Welcome Back, ELA Teachers!
The first few weeks of school are critical for setting the tone—both academically and socially. Whether you’re teaching 7th grade ELA or 11th grade honors, those opening days are your chance to build community, establish routines, and spark a love for literature and language.
Need ideas? Here are 10 top ELA activities that work beautifully during the first week and carry momentum into the first month. These ideas promote engagement, build literacy skills, and give you helpful insight into your students’ strengths and learning styles.
1. Name Story and Identity Writing Prompt
Start with an activity that centers student voice. Have students write about their name—its origin, meaning, or a story tied to it. Pair this with a short mentor text like “My Name” from The House on Mango Street or Pat Mora’s “A Voice.”
✏️ Why it works: You’ll gain early writing samples and get to know your students personally.
2. Get-to-Know-You BINGO (ELA Edition!)
Create a class BINGO board with prompts like “Has read a Shakespeare play,” “Loves poetry,” or “Writes stories for fun.” It’s a fun icebreaker that also connects to ELA interests.
✏️ Why it works: It builds community and starts conversations about students as readers and writers.
3. Reader Identity Survey + Book Tastings
Distribute a short reader profile survey, then host a “book tasting” with stations of genres. Let students sample excerpts and rate interest levels.
✏️ Why it works: Helps you with future book recommendations and independent reading plans.
4. Classroom Constitution: Collaborative Norms
Use anchor texts like excerpts from To Kill a Mockingbird or Of Mice and Men to spark discussion about fairness, voice, and community. Then co-create a classroom constitution with norms and goals.
✏️ Why it works: Builds ownership of classroom culture and models collaborative writing.
5. Short Story Analysis Boot Camp
Choose a high-interest short story (like “Lamb to the Slaughter” or “The Most Dangerous Game”) and launch a mini-literary analysis unit. Include annotation practice, vocabulary decoding, and Socratic discussion.
✏️ Why it works: Sets expectations for close reading and academic discussion.
6. Creative Writing Snapshot: “The Day the School Froze”
Have students complete a creative writing piece with a fun, low-pressure prompt like: “The day time stopped at school.” Include a mini-lesson on figurative language or vivid verbs.
✏️ Why it works: Builds writing confidence and gives you a peek at student voice.
7. Silent Discussion or Gallery Walk
Pose 4–5 big, thematic questions on posters around the room (ex: “What makes a hero?” or “Can words change the world?”). Students rotate silently, adding ideas and questions. This Back-To-School Gallery Walk is one I’m also using.
✏️ Why it works: Builds engagement, introduces classroom themes, and supports all learners.
8. Vocabulary Routines That Stick
Introduce your vocabulary routine early with a game-based activity like Vocabulary Cards (I’m using this one regularly), Vocab Charades, Word Graffiti, or Frayer Model Stations.
✏️ Why it works: Eases students into consistent routines while keeping things interactive.
9. Literary Analysis Anchor Chart + Practice
Introduce your go-to steps for literary analysis with an anchor chart and model annotation. Use a poem or microfiction to practice.
✏️ Why it works: Students get an accessible visual and early exposure to academic expectations.
10. “Where I’m From” Poem + Visual
Inspired by George Ella Lyon’s poem, students write their own “Where I’m From” pieces. Allow them to pair it with a collage, photo board, or visual.
✏️ Why it works: Blends personal narrative with poetic craft and gives your classroom color and personality.
Wrap-Up Tip: Keep It Light—but Intentional
The best first-week ELA activities strike a balance: low-pressure, but purposeful. These activities help students engage with reading and writing while easing into academic routines and expectations.
🧠 Want a printable version of this list, plus ready-to-use handouts?
Check out my Back-to-School ELA Toolkit on Teachers Pay Teachers!
✨ Stay tuned for next week’s post: “Establishing Routines That Run Themselves in Secondary ELA.”
Here are a few resources to help you navigate the beginning of your exciting school year!
I’m excited to hear how your first week goes! Enjoy the year, teachers!
— The Angry Teacher
The Angry Teacher 
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