“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies.” This quote, from the movie You’ve Got Mail, always makes me reminisce about my childhood and the memories of that first week back-to-school after a fleeting summer. I remember the feeling of the butterflies taking flight in my stomach, never knowing exactly what to expect, stepping into my new classroom for the first time. Little did I know that those first days would introduce me to lifelong friendships and lead me to that special teacher who helped shape who I am, long after I left the classroom behind.
Right now you’re preparing for your new students, catching up with colleagues, planning your lessons, and stocking up on new classroom supplies. Have your students complete this activity during the first week of school. It helps break the ice, eases those nervous butterflies, and sets a welcoming tone in your classroom.
As summer ends and children start returning to school, I realize I took those back-to-school moments for granted. To me, the last weeks of August leading into fall are synonymous with returning to school. And during this special time of year, to finish the quote in You’ve Got Mail, it makes me want to buy a bouquet of sharpened pencils.
