# @simplylaurendenny on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DbVz8iFjI8n
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68464579-simplylaurendenny-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/55b139acf0.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-28T15:00:18.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Lauren Denny • Teacher • Marketing • Fitness (@simplylaurendenny) — https://gondola.cc/simplylaurendenny

## Caption

Back-to-school doesn't have to mean hours of planning. ✏️
These are 3 of my favorite first-week activities because they do more than just "fill time"—they help build relationships, spark meaningful conversations, and get students thinking about who they are and where they're headed.

💙 Letter to Me – Students write a letter to their future selves that I save and return at graduation. It becomes one of their favorite memories.
💙 Classroom Gallery Walk – An easy, low-prep way to get students talking, moving, and making connections from day one.
💙 Success to You – Before we dive into content, I want students to define what success actually looks like for them. The conversations that come from this activity are always worth it.

These activities work with middle school and high school students, are ready to use, and make the first week feel purposeful instead of overwhelming.

follow simplylaurendenny for more ideas 
👇 Comment "TPT" and I'll send you the links to all three! 

#BackToSchool #HighSchoolTeacher #MiddleSchoolTeacher #TeacherTips #FirstWeekOfSchool #TeacherResources #TeachersPayTeachers #CareerTech #ClassroomCommunity #TeacherLife

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 13
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 20

## Tags

teachertips, classroomcommunity, teacherresources, teacherlife, middleschoolteacher, careertech, teacherspayteachers, highschoolteacher, firstweekofschool, backtoschool

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