Curated OER
When were you selfless today?
Learners, after reading and analyzing the poem, Selflessness of Mind, by Joe Gurknecht, brainstorm and discuss specific recent student acts of selflessness. They develop strategies to tie those acts of selflessness to themselves and...
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: First Week of School, Day 3
Sixth graders read a poem to see the importance of class rules and behaviors.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: First Week of School, Day 4
Sixth graders will role play with the teacher to reinforce classroom procedures.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: First Week of School, Day 2
Sixth graders will take a test and be surprised at how similar their teacher is to them.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: First Week of School, Day 1
Sixth graders will learn about each other from a toilet paper activity.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: First Week of School, Day 5
Sixth graders understand what the bucket of kindness is and how they can use it to earn rewards as a class.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Introducing Practical Speaking Skills
If you really speak WELL, people will love to listen! In this lesson, students will practice routines to help them speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly. Teaching this in the first weeks of school sets...
A to Z Teacher Stuff
First Days of School Activities
Several tips for teachers to try during the beginning days of the school year to get things off to a smooth start.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Back to School Planning Guide
Multiple back to school resources. Includes icebreakers, quick first day ideas, and unit plans.
University of California
History Project: Lincoln and the Outbreak of War, 1861
Using primary source documents, this middle school lesson plan focuses on Lincoln's role in the outbreak of the Civil War, specifically his actions as President during his first six weeks in office.