Back-to-School Favorites Are Here! Social Studies Activities

I can't believe it's already August! As many of you are getting your classrooms ready and putting the finishing touches on your lesson plans, I wanted to share a few of my favorite back-to-school resources that are designed to make the first days and weeks of school engaging, meaningful, and stress-free.

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How Do You Measure Up in History?
Bulletin Board
​Your students will be hooked by this bulletin board before they even enter your classroom on the first day! This eye-catching interactive bulletin board has students measuring their height on the ruler and comparing themselves to 40 famous historical figures, making history personal, memorable, and fun. 


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Editable to Add More Fun!
What's so fun about this resource it that you can add pictures to include yourself, the principal, your teaching team, or anyone else you'd like to. It's the perfect bulletin board display for the first week of school to grab the attention of your students!

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Social Studies First Day of School Activities Bundle: Google & Paper Versions Included
Start the year with two interactive activities your students will love! This bundle includes a Museum Walk and a Timeline Matching Challenge that get students moving, collaborating, and thinking critically from the very first day instead of just going over the syllabus!

It's great to have students pair up and try to figure things together!  I've set up the museum walk outside for many years.  Doing so allows you, on day 1, to also explain how you expect movement through the building to be and how you expect behavior to be once outside.  

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180 Daily Writing Prompts: Middle School Bell Ringers
​If you're looking for a classroom routine, this could be something you start class with each day by either having students work on their response or by sharing what they wrote the previous day with a partner.  Each bell ringer provides a bit of background information, allows they to think independently, and practice being concise in their writing.  Use with Google Drive, your prep is simply uploading the bell ringer for the day on the digital platform you use in your classroom!

What Teachers Are Saying:

Rated 5 out of 5
Great value!  This bell ringer resource has been a great way to start class with purpose and structure. The prompts are engaging and help students transition smoothly into learning mode. Easy to prep and use—perfect for building routines and maximizing instructional time!

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Have a great start to your year!
​Matthew,
​Surviving Social Studies
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