Essential Back to School This or That Worksheet | Grades 2-7

This back-to-school icebreaker helps students express preferences and build connections during the first week of class. By choosing between 12 school-themed pairs, learners practice decision-making and opinion-sharing. The included reflection section transitions students from simple choices to written justification, fostering a supportive classroom environment from day one.

At a Glance

• Grade: 2-7 · Subject: ELA / SEL
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 — Engage in collaborative discussions by expressing personal preferences and opinions clearly
• Skill Focus: Icebreaker & Opinion Writing
• Format: 1 page · 13 tasks · No answer key needed · PDF
• Best For: First week of school icebreaker
• Time: 10–15 minutes

This single-page PDF features 12 "This or That" choice cards arranged in a clean, two-column layout. Each card includes visual icons and clear text for options like "Math or Reading" and "Desk or Floor Spot." The bottom of the page contains a structured reflection box with ruled lines and a sentence starter to support paragraph development and critical thinking.

The zero-prep workflow is designed for busy teachers. First, print the single-page PDF (30 seconds). Next, distribute the sheets to students as a morning arrival activity or transition filler (1 minute). Finally, facilitate a whole-class "stand up if you chose..." review to spark immediate peer-to-peer engagement (5-10 minutes). This makes it an ideal sub-plan or first-day activity.

This resource aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1, which requires students to engage effectively in collaborative discussions. It also supports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1 by asking students to provide reasons for their opinions in the reflection box. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Use this as a "Do Now" activity on the first morning of school to lower student anxiety with low-stakes choices. Alternatively, use it as a formative assessment for writing by observing how students structure their "because" statements in the reflection box. Expected completion time is 10 to 15 minutes depending on the depth of the discussion.

This worksheet is ideal for general education classrooms in grades 2 through 7, as well as English Language Learners who benefit from the visual icons. It pairs naturally with a "Getting to Know You" anchor chart or a classroom tour activity to help students feel at home. It is particularly effective for students who struggle with open-ended prompts.

Effective classroom management begins with establishing a sense of belonging and psychological safety. This worksheet utilizes the "This or That" format to reduce the cognitive load of open-ended questions, allowing students to participate regardless of their initial comfort level with the group. According to Fisher & Frey (2014), low-stakes engagement activities like this serve as essential scaffolds for more complex collaborative tasks later in the term. By requiring a written justification for one choice, the activity bridges the gap between social interaction and academic opinion writing. The visual support provided by the 12 icons ensures accessibility for diverse learners, including those with reading difficulties or language barriers. This resource provides a structured, evidence-based approach to community building that fits into any morning meeting or ELA block. The CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 alignment ensures that even social activities remain grounded in rigorous academic standards for communication and collaboration.