Prepare a back-to-school activity with recognizable objects, routines and spaces without requiring everyone to know one another yet. Words to begin with include classroom, timetable, book, backpack, pencil, recess.

Words, images and a conversation

A word search practices spelling; a matching game connects pictures; coloring draws attention to backpacks, open books and desk objects. Choose one activity and add another only if it offers a different way to participate.

An idea to continue

Choose an object and explain its use, then write or draw where you would keep it so you can find it.