
Back to school free lessons and activities to build classroom community
Relationships matter. It’s no secret that one of the most important things you can do during the first weeks of school is to build relationships and learn more about those in your classroom. These lessons and activities are also a fun way for students to get acquainted with Nearpod. Keep reading the blog post to explore resources for the first days of school to build community and effective classroom management.
New to Nearpod? Teachers can sign up for free below to access and create interactive lessons. Administrators can schedule a call with an expert to unlock the full power of Nearpod for schools and districts.
Back to school lessons and activities to build classroom community
Build community and culture (K-12)

Relationships first; everything else second. Whether you teach elementary, middle school, or high school, it’s important to create a positive classroom climate where students feel a sense of belonging. Help your students build community and culture around the school and within the classroom by giving them the power to shape their learning environment.
Classroom Icebreakers (K-12)

Help students warm up to each other as they answer questions about themselves. Use these fun and engaging activities to help build a positive classroom culture in the first weeks of class. Encouraging students to share fun facts about themselves creates a safety net of trust and familiarity that supports their learning journey throughout the year.
Surveys (K-12)

The lines at the copy machine can be longer than the DMV. Save paper and time while learning more about your classroom with the click of a button. Use these digital surveys to get to know your students’ interests and goals inside and outside the classroom. Perfect activities to kick-start the new school year!
First week of school activities

Nearpod has a ton of interactive activities, such as Time to Climb, Collaborate Board, Draw It, and more, that can be easily integrated into your lesson plans. Keep students engaged and interested by creating memorable moments with our first week of school ideas and premade activities.
Join us for Camp Engage on July 24-26, 2025!
Camp Engage: Back to School is a FREE virtual PD event with 40+ sessions designed to help you build classroom community and engage your students. Discover new strategies and activities you can implement immediately as you kick off the new school year.
Back-to-school season is filled with both excitement and challenges. Camp Engage brings together educators from around the world to share practical approaches for starting strong, integrating edtech tools like Nearpod, and creating the foundation for a successful academic year.
Don’t miss Camp Engage on July 24-26, 2025!
Use Nearpod for your back to school lessons
In the realm of education, one undeniable truth emerges: relationships form the foundation of a vibrant learning environment. When we view our students, parents, and staff as interconnected community members, we create a valuable learning environment that supports both academic growth and whole child development. Through Nearpod’s dynamic tools, students gain the power to shape their own educational landscape, fostering both a strong classroom community and a culture of growth. As we embark on a new school year, it’s important to prioritize relationships to unlock the gateway to meaningful learning experiences.
New to Nearpod? Teachers can sign up for free below to access and create interactive lessons. Administrators can schedule a call with an expert to unlock the full power of Nearpod for schools and districts.

Nearpod’s award-winning platform is used by thousands of schools around the globe, transforming classroom engagement.