5 Fun Getting to Know You Activities for Back to School

As a new teacher, getting to know your students as soon as possible is critical. This can be difficult, though, when you have twenty or thirty squirmy kids in front of you, all vying for your attention. Here are a few ideas for fun and meaningful activities that will help you get to know your students better. With just a little effort, you’ll soon be on your way to forming strong relationships with the kids in your classroom!

One of the most important things you can do as a teacher is to get to know your students. Why? Because when students feel comfortable with their teacher and classmates, they’re more likely to engage in learning. And a positive classroom environment is key to student success.

So how can you get to know your students and create a positive classroom environment? By incorporating some simple back-to-school activities that give students a chance to share about themselves and get to know their classmates. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Getting to Know You Activities

➡️ Have students fill out an “All About Me” worksheet. This can include things like their name, favorite color, food, hobby, etc.

Check out this fast and easy all-about-me book.

It’s all about the teacher.  Make sure you are modeling each activity and sharing about yourself also.  Developing relationships with your students is the key to building a positive and enjoyable classroom environment. When your students are comfortable coming to you, they will share their struggles and successes.

➡️ Play a game of “Two Truths and a Lie.” Students share three things about themselves, two of which are true and one false. Their classmates then have to guess which one is the lie.

➡️ Have students interview each other. They can ask questions like “What’s your favorite subject in school?” or “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”

As a fun twist to the interview activity, this fun card game has 80 questions that encourage players to share thoughts, think creatively, learn about others, and build relationships, this game is sure to be a hit with everyone! The questions are categorized into favorites, what if, all about me, and would you rather, so there’s something for everyone. And if that’s not enough, students can also make up their own questions for even more fun and creativity. So don’t wait – get your Back to School Game.

Play a digital version of Getting to Know Me.

➡️ Do a “Class Scavenger Hunt.” This is an excellent way for students to learn more about their classmates and the classroom. For example, you can give them a list of things to find, such as someone who has a pet, likes to play soccer, or something that starts with the letter “A.”

➡️ Give your students one index card (that’s all you need) and tell them to share one thing they want you to know about them. It can be as simple or as general as their favorite color, hobby, or sport, something they like or enjoy, or it could be something more personal, a feeling or a thought.

Model it first by giving each student an index card with one thing you want them to know, or give each student a card with a different fact about you.  It’s easier than you think to come up with facts about yourself and will go a long way in helping connect with your students.  Their eyes will light up when they receive a card from you, and they will feel comfortable sharing a fact with you.

Some students will share personal things they have never shared with anyone before. It’s a beautiful way to get to know students much deeper. If you’re looking for a way to get to know your students better, I highly recommend trying this activity. You won’t be disappointed!

The back-to-school season is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s also an excellent opportunity to get to know your students deeper. When you take the time to create a positive classroom environment and incorporate getting to know you activities into your plans, you set the stage for a successful school year.

I hope these ideas have inspired you as you head back into the classroom. Be sure to check out Tammy’s Toolbox for more great ideas to help build relationships with your students and foster a love of learning. Thanks for reading!

Check out some of these fun activities.

More back-to-school posts you may like:

Growth Mindset Tips for a New School Year

Top 10 Teaching Tips for a New Year