My School Survey | Grade K-1 Printable Worksheet

This Grade K-1 student survey helps teachers build classroom community by identifying student preferences and emotional states. By using high-contrast icons and minimal text, the worksheet allows early learners to communicate their needs and interests independently. It serves as an essential tool for establishing a supportive learning environment during the first week of school.

At a Glance

• Grade: K-1 · Subject: Social-Emotional Learning
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6 — Express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly through visual and verbal communication
• Skill Focus: Self-expression and interest identification
• Format: 1 page · 5 tasks · No answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Back-to-school icebreaker and student check-ins
• Time: 10–15 minutes

The worksheet features five distinct sections designed for non-readers and early readers. It includes four multiple-choice rows where students circle icons representing their feelings, academic interests, preferred work styles, and favorite school activities. A large, dedicated drawing box at the bottom provides space for open-ended creative expression, ensuring every child can share something unique about themselves.

This resource is designed for an immediate, zero-prep workflow. First, print the single-page PDF (30 seconds). Second, distribute the sheets and provide crayons or pencils (1 minute). Third, review the completed surveys to group students by interest or identify those needing emotional support (5 minutes). It is an ideal activity for morning work or sub plans.

This activity aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6, which requires students to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly. By providing visual scaffolds, the worksheet supports students in meeting this standard regardless of their current literacy level. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Use this survey as a "First Day of School" icebreaker to help students feel seen and heard. Teachers can also use it as a formative assessment tool to observe fine motor skills like circling and drawing. Completion typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, making it a perfect transition activity between direct instruction blocks.

This resource is specifically for Kindergarten and First Grade students, including English Language Learners and students with IEPs who benefit from visual communication. It pairs naturally with a classroom "All About Me" poster or a direct instruction lesson on identifying emotions and classroom expectations.

According to the RAND AIRS 2024 report, early childhood educators who utilize visual interest inventories see a significant increase in student engagement and teacher-student rapport. This worksheet addresses the critical need for non-verbal communication options in the early primary grades, allowing students to demonstrate mastery of CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6 through pictorial selection. By identifying student preferences early, educators can tailor their instructional strategies to match the specific social-emotional needs of their cohort. Research indicates that when students feel their personal interests are recognized, they exhibit higher levels of persistence during challenging academic tasks. This 1-page PDF provides a structured yet flexible framework for gathering these vital insights without requiring extensive teacher preparation. It is a proven method for bridging the gap between home and school environments during the transition into formal education settings.