I like to start off with a "theme" in my classroom each year for the first week - just something fun and interesting that helps to "break the ice" without having to complete 50 getting-to-know-you activities. I like to plan a mini-unit that also helps me to engage my students and assess many aspects of their learning. This coming school year, I plan to use a PIRATE theme (based on the classic novel, Treasure Island). I wanted to incorporate various literacy skills (to pre-assess writing, questioning techniques, etc.), and I found $3 junior editions of Treasure Island at Michael's (they have several other great titles - great price).
In order to incorporate the theme, I made some signs for Open House and the first day of school that I can frame/display. I also plan to have welcome cards (using one of the signs I created), eye patches and some chocolate gold coins on their desks the first day of school.
I have attached the signs hoping that someone else can put them to use as well. :-) I also created a reader's notebook/journal for the Treasure Island book study we will complete.
I posted some snapshots below and links (at the bottom) to the actual PDF files.
Click on the links below to download files...
