Back-to-school season always brings mixed emotions. Part of me wishes summer could last forever, while another part looks forward to the fresh start, new students, and endless possibilities that a new school year brings. If you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out what to do during those first few days of school, so I’ve gathered some of my favorite activities to help you start the year with confidence. If you’d like to learn more about any of these ideas, simply click the images or links throughout this post.
The Why Learn ASL WebQuest is perfect for beginning ASL students. It introduces them to Deaf culture and ASL while allowing you to learn why your students selected ASL as their second language class. Depending on your bell schedule, it can be completed in one class period or assigned in smaller chunks over several days.
The After Summer Partner Conversations is best for students who already know ASL and can translate English to ASL. It is low-prep for teachers and interactive for students. It will get them up and moving, mingling, and using the ASL on day 1! It is a perfect activity to use after a long summer break.
Using hexagons for higher-level thinking and communication is all the rage in education. The Getting to Know You Hexagon activity is no exception, and best of all, it is FREE! The teacher creates questions, and the students write their answers on the hexagon. Hexagons are placed on the wall where connections are made.
First Day Jitters book talk has been my go-to activity for ASL 2 for several years now. It never fails to entertain. It is the perfect way to jump into ASL on the first day of school. While other teachers are boring students with their syllabus talk, you can tell an entertaining story and engage your students on day one by teaching and reviewing the language. This includes all of the fun activities you need to get you through several days of planning.
The ASL 1 First Day Activities packet has something for everyone to get through the first days of ASL 1. These fun activities are just what you need to help plan for the first day or 2 of ASL 1. Use all the activities in one day or spread them out over the first week of school.
The First Week Cooperative Learning Activities are a must for a teacher’s toolkit. The packet includes 8 cooperative learning activities and icebreakers meant for the first week of a new term. The activities allow students to get to know each other, their school, your syllabus, and important key people on campus. These activities can be used with any level.
The 5 Parameters Board Game is a store favorite and loved by students. It is a great way to start off the year in review with students who already know ASL, levels 2 and up. It adds an element of fun and not doom for your class and sets the tone for a fun learning environment for the year. You can also use the 5 Parameters Dice Game. Both of these make great review at the start of the school year and perfect practice or station activities throughout the school year.
How will you start off the school year? I hope these ideas sparked creativity and fresh ideas for you.
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