Kickoff Lesson Plan Second Grade Kickoff
Lesson Plan • Tier 1 Classroom
Time 15 min
Learning Objective
Students will introduce themselves, learn classmates’ names, and understand key classroom expectations to build a positive community in our first week back.
The "Why"
Building relationships and setting clear expectations on day one fosters a supportive, respectful environment where students feel valued and engaged.
Lesson Preparation
• Review the Kickoff Lesson Plan and Warm-Up.
• Print Name Tag Templates for each student.
• Print and display the Class Expectation Posters.
• Gather chart paper, markers, ball, and timer.
• Arrange desks in a circle or clear an open floor space.
Materials List
Name Tag Templates
Chart Paper & Colorful Markers
Soft Toss Ball
Timer, Pencils, & Crayons
Class Expectation Posters
Instructional Steps
1
Welcome and Name Tags
3 Minutes
Greet students warmly as they enter and introduce yourself. Distribute the Printable Name Tag Template along with crayons or markers. Instruct students to write their name clearly and decorate their tags. Have students place name tags on their desks so peers can learn names quickly.
2
Icebreaker: Toss and Introduce
5 Minutes
Have students form a circle in an open area of the classroom. Model tossing the Soft Toss Ball to a classmate, saying your name and a fun fact or favorite summer activity. When a student catches the ball, they share their name and fun fact before tossing to another peer. Continue until every student has had a turn.
3
Review Classroom Expectations
5 Minutes
Direct students’ attention to the Class Expectation Posters . Read each expectation aloud: Be Kind, Listen When Others Are Speaking, Raise Your Hand to Speak, Take Care of Materials . Ask students to give real-life examples of how they can follow each rule. Record their ideas on Chart Paper beneath each expectation.
4
Closing and Reflection
2 Minutes
Invite students to share one thing they’re excited about this year (limit to 30 seconds each using the Timer ). Ask for a thumbs-up if they feel ready and excited for second grade. Thank students for their participation and remind them to help tidy up materials.
Kickoff Slides Welcome to Second Grade!
We're so happy you're here!
Today we will:
1 Get to know each other
2 Learn our classroom routines
3 Have fun together
Welcome and Name Tags
1. Take a Template
Grab one from the stack!
2. Write your Name
Make it big and neat.
3. Decorate!
Use crayons or markers.
4. Place on Desk
Show everyone who you are!
Your Name Here
Toss and Introduce
1. Catch
Wait for the ball to come to you!
2. Share
Name + One fun fact.
3. Toss
Gentle toss to a classmate.
4. Listen
Every friend gets a turn!
Class Expectations
❤️
Be Kind
Words and actions.
👂
Listen Carefully
When others speak.
✋
Raise Your Hand
Wait your turn to talk.
🎒
Care for Tools
Use materials gently.
Can you share an example for each?
Are You Ready?
One thing you are excited about...
30 SEC
Ready to Go!
Let's Tidy Up!
Name Tag Template Print Instructions
Print this page and cut along the dashed lines. Each sheet contains two large name tags. Encourage students to use bright colors and draw something that makes them special!
My Name is:
Write clearly here...
Draw yourself or your favorite thing here!
My Name is:
Write clearly here...
Draw yourself or your favorite thing here!
Class Expectation Posters ❤️
Be Kind
Use kind words and friendly actions.
👂
Listen Carefully
Look at the speaker, stay quiet, and show respect.
✋
Raise Your Hand
Wait your turn and raise your hand before talking.
🎒
Care for Tools
Use school supplies gently and put everything back where it belongs.
Name Toss Warm-Up Teacher Guide Name Toss Warm-Up
Get comfortable tossing, catching, and saying names!
Time 3 Minutes
Materials Soft Toss Ball
Focus Confidence
Teacher Objective
Build student comfort with the physical activity of tossing and catching while practicing immediate vocal responses to peers.
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Have everyone stand in a circle facing inward. The teacher begins by holding the ball.
2
Model the Action: Say one student’s name out loud and gently toss the ball to them.
3
The Response: The student catches the ball and says, “Thanks, [Teacher’s Name]!” then tosses it back while saying your name again.
4
Repeat until every student has practiced catching from and tossing back to the teacher once.
5
Switch Roles: Now, the student who just tossed the ball picks another classmate, says both names (“I’m [My Name] tossing to [Peer’s Name]”), and gently tosses to them.
Ready for the Icebreaker?
Great job! You’re warmed up and ready for the Toss and Introduce activity in the main lesson plan!
