Starting a new school year is full of BIG feelings—excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and lots of wondering! One of my favorite ways to begin building classroom community is by helping students feel welcomed, connected, and excited from day one. That’s exactly why I created the You’re Finally Here! Bundle!
This engaging resource combines Interactive Google Slides with hands-on printable activities to create a fun and meaningful beginning-of-the-year experience. Students can click, drag, type, create, write, share, and learn while building friendships and getting comfortable in their new classroom environment.
The Interactive Google Slides make learning active and exciting! Students introduce themselves, complete “Would You Rather” activities, explore feelings, sort “Hard to Wait” and “Easy to Wait” situations, load a backpack with school essentials, and participate in community-building activities. The easy-to-move interactive pieces and kid-friendly format make this a perfect fit for technology centers, whole-group lessons, or independent work.
The printable companion activities extend the fun with meaningful literacy and social-emotional learning opportunities. Students can complete writing prompts, class surveys, “Find a Friend” activities, story recall pages, mini books, vocabulary practice, ABC order, syllables, making words, games, and classroom discussions. There are also opportunities for students to share about themselves and reflect on feelings, friendship, waiting, and all the excitement that comes with a new school year.
I especially love the conversations that naturally happen with these activities. Students begin connecting with classmates, discovering common interests, and sharing experiences while practicing important literacy skills. The theme of waiting and excitement helps create wonderful discussions about patience, friendship, and all the things worth waiting for.
This bundle works perfectly for:
• Back-to-School Week
• Morning Meeting
• Literacy Centers
• Whole Group Lessons
• Small Groups
• Technology Time
• SEL Activities
• Classroom Community Building
Beginning the year with meaningful activities helps students feel comfortable and confident. After all, classrooms truly feel complete when everyone is together.
Because the very best part of school is this: You’re finally here! ✨
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