their first day of school and brainstorm a bit. Share some personal stories. Here is where you can Introduce them to a "BED-TO-BED" STORY in a Personal Narrative. Ask them to fill out a template that walks them through their first day of school from the time they wake up until the time they lay down to go back to sleep. Bed-to-Bed is a great strategy to get even the most reluctant writers believing that they can in fact..."DO IT"!

Then, using the template that includes details about emotions throughout the day, weather conditions, time order words (first, next,...), adjectives, etc. they start to write their own story about their FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

This template makes it so easy to break down their day and build a wonderful, exciting, emotionally charged, well written story just by taking it one tiny step at a time. I once had a first grader with advanced skills that thought it was impossible for him to ever write a WHOLE STORY. It was completely overwhelming for him and he was driven to tears and shut downs whenever writing was mentioned. With this template, he never had to "write a whole story on a blank page", he just had to fill in one space. That he could do! Well, after putting together his whole story, this same little guy would be the one not putting away his writing folder at the end of writing time. My helpers that were collecting materials would come over and tell me that he is not packing up. I would just tell them that sometimes authors just need that extra minute to get a final thought down on paper. That it would be ok and I would help him be ready on time. 

I promise you this is a true story!!

So at the end of this unit students have a BEAUTIFUL engaging story of their first day of school! Of course we hit those SPEAKING AND LISTENING Common Core Standard and we share those stories like crazy! 

BUT... we are not finished yet!! After sharing their PERSONAL NARRATIVE stories with a SMALL MOMENT included in the middle of the story when they no longer felt nervous on their first day, THEN...

They have to write their story one more time...

But this time they have to pick a character mentioned in their first story (mom, dad, teacher, baby brother or even puppy or kitten) and tell the story through THEIR EYES!!!!! 

So, they have to imagine how Mom, or Dad, whoever they choose, spent their day!! Were they nervous for their FIRST DAY OF SCHOOLER? How many times did they think of them and wonder what they were doing? How about the cat or dog or guinea pig at home, wondering where their little playmate is when they are used to them being home with them on summer vacation?

These stories come out AMAZING!!!!!

There are templates to create a Published Book about the Personal Narrative and Small Moment of their FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Now, I am excited to get back to school! Hope you have an outstanding year and if you need some different ideas, motivators or time-savers, I would be honored to be able to help you with that. Come on by my TpT store at Silly Sam Productions. 

So, share a Small Moment of your first day below in the comments and email me at sillysamproductions@gmail.com and I will send you a Back to School awards pack of your choice from my store for free!

First Day Tried & True A COLORFUL FIRST DAY!

First Day Tried & True

A COLORFUL FIRST DAY

1st Day of School Activity!

OK, I love this one. Right after we take attendance, find our seats and get those cute little name tags on, we do this first day activity.

 CRAYON-BANNER-Colorful-Bulletin-Board-Display-BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Click above for a FREE BANNER!

 3-D CRAYON Bulletin Board Display Pattern FREEBIE!
These 3-D COLORFUL CRAYONS are on our outside bulletin board as our new students enter the room. This year I have added a COLORFUL BANNER to accent the bulletin board!

When students get settled at their desks, they find a piece of white construction paper and some crayons on top. Their first assignment for my first grade class is to draw a SELF-PORTRAIT.

We talk about drawing the features of their face and hair, their first day outfit and any other details they can think of.
They draw themselves in the center of the page.

Next, they draw pictures of their favorite things all around the border.

We brainstorm and discuss the kinds of things that they may draw; like ice cream, baseballs, rainbows, dogs or cats, etc.

Then we meet in a circle and share their portraits and borders. This is their first opportunity to start practicing those SPEAKING & LISTENING Common Core Skills!
I keep a stack of index cards with me to write up a mini-interview with favorites about each kiddo.
The last fact is what they would like to be when they grow up.

I staple their portraits and index card Me Facts to colorful construction paper and hang them up for display. This GET-TO-KNOW-ME bulletin board will be up and ready for Back-to-School Night!

We also work on reading some great books about Colors and Numbers like,
*MOUSE PAINT &
*MOUSE COUNT by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Then students create their own COLOR BOOK with NUMBERS book that they illustrate and practice reading. We leave this out on their desks for parents to bring home with them on Back-to-School Night. We tell them to ask their first graders to read it for them when they get home, (or in the morning!).

My Color Book with Numbers

OK, now the BEST part!
On or near the LAST DAY of SCHOOL, I ask the kiddos to draw a SELF-PORTRAIT again.
They also draw their favorite things all around the border again. 
Only this time, I pull out their FIRST DAY of SCHOOL self-portraits and when they share this time, we can see the amazing growth that they have experienced throughout our year together! There are a lot of laughs too when they see how they did things almost a year ago.

I put their FIRST DAY & LAST DAY Self-Portraits, with their 1st & LAST Day photos and their interview card all together in a Keepsake Display for their families.

Tried & True 1st Day of School Very Special Activity!