Lemon Shake-Ups.
Caramel Apples.
Cotton Candy.
Peach-Tea.
S’mores.
Funnel Cakes.
Banana Splits.
Strawberry Milkshakes.
Which is your favorite summertime favorite?
Hopefully you’ve had a great summer and done plenty of your favorite things and eaten plenty of your favorite goodies. (Lemon Shake-Up for me!)
August arrived almost 72 hours ago. Along with it, band practice, golf practice, back-to-school posts, and an earlier wake-up time (probably the most shocking of all.)
As I get back into the routine, I feel mixed emotions. My daughter is a junior and a squad leader in the marching band this year. On the first day of practice, I heard her come downstairs. I hopped out of bed, quickly got dressed, and started my coffee as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. She looked at me – water bottle, trumpet, music, and keys in hand – and I realized she doesn’t need a ride this year. She has her own car. (Imagine both our faces – and my heart – at this moment.)
My son, finally a teenager, is an 8th grader and is on the golf team. He’s worked hard all summer on his swinging, chipping, and putting. My parents bought him a giant net that he can set up in the yard. It’s been nice because I don’t have to pay for the driving range, or make his sister drive him to the golf course. But when I look at my hacked-up lawn…. I think I should put up a sign that says, “A spoiled rotten golfer lives here.”
I’ve started a little of my back-to-school work, but considering this is Year 21, I feel pretty comfortable and have learned to use every second of this precious time for relaxing, refreshing, and re-energizing.
However, during a quick stop at the store this morning, I found the perfect ice breaker activity for my students.
After brief introductions of myself and my student teacher, I will bring out the basket.
This is a good time for me to remind them of the rule of saying “Thank You” immediately after receiving a treat, and a warning that candy wrappers left anywhere but the trash can will not work in my classroom.
Now comes the fun:
I’m excited to have my first day activity planned and ready to go. I had most of these students last year in 7th grade, so I have to get creative each year. Plus, this lets us hold onto sweet summer just a little bit longer….
What is your go-to ice breaker?
Do you have something new planned for this year?
I’d love for you to share your ideas in the comments!
Melanie,
What a fun way to debrief from summer vacation! I may use this with my teachers:) This is my 21st year as well and I still get butterflies the first day back…I guess that’s a good thing:) Have a great start!
Jon
This will work well for my class’s on the first day AFTER going over (required to do) the school handbook. 😬 Thank you! I just hope I can find this bag of flavors!
I know you can buy them online also. Good luck!