Looking for good activities for first day of high school?

Oftentimes teachers struggle to find creative ideas of activities for first day of high school.  Most of us tend to use the beginning of school to establish a seating chart and briefly discuss classroom expectations.  While this may be necessary, it can be very boring for both the teachers and the students. 

Here are 5 powerful activities for first day of high school to liven up your class.

ONE | Meet and greet students at the door to your classroom. 

• Save

I have to admit that when I was a newer teacher I thought this was silly. Now that I am older and understand relationships much better, I think this one is highly important. Make a point to stand at your door everyday if possible and call each student by name and welcome them into the classroom. I get that maybe everyday is a stretch, but definitely the first week of school and at least a day a week after that. One of the sweetest sounds to a person’s ears is their own name and by calling them by it as you welcome them into the classroom, it sets a positive tone.  Wanna know more? Check out this article on Edutopia.

TWO | First Day of High School Questionnaire

• Save

I have used this strategy for years and it is one that I find them most intuitive. Sometimes, I like to include questions about the technology they have access to (both at home and during school). Often, I will ask questions about activities they are interested in, sports they play, instruments they play, what their goals are in the class, and even their favorite color or number. I have made small tweaks each semester to better fit my students and I love what I find out about them. It is a simple one page questionnaire that I have sitting on their desk. After I have greeted them and they have entered the room, they are asked to start working on the questionnaire. This allows for students to have a task immediately, but it also provides me with relevant information about my students. 

THREE | Stations for the beginning of school tasks. 

• Save

One of my least favorite beginning of school year topics is going over the syllabus and class expectations. BORING! Kids zone out and I feel obligated to go through these things. I knew there had to be a better way to cover these topics. Turns out there is a MUCH better way-STATIONS. You can make as many or as few stations as you feel necessary around the room. This gets students up moving, talking to each other, and provides them a kinesthetic, visual, and auditory task (hello multiple learning styles!) Examples could be “What I wish my teacher knew”, “Sign up for technology”, “Syllabus station”, “Icebreakers”, etc. I even have added a science lab equipment station to introduce them to some basic equipment. 

FOUR | Social icebreakers for start of high school

• Save

This creates a more playful side to the first day of school. Believe it or not, students like icebreakers even though they moan and groan to start. Two Truths and a Lie is a popular one where there is one statement that is false and the other two are true. Students must guess which one is the lie. Some kids get really creative and it is crazy what some of their truths are! Feel free to model this by using yourself as an example. Another great one is “Would your rather…” There really is no limit with this icebreaker. You could print out a sheet of questions for students to answer or make questions cards.

I have found that playing these games in small groups works best because many students are intimidated by speaking in front of the whole class. Other kids can get off task as well because they may lose interest.  A game that I found and am anxious to try is “Nice Mnm’ing You”. Students are in small groups and each group gets a cup of M&M’s. One student is blindfolded and reaches into the cup to pull out an M&M. Each color represents a different question. Examples I would use:

Red – What is your favorite animal?

Orange – Share your favorite memory.

Yellow – Who is your favorite celebrity and why?

Blue – What is your goal for this school year?

Brown – Who is one person you would love to meet?  (dead or alive)

Green – What is your favorite time of year and why?

Of course students would be allowed to eat them once they have answered the question. High five to being the coolest teacher!

FIVE | Classroom (or School) Scavenger Hunt. 

• Save

This could become quite elaborate (and tedious) if you are doing the whole school which is why I would stick with the classroom. BUT, if you are feeling adventurous and have the time, then try the whole school. It would be a great activity for those students who are still not familiar with the campus. Have activities at each of the locations where students are going to locate something. For example, you could have a clue saying this is where you would go to find out what you missed while you were absent. Once students go to the correct location, they must do an activity such as write down what was on the agenda for the day..  I have seen where a teacher made a bingo board as the scavenger hunt and students had to do the whole board.

BONUS TEACHER TIP | 

In addition to these activities for first day of high school, have a real beginning to class such as good morning I’m Mrs. ABC, not only on the first day, but everyday. Also, have a real end to class like “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

The key is to start building a good rapport with your students early and establish clear expectations. If you do these things, the rest of your school year will be smooth(er) sailing. While teaching the standards and content is the reason students are in school, it is also important that they feel valued. Doing fun and creative activities at the beginning of the school year builds a sense of community. Teenagers just want to feel wanted and like they matter.  

Want more? Then check out these articles…

How Can Science Teachers Prepare for the New School Year and Success

17 Fun First Day of School Activities to Try

8 First Day of High School Activities to Get to Know Your Students

First Day at the Secondary Level

10 Things Your Lesson Plans for Biology Need

Let me know  in the comments what you think of these activities for first day of high school or if there are any others you would love to share!

• Save