First Day of School Activities

     As I sit here planning for the first day, I'm remembering that I ALWAYS seem to over-plan.  Between wanting to make sure that I have every minute covered and forgetting just how long everything seems take in the beginning, I usually only get to half of what I have planned.  I thought I would share a couple of old favorites that I try to get in on the first day.
     The first is something that a lot of you probably do, too.  I have the kids draw self portraits of themselves on the first day of school.  It's a great way to assess their fine motor skills, name writing and attention to detail and it's something that all the kids can be successful at, regardless of their ability level.  I tuck away the finished portraits then we do a companion portrait on the last day of kindergarten.  I mount them on a large piece of construction paper, laminate them and send them home as a keepsake.  (Grab a copy below.)
     The second activity is a parent favorite.  I found a post on proteacher a few years ago about making a magnet to hang work on the fridge.  I made a little graphic with the poem and some clipart.  I photocopy onto cardstock and then have the kids each decorate one.  (They draw a little picture of whatever they want in the little paper - coloring pencils work best - and then color the rest however they choose.)  Then, I laminate the circles and hot glue a clothespin with a magnet onto the back.  Voila! Now you have a refrigerator magnet with a built in clip to hang papers.  If you want to give it a try, just click below the picture!
Have great night!

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