The first day of kindergarten can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience for both students and teachers. To help students feel more prepared and comfortable, here are some fun and engaging activities to kick off the new school year.
Emotions and Communication
First Day Jitters activity
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目的: Help students express their feelings and understand that it's okay to feel nervous.
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活动描述: Give each student a sheet of paper with two phrases on it, like "I'm excited" and "I'm a bit worried."
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方法: Have students fold the paper once to hide their initial feelings, then unfold it to share their thoughts.
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后续步骤: Use the phrases to create a class collage showcasing everyone's feelings.
Classroom Discussion
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目的: Build a sense of community and help students empathize with their classmates.
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活动描述: Start with a book like "The Kissing Hand," which opens the conversation about feelings.
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方法: As a class, discuss the emotions mentioned in the book and how to show empathy.
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后续步骤: Create a "心情图谱" with students' names and pictures, and have them discuss how they can support each other.
Rule and Procedure Review
"David Goes to School" Storytime
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目的: Introduce school规则和程序。
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活动描述: Use the book "David Goes to School" to practice listening and following instructions.
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方法: Stop the story at various points to discuss the rules and prompts for following directions.
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后续步骤: Create a visual schedule with pictures to represent the daily routine.
Familiarity with Supplies
Glue Practice
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目的: Familiarize students with using school supplies like glue.
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活动描述: Introduce the "One Dot Club" to teach the correct way to use glue with a little challenge to join.
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方法: Students glue one dot onto a paper and get a small treat for completing the task.
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后续步骤: With a partner, students complete a simple glue task, such as gluing leaves onto a stem.
School Supply Scavenger Hunt
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目的: Practice finding and using different school supplies.
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活动描述:Hide school supplies around the classroom and have students work together to find and bring them back to the designated spot.
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方法: Assign specific supplies to each group and have them rotate through the different stations.
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后续步骤: Review the supplies with the students and encourage them to use their imagination for the last station.
Reading and Song
Read-Aloud and Song
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目的: Encourage reading and music, and introduce the book "Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes."
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活动描述:Listen to the read-aloud, pause for discussions, and sing along to the catchy tune.
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方法: Use literacy-based activities like flashcards or word walls to support reading comprehension.
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后续步骤: After the song, discuss the book and take a short walk around the school visiting different classrooms.
Memory and Creative Projects
Back-to-School Memory Book
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目的: Help students process their first-week memories.
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活动描述: Encourage students to create a memory book with decorations and personal memories.
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方法: Have students decorate a book cover with school buses and write down new experiences, friends, and feelings.
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后续步骤: Compare the first-week memory book with an end-of-the-year version to see growth.
Friendship Wreath
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目的: Establish connections and foster a sense of community among students.
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活动描述: Have students make a friendship wreath with colorful materials, including small crafts for their hair, arms, and hands.
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方法: Guide students through creating a simple yet thoughtful adornment to present to a friend.
Personalized First Day Experience
Personalized Crown
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目的: Create a positive and memorable first day experience for students.
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活动描述: Purchase or create crowns with students' names and provide free reign to decorate them as they see fit.
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方法: Have students customize their crowns with stickers, glitter, and other decorative elements.
Engaging and Interactive
Interactive School Calendar
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目的: Teach school routines through engaging and interactive tools.
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活动描述: Use an interactive digital calendar that sings songs, moves pieces, and provides daily weather updates.
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方法: Introduce the calendar as a tool for teaching time management and social skills.
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后续步骤: As a class, learn the daily routines and expectations associated with the calendar.
These activities help students transition into the school environment by creating a sense of community, building trust, and introducing key rules and procedures. By incorporating the latest research on how children learn and develop, these activities are tailored to support the unique needs of kindergarten students. Through a combination of engaging storytelling and interactive learning, students are armed with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.