Establishing Opening and Closing Routines
These opening and closing classroom routines will set a welcoming tone, allow students to connect with one another, and encourage goal setting.
![Two students in conversation while looking down at a laptop computer.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_ClassroomImage_2017_FH256365.png?h=2992ba0a&itok=w8q-uOp9)
Stolen Lives: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Indian Residential Schools
Explore our online resource on the Indian Residential Schools and their long-lasting effects on Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.
![Cover of "Stolen Lives: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Indian Residential Schools."](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Genocide_StolenLivesBookCover_FH2173821.jpg?h=ea933802&itok=Ows2T6Lg)
Vies volées: Les Peuples Autochtones au Canada et le régime des pensionnats
Explorez nos ressources en ligne sur les pensionnats autochtones et leurs effets à long terme sur les Peuples Autochtones au Canada.
![Cover of "Stolen Lives: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Indian Residential Schools."](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Genocide_StolenLivesBookCover_FH2173821.jpg?h=ea933802&itok=Ows2T6Lg)
My Part of the Story: Exploring Identity in the United States
Help students understand that their voices are integral to the story of the United States with six lesson plans that investigate individual and national identity.
![An illustrated collage of silhouettes in bright colors.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/MyPartOfTheStoryHeroBanner.jpeg?h=24d1b2c2&itok=G64Pvbce)
Activities for the First Days of School
These first-week-of-school activities create welcoming learning environments that prioritize care, relationships, and community.
![Students sit around a table working on a big paper activity while receiving feedback from an educator.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_StudentDiscussion_FH287359.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=jnyJGnz9)
Back to School: Building Community for Connection and Learning
These back-to-school activities and teacher resources will help you lay a foundation for a reflective and caring community at the start of the school year.
![Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/LA_ClassroomImage_2018_FH287148.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=lbbZPe6H)
Three Good Things
Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.
![Two students look to the front of the classroom with smiles on their faces.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH116218.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=vIAV-cLY)
Slow Down with The Slowdown
Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.
![Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287343.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=FQS-JeNY)
Take a Stand
Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.
![Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287162.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=ipY6dvE3)
Appreciation, Apology, Aha
Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.
![Student writes in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_FH152732.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=vql3K3i_)
Closing Challenge
Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.
![A Facing History journal sits on top of a student guide for Choices in Little Rock.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_Chicago_FH2101605.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=TAR7mZfI)