Welcome Back Activity

Introduction (2 minutes)

Objective

Welcome students back from their school holidays with an engaging and interactive activity that fosters a sense of community and belonging. This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum’s Key Competencies, particularly Relating to Others and Participating and Contributing.

Curriculum Area and Level

• Curriculum Area: Social Sciences
• Level: Years 0–8

Warm-up (2 minutes)

Activity

• Title: Holiday Snapshots

Instructions

1. As students enter the classroom, greet them warmly.
2. Introduce the activity: Each student will share one special moment from their holidays.
3. Encourage them to think of their favourite memory or something unique they experienced.

Main Activity (15 minutes)

Activity

• Title: "Holiday Bingo"

Materials Needed

• Printed Bingo cards (1 per student)
• Markers or crayons
• Stickers for prizes

Instructions

1. Hand out Bingo cards to each student. These cards should have various holiday-related activities and experiences, such as:
   • Went to the beach
   • Visited family
   • Ate ice cream
   • Camped in a tent
   • Watched fireworks
   • Tried a new sport
   • Learnt something new
2. Explain the rules:
   • Students should walk around and find classmates who have done the activities listed on their Bingo cards.
   • When they find someone, the classmate should initial the box.
   • The aim is to get a row of initials horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Facilitation

• Walk around to ensure students are engaged and to help if they have questions.
• Use this time to connect individually with students, making them feel valued and listened to.

Conclusion (1 minute)

Activity

• Title: Bingo Debrief

Instructions

1. Gather students back into a circle.
2. Celebrate their successes:
   • Ask a few students to share their Bingo card and talk about one of the activities they did during the holidays.
   • Give stickers or small prizes to students who completed a Bingo line.

Reflection

1. Ask students to reflect on one new thing they learnt about a classmate today.
2. Encourage them to think about how their classmates’ experiences are similar or different from their own.

Wrap-up (1 minute)

Instructions

1. Thank students for participating and express enthusiasm for the new term.
2. Share what the next lesson will involve to build excitement and positive anticipation.

Notes for Teachers

• Differentiation:
  • For younger students (Years 0–2), consider modifying the Bingo cards with pictures instead of text.
  • For older students (Years 6–8), add a reflective component where they write a short paragraph about their favourite holiday experience.
• Connections to Key Competencies:
  • Relating to Others: Through sharing personal experiences.
  • Participating and Contributing: Active engagement in class activities.

By focusing on an engaging and community-centered activity, this lesson plan aims to create a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates students' diverse experiences and sets a positive tone for the upcoming term.