Literacy, Numeracy, Science

Subjects covered Activities Resources Differentiation
Literacy
  • Read a story about the first day of school and discuss the characters and events.
  • Introduce and practice letter recognition using alphabet flashcards.
  • Engage in role play activities where students act out the first day of school.
  • Practice writing their names and simple words.
  • Storybook about the first day of school
  • Alphabet flashcards
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Writing worksheets
  • Provide additional support for students who need extra help with letter recognition and writing.
  • Offer more challenging activities for advanced students, such as writing sentences or creating their own stories.
  • Use visual aids and manipulatives to support learning for students with different learning styles.
Numeracy
  • Count and sort school supplies, such as pencils, erasers, and crayons.
  • Practice number recognition and counting using number flashcards.
  • Engage in simple addition and subtraction activities using counters or manipulatives.
  • Explore patterns and shapes using pattern blocks or shape puzzles.
  • School supplies (pencils, erasers, crayons, etc.)
  • Number flashcards
  • Counters or manipulatives
  • Pattern blocks or shape puzzles
  • Provide additional support for students who struggle with number recognition and counting.
  • Offer more advanced addition and subtraction activities for students who are ready for a challenge.
  • Encourage students to explain their thinking and reasoning during numeracy activities.
Science
  • Discuss the different senses and how they can be used to explore the school environment.
  • Take a nature walk around the school grounds and observe plants, insects, or animals.
  • Engage in simple science experiments, such as mixing colors or observing the properties of water.
  • Explore different materials and their properties through hands-on activities.
  • Books or resources about the senses
  • Clipboards and pencils for nature walk observations
  • Basic science experiment materials (food coloring, water, etc.)
  • Various materials for exploration (e.g., wood, plastic, fabric)
  • Provide additional support for students who may need help with vocabulary or understanding scientific concepts.
  • Encourage students to ask questions and make predictions during science experiments.
  • Allow for hands-on exploration and provide opportunities for students to share their observations and discoveries.

Arts Subjects

Theme: First Day of School

Subjects Covered

Activities

Resources

Differentiation

Visual Arts

Create self-portraits using pencils and crayons.

  • Pencils
  • Crayons
  • Paper

Provide visual references for students who may need extra support.

Decorate name tags using markers and stickers.

  • Markers
  • Stickers
  • Name tags

Provide a variety of materials for students to choose from, catering to different interests.

Create a class collage with pictures cut out from magazines.

  • Magazines
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Large paper

Offer assistance to students who may struggle with cutting or gluing.

Paint a collaborative mural depicting their favorite things about school.

  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Large canvas/paper

Encourage collaboration and provide guidance to students who may need it.

Drama

Role-play different school scenarios, such as lining up or asking for help.

Props (e.g., chairs, pencils, books)

Assign roles and provide support to students who may need assistance in expressing themselves.

Perform a short play about the first day of school.

Costumes (e.g., hats, coats, backpacks)

Offer script prompts or simplified lines for students who may struggle with memorization.

Improvise a school-themed dance routine.

Music

Provide visual cues or simplified movements for students who may require additional support.

Create a class puppet show about a typical day at school.

  • Puppets
  • Puppet theater
  • Props (e.g., mini chalkboard, books)

Encourage students to work in pairs or groups to support each other during the performance.

Music

Sing a welcome song to greet each student.

Song lyrics

Provide visual aids or actions to accompany the song for students who may need additional support.

Play a listening game where students identify different school-related sounds.

Recording of school sounds

Allow students to work in pairs or small groups to support each other in identifying the sounds.

Create a class song about their first day of school.

Musical instruments

Provide simplified lyrics or repetitive phrases for students who may find songwriting challenging.

Learn and perform a simple dance routine to a school-themed song.

Dance music

Adapt the routine to suit different ability levels, allowing students to participate at their own pace.

Station Ideas

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First Day of School Stations

1. Welcome Station

Decorate a welcome sign for the classroom door.

2. Name Tag Station

Create your own name tag using stickers, markers, and colored paper.

3. All About Me Station

Draw a picture of yourself and share one thing you like with a classmate.

4. Classroom Tour Station

Take a tour of the classroom and identify different areas and materials.

5. Story Time Station

Listen to a story about starting school and discuss how you feel.

6. Play-Dough Station

Use play-dough to create shapes and objects related to school.

7. Puzzle Station

Work on puzzles with classmates to practice problem-solving skills.

8. Snack Time Station

Enjoy a healthy snack and talk about the importance of eating well.

9. Art Station

Create a painting or collage using different art materials.

10. Music Station

Listen to and explore different musical instruments and sounds.

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Story Time

Once Upon a Time

It was a bright and sunny morning in the little town of Sunshineville. Children were getting ready for their first day of school. They were excited and a little nervous too.

Tommy, a brave and curious little boy, was especially excited. He couldn't wait to make new friends, learn new things, and have lots of fun at school.

Tommy's mom helped him get dressed in his new school uniform. She packed a yummy lunch for him and gave him a big hug before he left for school.

As Tommy walked through the school gate, he saw many children playing and laughing. He felt a little shy at first, but then he saw a friendly face.

"Hi, I'm Emily," said the girl with a big smile. "Are you new here?"

"Yes, it's my first day," replied Tommy, feeling happy to have found a friend.

Emily took Tommy's hand and showed him around the school. They saw colorful classrooms, a big playground with swings and slides, and a library filled with books.

When the bell rang, all the children lined up outside their classroom. Tommy and Emily stood next to each other, feeling a mix of excitement and a little bit of butterflies in their tummies.

Finally, it was time to go inside. The teacher, Mrs. Smith, greeted all the children with a warm smile.

"Welcome to our class," said Mrs. Smith. "Today, we are going to have lots of fun while we learn new things."

The children cheered with excitement. Tommy and Emily found seats next to each other, ready to explore the world of learning.

Mrs. Smith started the day by reading a story about a magical land where animals could talk. The children were captivated by the story and imagined themselves going on adventures with the talking animals.

After the story, they learned about numbers and colors through fun games and activities. They counted colorful blocks and sorted them by their colors.

At lunchtime, Tommy opened his lunchbox and found a delicious sandwich, juicy fruits, and a little note from his mom that said, "Have a great first day, my brave little boy!"

Tommy felt loved and happy. He shared his lunch with Emily and they giggled together.

In the afternoon, they had art and craft time. Tommy and Emily painted beautiful pictures with bright colors. They laughed and shared their creativity with each other.

As the school day came to an end, Tommy couldn't believe how much fun he had on his first day of school. He didn't want the day to end, but he knew there would be many more exciting days ahead.

Tommy hugged Emily goodbye and waved at Mrs. Smith. He couldn't wait to come back to school the next day and learn even more amazing things.

And so, with a heart full of joy and new friendships, Tommy skipped his way back home, eager to share all about his first day of school with his mom.