What a fun way to kick off the start of the school year! Celebrate the number 3 and everything that is fabulous about 3rd Grade. .....so you are thinking, "Great, now where do I start when I am so overwhelmed getting my classroom ready?!?!?!" I totally get it, because even after 15 years of teaching I still find that crunch time right before school starts, a bit hairy. Here's some magical tips to make it easy-peasy. But before all the activities, just start with a good ole' wiggle party with Kool and the Gang singing "Celebration". Do you give snacks? How about snacks centered around the number 3? In the past, I have given "Officially a 3rd Grader" snacks of Goldfish crackers. Get it? O'fish'ally. However, this year I think I am going to give 3 Musketeers! 3 Musketeers = 3rd Grade. P.S. The labels are actually brag tags that I just repurposed! If you use brag tags, you can use them indifferent ways. (Think motivational posters, labels for holiday snacks or presents.) You can download these "Officially a 3rd Grader" Brag Tags for FREE! Use the number 3 in writing. If you would love to just print these activities out, visit here. This first tip checks off so many items on my to-do list. * Informally assess the students for writing abilities. * Put up a quick hallway or bulletin board display. * Set up procedures for my writing time. What can we write about? * 3 things I did this summer. * 3 things I want my teacher to know about me. * 3 of my favorite things. * Lists of 3 (favorite foods, hobbies, places...) I love these short little writing assignments because it helps me get to know my students, their personalities and their abilities. Use the number 3 in math. If you would love to just print these activities out, visit here. I like to be floating around the room during this time to get an idea of who has good number sense and who needs some extra support. Read more about how to help students who are struggling with number sense >> here <>> here <<