Ah, it’s that time of the year again. After a well-deserved, relaxing summer break (hopefully!), everyone is getting back into the swing of things preparing for the start of the new school year.
As you well know, the first few weeks of school can be an exciting yet challenging time for both teachers and students. A hectic time of year that can leave us staring at a back-to-school checklist spanning the width of a classroom!
In this blog, we’ll explore how Robotical can help ease into the new school year, checking a few boxes on your list, so you can start the school year off right. Enjoy!
First Day of School Icebreakers
No back to school checklist for teachers would be complete without some icebreaker activities. Settling into a new class and meeting a new teacher can be a challenge for many students – and you can hardly blame them, first day jitters are the WORST! Butterflies in the stomach, sweaty palms and nervous pacing…we’ve all been there! That’s why Robotical has created a wide range of icebreaker activities for the start of term, to calm nerves, get to know each other better and at the end of the day, help students feel at home in the classroom!
Secret Handshake
One of our favourite ways to break the ice is through Marty’s ‘Secret Handshake’, a 21st century twist on the old-school classic! In this activity, students have the opportunity to program a secret handshake with their robotic friend, Marty.
Some secrets are just too good not to share!
Get to Know You – Teamwork Challenge
This activity allows students to work together, as a team, taking on different roles to design and code a routine for Marty to perform. Building on skills, such as creative thinking, communication, programming, careful observation and working together as a team, students will reflect on their achievements and confidence throughout the activity and identify areas for future development.
Get to Know You – The Interview with a Robot
When starting a new school year, it is vital that students are offered the opportunity to forge relationships with the people around them. And, that’s where our social-emotional lessons come in. In this activity, students are challenged to write questions and using MartyBlocks will code Marty to interview their fellow classmates. A perfect way to develop tools for listening and talking and natural friendships will form along the way.
Get to Know You – Storytelling
Now, who remembers the good old days of story time? Story telling is a vital skill, a skill necessary not only to portray information, but also to build connections with one another. This activity builds on this critical social-emotional skill and gives students an opportunity to develop a character, setting, and plot for Marty, learning to communicate and interact with their fellow students.
Back-to-school Discount
At the start of the term, it’s always a great idea to look into new classroom resources that can support your lessons and engage students. However, we understand that school budgets are tight and so, back-to-school sales can save you plenty of cash in the lead up to the new school year!
To wish you a happy back-to-school season, we have an exclusive 20% discount that can be used on ALL Robotical products and class packs!
Another thing checked off your list. And another step closer to the best year yet!
Voucher Code:
We’d love to see how you and your students are starting this new school year! Don’t forget to tag us in your back-to-school posts on social media with @RoboticalLtd.
About Us
Other posts you may like
Building Emotional Intelligence Through Robotics
This summer I had lots of chances to use my translation skills. Having over 40 languages and accents made traveling through places like the Netherlands, Italy, Iceland and Japan so much fun!
What I Did This Summer – by Marty the Robot
This summer I had lots of chances to use my translation skills. Having over 40 languages and accents made traveling through places like the Netherlands, Italy, Iceland and Japan so much fun!
Add Marty the Robot to your DonorsChoose Project
DonorsChoose connects teachers with donors eager to support education. It's a straightforward platform that brings classroom dreams to life. Here's how it works and some exciting opportunities for educators. How...
TRY MARTY
FOR FREE
Are you looking for new STEM resources for your classroom? Robotical are loaning Marty the Robot to schools for no-obligation, 2 week trials.