Back to school 2021 – resources at your fingertips for post-COVID

Back to School 2021….may be a possibility for you at least for some amount of time. If you are looking for back to school 2021 ideas and back to school 2021 lesson plans so you can wrap your head around what might be coming or how to prepare this is your GO – TO post!

Bookmark for all your Back to School Needs!

If you need some home office teaching essentials make sure you check out this post. Comfort and necessity are great to have set up ahead of a virtual back to school situation.

What does back to school 2021 look like?

Every school is different ….whatever camp you are in – take these ideas and use what works for you!

I’ll lay out a basic structure that could work and PLENTY of beginning of the school year ideas that can be done in person or distance learning to help you plan for back to school 2020.

It’s great to pick ideas that can work in print and digital form to accommodate all learners and families if possible.

INTRODUCTIONS: I love iPad Intro (Google Slides) as it is so fun for students, but does take a little to create. I break up introductions so we have more time for each student + the first day is a lot about logging in!

Routines and Procedures and Building Community are also important parts of Back to School that can and need to be done virtually as well.

Special 2021 Back to School Ideas

We all know normal back to school lessons won’t work for b2s 2021….the last year ended dramatically and normalcy is unlikely for a number of schools!

This Easy Engagement calendar is PACKED with ideas – great for all year but always good to have up your sleeve planning content!

Let’s dive in the BIG list of 2021 Back to School Lesson plans

1. A Fun Introduction Activity!

I love this iPad intro because Google Slides makes it easy to fill out and share with “the class.” If you are in session they are easy to print and display!

Don’t forget to introduce students to you as well. Do a Classroom Tour video for students (either your home office or classroom if coming back in is predicted so students get acclimated.)

This Emoji Bubble Pop Intro Activity is perfect for Back to School 2021 in person or distance learning! The teacher pops the bubbles for a FUN get to know you activity for any grade or content area! Great for a Smartboard or to do sharing screens with students!

Would You Rather.…but get students up and moving for back to school 2021. Learning needs MOVEMENT with constant sit and screen time. Use these slides and incorporate movement but ones you can see as a teacher to easily learn more about students.

*BONUS* transform this into an EASY writing activity for elementary by asking them to defend their choice!

A Scavenger Hunt may be a good fit for your students!

Break up this virtual scavenger hunt in multiple days…..

Do one a day to start class…..

Get movement and student relationships all in one!

Can use ANY time of year not just for back to school!

Of course Edit to meet your students as well!

These K-6 Open House Back to School Signs are awesome for your class!

Insert picture, edit prompts and instant momento from your first day or week.

Grab yours FREE here perfect for Back to School 2021!

2. Classroom Community from the Start!

Send postcards to students ahead of time is a great way to start building relationships with students and families that extends beyond the classroom – even more important with back to school 2020!

You can grab a FREE Editable Postcard for you to use – here!

Send students an accessory (sunglasses…friendship bracelets….temporary tattoos…) or dress the same color/theme to build togetherness!

Positive Notes: Bundle, Notes from Teachers and Students, Bitmojis, Compliments

Positive Notes are another FANTASTIC way to communicate with students ( and families!). Adding bitmojis and fun encouragement and praise is great for students but especially in working with a new class at the beginning of school.

Dance party (a Friday staple in my normal classroom – was great to add in virtually) Teacher plays music and mutes all students and dance together.

Supporting students and families with encouraging yard/window signs is another great way to build community!
Start a class cheer to end all meetings together – “Go Team _____”, “_______ Pride,” “___________ Rock.” Something you come up with together!

3. Build in **updated* Classroom rules and procedures for back to school 2021!

Starting the year looks different. Student expectations have to be started day 1 – with a new teacher what is expected for each day/week so students can begin to see how their week is structured.

If you are in person or transitioning back and forth covid read alouds maybe helpful for social distancing measures used in school or with younger students.

This list of coronavirus read alouds is a great place to start.

So much of school is routine and structure and it is likely to look different make sure you address it day 1 but have plenty of flexibility in working with families!

If you’ve made it all the way to the end here and are thinking – Yep those are things I need to do – definitely check out this Back to School Bundle – it’s the perfect mix of technology distance learning activities and in person (although the technology ones can be done in school!) that will have you prepared for whatever next year may hold!