Back to school season usually stirs up feelings of grief for the end of summer vacation. However, this year I am PUMPED for it all to begin. I can't really put a finger on the reasoning... maybe its the hope that things will be somewhat back to normal after all of the Covid restrictions? I'm also expecting my second son to be born at the beginning of September, so that could definitely contribute to this feeling as well. Who knows!
This year I was lucky enough to grab a science/social studies teaching position. I've taught science for quite a few years, but I've never gotten to really focus on it as heavily and I will this year. For the first week, there are a few important pieces I want to incorporate in order to set myself up for a successful year. Every teacher knows how important routines and expectations are, so I like to teach those while also throwing in a little fun. Here are some ways that I plan to incorporate fun into the back to school season.
Getting to Know You Activity
Most teachers already have their favorite "Get to Know You" activities that they use at the beginning of each year. This year I wanted to change it up and do something that my students haven't seen before. I also wanted it to relate to science since I will be teaching them mostly science for the year.
Enter the "What Type of Scientist Are You?" quiz! Students will read through 40 statements and circle each one that applies to them. Then, at the end their answers will point them to the type of scientist they most relate to.
Not only is this a great way to get students learning about each other, but its an awesome way to get the kids excited about the different topics they will be learning this year. You could even highlight each type of scientist as helpers during your units. Students really feel a sense of ownership over their learning when they are highlighted as an expert. 😉
Another thing I love about this activity, is that it makes a colorful and easy display that will last year round!
Setting Up a Science Journal
I've used a science journal in my classroom for many years. However, at the end of every year I find myself feeling disappointed in my student's journals. Do I blame them? Not in the least bit. I blame myself for not being clear and consistent with what I expect from the journals. This is usually because science time always gets cut short to make time for other things, hence rushing and not creating a quality science journal.
Some things I plan on reinforcing EVERYDAY this year in the journals include:
- Keeping a table of contents
- Numbering each page
- Label each page
- Flipping to the next blank page for each new journal entry
- Use guided tables and charts to help with organization
- Check science journals weekly
It didn't take me long to figure out that third graders don't naturally know how to organize, so modeling my expectations will be key.
Another important piece to the science journal is using it for keeping notes/definitions AND as a place for students to reflect on what they've learned, observed, or wonder. Too often I feel that my journals become a place that is just for looking back at vocabulary or content learned. I also want this to be a place that shows the process of learning and exploring through journal entries and free-writes.
To help students take ownership over their journals, and look at it with pride, I plan to get them started from the very first week. This can easily be done by picking a favorite STEM team building activity. I'll link a few of my favorites below. Then, allow students to journal about their experience after completing the STEM activity using their science journal. This is a great place to reflect on how they did as scientists with the challenges they were given, what they learned, and what they wonder. It's also a wonderful time to start modeling journal expectations and getting in the routine of properly labeling and organizing the journal.
Organizing the Classroom
Another easy way to get those classroom routines down is to have students practice getting their own supplies while doing your beginning of the year STEM activities. Throughout each activity, stop and reflect on how each group is doing with getting materials, handling materials, and putting materials away. Set goals as a classroom for how you can improve on the routines the next day.
Teaching routines in the classroom shouldn't be about sitting and listening. It is so important that the kids gets to practice each routine repeatedly. It will be important for students to know the routines when you start doing more in depth science experiments. For instance, our animal unit requires A LOT of materials to set up terrariums for THREE different animals. That is not a time when you will want to deal with students not knowing the routine... *insert horror music*
Also make sure that all of the materials in the classroom are organized and labeled. Students cannot be expected to be independent in the science classroom, if you have not prepared the space for them. Kids love organization in the classroom (although it might not seem like it most days 😂), because it makes the room predictable and easy for them to understand.
Science is often the highlight of a lot of student's day. They get to do hands-on activities, explore, and wonder! Start the year off right by teaching structure and giving the students an opportunity to own their learning.
Happy Teaching! :)
- Sweet Southern Teaching
