Christi Fultz

teacher resources • blog design • branding •

  • Home
  • Blog
    • Holiday Ideas
    • Decor
    • Early Learning
    • Literacy
    • Math
    • Tech Tips
    • Archive
  • About
    • Hello, Christi Fultz
    • Beauty
    • Wellness
    • Completely Christi
  • Teacher Shop
    • TeachersPayTeachers
    • Favorite Resources
  • Design Services
    • Website + Logos
    • How to Start a WordPress Blog
    • Apparel
  • Contact
  • Legal
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / back to school / Back to School Community Building Activities
back to school

Back to School Community Building Activities

August 1, 2012

I love back to school time! I might complain a little about having to give up my summer sleep schedule, but I am always ready to go back and get to know my new group of students. I think we all know that those first few days are crucial for setting a positive tone for the year, so I work really hard to build a community where everyone feels important and involved. 

This year, I decided to bundle some of my favorite activities for the first week of school and offer them in my stores. Even if you don’t use my packet, I want to share a couple of my favorite ideas with you. First up is a teacher KWL chart. KWL charts aren’t anything new, but have you ever had students fill one out about YOU before? They’re a great way to address any misconceptions students might have about you (like you’re the meanest teaching in your grade level and give the most homework too). I like to open up about myself first so that students feel more comfortable when it’s their turn to share. As a bonus, students are practicing their listening and writing skills right from the start as they record my answers on their KWL chart.


I use another familiar form every year to help us make connections with each other… Venn Diagrams! Students compare and contrast themselves with a new friend by recording personal facts in each section of the chart. I especially like this activity because students often have to dig a little to find things they have in common. After they complete their charts, they flip the papers over and write a paragraph about their new friend. Again, this has students practicing so many important skills (listening, writing, turn-taking). It also allows me to informally assess their writing ability, love that!


Those are just two of my favorites, but several more are in my packet. What are some of your favorite activities for community building during back to school time?

community building
by Christi Fultz 

About Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

View all posts by Christi Fultz

Related Posts

  • Creating a Culture of Caring Kids
  • Kicking Off The School Year: Video and Linky
  • Back to School Linky and SALE– woohoo!
  • Erin Condren Teacher Planner Review

I MAKE STARTING YOUR OWN BLOG EASY…

previous post: Back to School Freebies
next post: Looking for Math Centers and Currently

Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

Let’s Get Social

Search

Erin Condren Love

Click here for your $10 discount!

Follow by Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow on Bloglovin
Follow on Bloglovin

Instagram

christifultz

mama • teacher • business bestie | Helping busy moms & 9-to-5ers create websites + blogs that make a difference. FREE digital marketing guides. ⬇️

Christi | WordPress Expert + Brand Strategist
Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my co Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my counter and cake crumbles with sprinkles all over my floor. The kids have had a sugar rush before noon, and we LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. 

Some of my favorite childhood memories are making cupcakes with my mom. When I saw the I’m The Chef Too subscription box, it was an easy YES. Almost everything you need is right inside the box each month to make it easy. There are typically about 3 servings, so you make enough for everyone to have one treat without leftovers hanging around.

Now... who is going to clean up this mess??

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #bakingwithkids #kidsinthekitchen #familybaking #momentsinchildhood
It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers subscription came on Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist. These will bloom over the next few days. 💐
Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 // When you w Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 //
When you work with me, I become your digital marketing business bestie; one point person who helps you get it all done and saves you time with a website that will be beautiful outside and powerful inside. Design by Christi Fultz creates logos, installs WordPress websites, sets up email marketing, and offers virtual assistance for creative entrepreneurs. Let’s tackle your to-do list.

#wordpressdesign #teacherpreneurs #smallbusinesstips #websitedesigner #louisvillesmallbusiness #lousivilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #momsaroundlouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom #locallouisville #mompreneur #momprenuerlife #tptseller #creativebusinessowner #creativeladydirectory
Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorr Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorrow, but let’s stay up and watch reality tv.
DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big gi DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big girl room is one of my favorite places in the house. We let the kids choose their own decor for the new house and Charlotte’s room is a purple and pink dream... no surprise there! 

The DIY wallpaper was probably a “once and done” experience for us and took about six hours for this 9 by 16 wall. More pictures and sources are on our family blog, also linked in bio: https://completelychristi.com/2022/02/diy-floral-removable-wallpaper.html

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo #homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our ow Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our own custom closet, we decided to do my son’s too. We primarily use his closet for off-season storage and toys, but it was always a MESS! Then the mess spilled out onto his nightstand, desk, dresser, building table, and under his bed. He needed a system! 

I used the online design tool from @containerstorecustomspaces to create this DIY Classic Elfa system. It took about three hours to install and set up. I love how flexible the system is, which means we can reconfigure the layout as he grows. I’m also really proud of his label choices... maybe he inherited some of my organizational skills after all!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover #kidroomideas #childsroom #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Pinterest

Visit Christi Fultz's profile on Pinterest.

Affiliates



Disclosure: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase from one. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Categories

Holiday Ideas

Early Learning

Decor

Literacy

Math

Button Up

Other Projects

  • Contact
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map

As an experienced third grade teacher with a Masters in Elementary Education and K-12 reading license, I know educational resources need to be both inviting and engaging to capture students' interests. I am passionate about creating user-friendly resources to help all students learn while saving valuable prep for teachers. Read More…

Follow by email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Blog Design by

Illustration by Lovely Tocu. ©Design by Christi. Plaid Apple Ltd.

Follow @ ChristiFultz

Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my co Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my counter and cake crumbles with sprinkles all over my floor. The kids have had a sugar rush before noon, and we LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. 

Some of my favorite childhood memories are making cupcakes with my mom. When I saw the I’m The Chef Too subscription box, it was an easy YES. Almost everything you need is right inside the box each month to make it easy. There are typically about 3 servings, so you make enough for everyone to have one treat without leftovers hanging around.

Now... who is going to clean up this mess??

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #bakingwithkids #kidsinthekitchen #familybaking #momentsinchildhood
It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers subscription came on Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist. These will bloom over the next few days. 💐
Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 // When you w Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 //
When you work with me, I become your digital marketing business bestie; one point person who helps you get it all done and saves you time with a website that will be beautiful outside and powerful inside. Design by Christi Fultz creates logos, installs WordPress websites, sets up email marketing, and offers virtual assistance for creative entrepreneurs. Let’s tackle your to-do list.

#wordpressdesign #teacherpreneurs #smallbusinesstips #websitedesigner #louisvillesmallbusiness #lousivilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #momsaroundlouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom #locallouisville #mompreneur #momprenuerlife #tptseller #creativebusinessowner #creativeladydirectory
Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorr Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorrow, but let’s stay up and watch reality tv.
DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big gi DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big girl room is one of my favorite places in the house. We let the kids choose their own decor for the new house and Charlotte’s room is a purple and pink dream... no surprise there! 

The DIY wallpaper was probably a “once and done” experience for us and took about six hours for this 9 by 16 wall. More pictures and sources are on our family blog, also linked in bio: https://completelychristi.com/2022/02/diy-floral-removable-wallpaper.html

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo #homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our ow Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our own custom closet, we decided to do my son’s too. We primarily use his closet for off-season storage and toys, but it was always a MESS! Then the mess spilled out onto his nightstand, desk, dresser, building table, and under his bed. He needed a system! 

I used the online design tool from @containerstorecustomspaces to create this DIY Classic Elfa system. It took about three hours to install and set up. I love how flexible the system is, which means we can reconfigure the layout as he grows. I’m also really proud of his label choices... maybe he inherited some of my organizational skills after all!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover #kidroomideas #childsroom #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledg DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledge Tutorial // Carter’s room needed a punch of color and a place to display his favorite Legos. This weekend project was exactly what I had hoped for! Full tutorial and sources on my hobby blog, linked in bio. https://completelychristi.com/2022/01/diy-board-and-batten-accent-wall-tutorial.html 

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective  #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flowe Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flower delivery. It’s the perfect “pick me up” on a gloomy January day… or any time! As a momma, it’s easy to do all the things for your family. This is one thing I do for me! And since I work from home, it makes my space just a little happier every day. I was initially intimidated by the thought of arranging my own bouquets, but they provide tips and pictures to help. The best part? They arrive mostly in bud form and bloom in your home so you can enjoy each arrangement longer. ✨ Mine usually last 10-14 days. Link in bio to learn more.

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #momselfcare #freshflowers #thebouqscompany

Copyright © 2023 · Christi Fultz

Copyright © 2023 · Website + Branding Design by Christi Fultz.