Top 10 Must-Have Resources for Back-to-School in 2nd and 3rd Grade
The beginning of the school year is exciting—but let’s be real, it’s also hectic. Between Meet-the-Teacher night, setting up your classroom, and learning 20+ new names, there’s barely time to breathe—let alone prep activities for the first few weeks.
That’s why I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite must-have back-to-school resources for 2nd and 3rd grade teachers. These tools will help you build community, teach expectations, review key skills, and keep your classroom running smoothly from Day One.
1. Editable Meet-the-Teacher Forms + Open House Station Pack
Make your Meet-the-Teacher night a breeze! This bundle includes editable contact forms, parent surveys, volunteer sign-ups, and more.
2. Back-to-School Writing Prompts Pack
20 differentiated writing prompts with lined and handwriting pages, plus fun clipart toppers to display student work during the first week.
3. Classroom Value Posters with Editable Behavior Expectations
Ditch generic rule posters. These editable class values let you co-create behavior expectations with your students and build ownership from the start.
4. Classroom Calendar Poster (Dry-Erase)
Say goodbye to changing out calendar pieces every month. Frame this poster and use dry-erase markers to update it in seconds.
5. Editable Routine Name Tags
These name tags include unpack/pack-up checklists so students know exactly what to do at arrival and dismissal—freeing you up for more important tasks.
6. Birthday Bag Pack
Prep all student birthdays in under an hour and never scramble for a celebration again. Bonus: classmates make the birthday cards!
7. Back-to-School Digital Icebreaker Games
No-prep, projector-friendly games that help your class bond while learning routines and expectations.
8. First Week Activity Pack
Includes crafts, SEL lessons, and first week favorites like “Pencil Promises.” It’s the ultimate plug-and-play pack for getting through Week One with ease.
9. Back-to-School Read Aloud Companion Pack
Lesson plans and printables for popular read-alouds like Wemberly Worried—perfect for launching SEL conversations and easing jitters.
10. Back-to-School Math Review Games
Interactive, digital math games designed for skill review and engagement during those early days when you're still learning names.