ESL New Beginnings: First Day of School Activities

Having a student who is both new to the United States and new to the English language can be a little daunting for teachers. This resource, which I’ve used with my 7th and 8th grade Newcomers classes, is full of ideas, activities, and word work for the first day of school. The focus is to make the students comfortable, help them get to know some of their classmates, and teach them enough English language to have their basic needs met while at school.

CONTENTS INCLUDE:

Stuffed Animal Name Toss: a fun game that’s sure to get even the most frightened student smiling.
Survival Language: A classroom poster (offered in both in color and in black and white) to help students remember how to make basic requests to use the restroom and get a drink of water, as well as ask for directions to the bus and to the cafeteria. Hang on the wall, or give a copy to each student for reference.
Survival Language Activity Sheet: Using the Survival Language sheet, students will practice reading the questions, matching the symbols with the questions, and writing the questions.
Nametag Template: Students can fold the paper in half to make a standing name tag with their name and illustrations of their favorite sport and favorite food.