The first day of school can be a little daunting for kids in grades one through three. To start the year off right, teach three class rules, which are "be safe, be kind and do your best." Read a book about safety rules, such as " Officer Buckle and Gloria" by Peggy Rathmann. Talk to the children about how to demonstrate kindness to others and encourage them to always do their best.
Hand out construction paper squares to each student in grades two to four, along with markers or pencils. Ask the students to write something nice about the classmate sitting to their right. When everyone is finished writing, have each student tell what he wrote about his classmate. This project helps boost students' self-esteem and teaches them how to appreciate everyone in spite of differences.
Children in grades one to six will enjoy creating maps of their own city. Ask children about their own neighborhoods in terms size, activities, parks, businesses and the kinds of buildings or stores that might be in their area. Have the students design a square map of their own neighborhood with their home being in the center. Their maps should include terrain, buildings and streets. Teach the class about culture and economy in their city.
This class project is suitable for grades one through five. Read them the story "The Fisherman and His Wife" by the Brothers Grimm. Ask the students which three wishes they would make to a magic fish. Have a class discussion about the moral of the story. Point out how fairy tales can help people understand current situations they might find themselves in. Reinforce the story by creating an art project about fish.