Lesson Plan: First Two Days of Back to School with 2nd Graders

Day 1: Getting to Know Each Other

Objective: To create a positive and welcoming classroom environment by helping students get to know each other.

Materials: - Name tags/stickers - Chart paper - Markers - Small slips of paper - A box or jar

Activity 1: Name Tag Introduction (15 minutes) 1. Distribute name tags or stickers to each student. 2. Ask students to write their names on the name tags/stickers. 3. Instruct students to wear their name tags/stickers for the day. 4. Encourage students to greet each other using their names throughout the day.

Activity 2: All About Me Chart (20 minutes) 1. Create a large chart paper titled “All About Me” and draw a simple outline of a person in the center. 2. Explain to students that they will be sharing some information about themselves. 3. Model an example by sharing your own information (e.g., favorite color, hobby, favorite book). 4. Invite each student to come to the front and share one or two things about themselves. 5. Write down their responses on the chart paper, adding illustrations if possible.

Activity 3: Find a Friend (15 minutes) 1. Distribute small slips of paper to each student. 2. Instruct students to write one question they would like to ask their classmates (e.g., favorite animal, favorite food). 3. Collect the slips of paper and place them in a box or jar. 4. Have each student draw a slip of paper from the box/jar. 5. Instruct students to find the person whose question they drew and ask them the question. 6. Encourage students to share their findings with the class.

Day 2: Classroom Rules and Expectations

Objective: To establish clear classroom rules and expectations to create a positive and productive learning environment.

Materials: - Chart paper - Markers - Construction paper - Scissors - Glue sticks

Activity 1: Class Rules Discussion (15 minutes) 1. Begin by asking students why they think rules are important in a classroom. 2. Write down their responses on chart paper. 3. Discuss the importance of respect, responsibility, and safety in the classroom. 4. Brainstorm a list of class rules together, focusing on positive statements (e.g., “Raise your hand to speak” instead of “Don’t interrupt”). 5. Write down the agreed-upon class rules on chart paper.

Activity 2: Rule Posters (20 minutes) 1. Divide students into small groups. 2. Provide each group with construction paper, scissors, markers, and glue sticks. 3. Instruct each group to choose one class rule and create a poster illustrating that rule. 4. Encourage students to use bright colors and clear illustrations. 5. Once completed, have each group present their poster to the class, explaining the rule they chose.

Activity 3: Classroom Expectations (15 minutes) 1. Discuss the expectations for behavior, work completion, and participation in the classroom. 2. Write down the expectations on chart paper. 3. Ask students to share examples of how they can meet these expectations. 4. Display the chart paper with the classroom expectations in a visible area of the classroom.

Closure: Review the class rules and expectations with the students, emphasizing the importance of following them to create a positive and respectful learning environment. Encourage students to ask any questions they may have.