Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

5 Fun Back to School Poems

Get your kids ready for school today with these fun back to school poems and activities.

The beginning of the school year is a special time for kids. They often have anxiety about starting a new school year, but also excited to have so much fun with their new teacher and friends.

Whether used individually or as a poetry pack, these simple poems are a great way to introduce bus safety, hand washing procedures, calendar time, and build a positive classroom community at the beginning of the year.

 

 

Riding the Bus Back to School Poems

Part of the excitement of going back to school is riding the school bus. If your kiddos are in kindergarten, then riding the bus for the first time is a big deal.  We want to celebrate the excitement, remind the kids of bus safety, and start building their language skills.

 

 

Bus Safety is very important for the kids and the school staff. Listening to the bus driver, sitting in your seat, no eating, and knowing what bus you ride, are just a few of the rules to learn before putting kids onto the bus for the first time.

This poem about riding the bus is perfect for the first day of school, or your back to school activities spread throughout the first week.

 

 

Family Poem for Kids

Some families are big, and families are small. Families are different, and we love them all.

This family poem is also a great bridge into teaching diversity – not everyone is the same and we need to show kindness and compassion to all!

During the back to school season, or the first week of school, I like to focus on building a positive classroom community.

One of the best ways to show the kids you care about them is to talk to them about their families. Send home a parent letter asking for a family photo, and do an entire days lesson about families – allowing the kids to share their photos and talk about why they love their family.

This family poem is perfect as a poem of the week resource, or to hang as a classroom or hallway display. During open house, parents would appreciate the drawings the kids do!

 

 

 

 

 

Days of the Week Song

In preK, kindergarten, and first grade, kids often recite a days of the week song, poem, or chant during the classroom morning routine. 

A typical calendar routine includes going over the days of the week, months of the year, yesterday/today/tomorrow, the date, how many days are in the month, and the four seasons.

Over the 17 years of teaching, I used a lot of different songs, chants, and poems for calendar time. The kids always loved the Adam’s Family version of Days of the Week. Perhaps it’s because it incorporates singing, rhymes, and body movement…a perfect combination for learning!

When you are ready to begin teaching the days of the week, or are looking for a quick review of basic calendar skills, this back to school poem will be perfect to add to your collection of poems.

. 

 

 

Hand Washing Chant

This year, more than ever, are kids expected to learn proper hand washing skills. When the school bells ring, it’s time to find fun ways to keep your kids healthy, safe, and engaged in learning.

Most kids run their hands under the water, and call that hand washing.  It’s important we take the time to teach them how to wash their hands effectively – scrubbing with soap and hot water for 20 seconds.

Restrictions and social distancing in schools will be on the forefront of most school districts around the country. If you are looking for ways to help prepare kids for school during the pandemic, check out my blog post 21 Tips to Prepare Kids for Kindergarten During Covid.

Here is a simple and short poem about washing your hands to keep the germs away.

 

 

 

 

All About Me

When kids come to school, they are nervous, excited, and ready to meet new friends.  This All About Me printable is a great way to let kids share what means the most to them. Hang them around the room, or make a class book. Either way, the kids will love getting to know their new classmates.

Send this home as a family activity, have a volunteer come in to complete with kids, or fill it out as you sit with the kids one-on-one. This All About Me printable will be great for the kids’ memory books.

 

 

These 5 Back to School poems are the perfect way to get kids excited about school. Use rhyming, singing, movement, and allow time to let the kids talk about themselves.

 

Back to School Poem of the Day

If you are considering creating poetry books with your kids, you can get Back to School poems, plus 115 poems for all of the seasons, at a super discounted rate! I believe in using poetry so much, that I can’t wait to see you get started, too!

 

 

Before you go, here are a few blog posts you may enjoy:

21 Best Educational Apps for Kids

Tips for Cut and Paste Activities

115 Top Picks for Poem of the Day 

185 Awesome Question of the Day Cards

20 Books for Teaching Diversity

 

 

Back to School Poems