First Day of School Linky Party

I'm back from my little mini vacay ummmm. . . I mean I'm back from the wonderful workshop that my principal sent me to last weekend (more information about that to be posted soon). While I was on my little hiatus, I only posted once but I did have the chance to do some blog hopping.  There are so many great linky parties going on that I still want to hook up to.  For today I'm linking up with Michelle from Teach 123  for her linky party First Day of School.

As much as I HATE to admit it, I need to hunker down (is that a term others use or is it just a Florida thang because of our hurricanes???) and start getting ready for my new batch of superstars.  Good news / bad news time for me.  The good news, I will only have 5 - 6 kids in my room for the first three days of school.  Bad news, our students start school on AUGUST 20th YIKES!!!!

Our county does staggered start for kindergarten which means I only have 5 - 6 kids come on Monday, then I get a new group on Tuesday and a new group on Wednesday. Starting on Thursday all of the children report to school.  This has been such a great idea.  We get to do small group lessons, bond with the kids, teach them the procedures and even do initial assessments.  Since we have began implementing this I have noticed SUCH an improvement in students when it comes to their separation anxiety.  Knock on wood I haven't had many criers for the past few years.

Since we have such a small group of kids I take full advantage and try to put a lot into our day. We read books, sing songs, create a project, do a whole group math sorting activity, practice writing our name, and play in centers.  Below are some of my favorite beginning of the year books and a picture of our first classroom project. Thanks to Michelle from Teach 123 I will be doing a new activity for their writing portfolio on the first day (click here for your copy)  .

I always read I Love School on the first day ~ it's short and simple with cute pictures.

Students practice tracing, cutting, gluing, and following directions all in one simple project.

I have two objectives for staggered start:

1. Teach as many procedures as I can ~ our basic daily schedule, walking in line, washing hands, center rotations, cafeteria procedures, daily routines blah, blah, blah.

2. HAVE FUN ~ as long as the kids leave that day with a smile on their faces then I know I've done my job and hopefully they will be excited to come back.

What are some of your first day of school activities?  Click here to join the party. Well I'm off to hunker down.  SHINE on everyone!