With another school year around the corner, I’m sure there are many things on your mind! Setting up the perfect bulletin boards, making new name tags, sharpening hundreds of pencils! And on top of all of that, making sure that your students feel welcome in their new classroom. What’s a more exciting way to welcome your students than with a personalized gift? Here is a fun little goodie bag that you can make for your students not only as a fun gift, but as a way to build camaraderie and set standards for your classroom.
Welcome Back to School Goodie Bags
Here’s what you’ll need:
*A clear bag
*An eraser
*A pencil
*A page of stickers
*A puzzle piece
*A bookmark
*Smarties candy
*LifeSaver candy
*Laffy Taffy candy
*Starburst candy
Put the fun little treats into a clear plastic bag and attach a special note. Each item represents an important piece of the classroom.
The eraser is to remind you
that it is ok to make mistakes.
We’ll work & learn together,
No matter what it takes.
The pencil represents all the
work that we will do.
It may seem a little tough at first
But we’ll have tons of fun too!
The stickers mean we’ll stick together
and work hard as a team.
The puzzle piece shows how we fit
together, working towards a common theme.
The bookmark is to show you
You always have a place.
If you ever feel a little lost
We’ll help you find your space.
The Smarties are to remind you
how smart I think you are.
Work hard & do your very best
Remember to aim far.
The Lifesaver is to show you that
even if things get rough along the way,
Your friends & I are here to lend a hand each and every day.
The Laffy Taffy is to keep you laughing
as with hard work comes a lot of fun.
Remember to always keep smiling
and in the end we’ll all have won.
The Starburst is to show you
that in my eyes you are a STAR.
Do your best, try your hardest
& stay just the way you are!
If your school has a no candy policy, you can always add other office items from around the classroom. For example, a rubber band can represent being flexible and stretching yourself to do things you didn’t think you were able to do. Look around your classroom and see what else you can find!
And have a wonderful first day back at school!
About the Author
Hadar Maor, author of the education blog Miss Kindergarten, has known that she’s wanted to be a teacher since she was in second grade. She loves organizing, crafting, DIY projects, baking, the beach, bargain shopping and sharing her passion of teaching and blogging with others. Find her on Facebook!
denise says
I make these very year!
Colleen F says
I used to make welcome back bags, somehow I got away from it. I think I will start again! Thanks for the incentive!
janine says
Thanks for putting this out there. I have been thinking about doing this with the teaching staff in my school. We are small and this will work. I can even use it with my paraprofessionals.
Cheryl says
Love this idea! Thank you for sharing it!
Deb says
I love this idea! I am going to put this together for Open House! Thanks for sharing!
Louise Morgan says
Great idea! I think the kids will love this!
Julie McKown says
LOVE this idea! Thanks so much for sharing!
Marie Madden says
I always do a goodie bag for the first day. This gives me an idea of some things I can add. Thanks!
Jeannie says
What a great way to meet your kiddos – by giving them something! Love it!!
jeannie
Vicki says
Thank you for sharing this. I LOVE IT!!! Going out to buy the stuff I need right now!!!
Elizabeth says
What a cute idea, Hadar. Each little treat (and saying) makes them all feel pretty special. Who doesn’t like feeling special?
Reva Gomer says
I make something similar for my 2nd Graders and I call them “Success Bags” : D
Meagan G. says
Thank you for sharing this. I am not a classroom teacher but wanted to do something for each of my ESL students I work with. This was such a fun, easy gift for them. They’re sure to love it!
Lisa says
Great idea! I plan on using it this year.
Janice says
This is cute! Usually, I just do a few snacks with a welcome back sticker.