Welcome back, teachers! It never amazing me how quickly the summer goes. I start anticipating what I need to do to secure my new students' attention and focus. As I kick off a new school year, it's crucial to set the tone with engaging, hands-on learning activities that spark curiosity and excitement. One way to achieve this is by using the pencil as a thematic centerpiece for STEM and science explorations. So as you gather up the back to school pencil supplies this is a great way to utilize the supplies you just received! Here are some creative ideas to make the first week of school both fun and academically enriching.
Picture Book Starters
Begin by captivating your students' imaginations with charming picture books that feature pencils as central characters. "Linus The Little Yellow Pencil" is a great pick to discuss creativity and problem-solving, while "Pencils on Strike" can introduce themes of teamwork and conflict resolution. "When Pencil Met Eraser" offers a delightful narrative on collaboration, and "The Pencil" can spark conversations on creativity and resourcefulness. These stories not only set the stage for the week's activities but also build a foundation for literacy skills. You can also find them at my amazon store. I like to keep all of this year's books in one place and to remind myself what I used from year to year. Wish I would have done that earlier.
STEM Challenges
For hands-on STEM activities, consider the following challenges:
- Pencil Towers: Engage students in building the tallest tower possible using only pencils and rubber bands. This activity introduces basic engineering principles and enhances fine motor skills while emphasizing balance and stability.
- Pencil Containers: Task students with designing and constructing pencil containers using recycled materials. This project not only fosters creativity but also introduces concepts of recycling and sustainability.
- Catapults: Challenge students to create simple catapults using pencils, rubber bands, and spoons. This fun and interactive activity is a great way to teach about levers and their parts while encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
- Pencil Pouches help students learn valuable observation skills that will springboard into future science lessons.
Science Connections
Here are some of the unique ways to Incorporate science lessons that connect with the pencil theme:
- Balance and Stability: Use the pencil towers activity to delve deeper into the concepts of balance and stability. Discuss why some structures stand taller and sturdier than others and experiment with different designs for optimal stability.
- Recycling: With the pencil containers activity, introduce a discussion about recycling and theimportance of reusing materials. Explore how different materials can be repurposed and the impact of recycling on the environment.
- Fabric/Paper Observations and Durability: Use "The Pencil" picture book activity to discuss the durability of different materials. Have students create pencil pouches from various fabrics or papers and test their strength and durability, linking the observations to material science.
By integrating these pencil-themed activities and books into your first week of school, I have been able to create the perfect back to school hands on experience for my kiddos. It got us talking about teamwork and what it looks like to have different ideas and be allowed a voice to share and be safe doing that! Social Emotional Learning is key to a healthy transition back to school and with your new students this year!
These projects not only will help foster STEM skills and scientific thinking but also encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. If you're looking for the
perfect science and STEM pack with all of these activities along with lesson plans, pictures, and record sheets, check out my Back to School Pencil Pack with STEM and Science Connections. I put all of my ideas in one place for my easy back to school activities for my classroom!
Happy Back to School!