Start the Year with Purpose & Creativity: All About Me Pennant Banner Bulletin Board Craft
The first week of school is equal parts chaos and opportunity. You’re juggling new names, setting routines, calming nerves, and trying to get to know your students—all while keeping things engaging (and maybe even a little fun).
Why This All About Me Project Just Works
If you’ve ever tried to run a back-to-school “get-to-know-you” activity that fell flat or felt more like busywork than community-building, you’re not alone.
What makes this one different?
- It encourages thoughtful reflection without overwhelming your students.
- It taps into students’ creativity and lets their personalities shine.
- It builds a sense of belonging, and gives you an easy way to learn what makes your class tick.
- Plus, it doubles as a fun and colorful back-to-school bulletin board you don’t have to scramble to plan.
Whether you’re teaching 4th grade, 5th grade, or even middle school, this project meets kids right where they are: ready to be seen and known.
That’s where this All About Me Pennant Banner Craft swoops in to save the day. It’s more than just a cute icebreaker. It’s a purposeful, print-and-go activity that helps students reflect, connect, and contribute to your classroom community…right from day one.
What’s Included in the All About Me Pennant Craft
This resource is packed with everything you need to make a meaningful first week memory—and a gorgeous display for your hallway, classroom, or open house.
You’ll get:
✅ 12 unique pennant toppers – Choose from 3 boy/girl characters (in both blank and divided formats to allow for differentiation)
✅ Favorite things prompts – From colors and foods to books, hobbies, and places
✅ Reflection page – Students share 3 interesting facts, adjectives to describe themselves, and goals for the year
✅ Extra creativity – A mini classroom scene to color and add flair
✅ UK/AUS spelling included – A version that says “favourites” instead of “favorites” for international classrooms
Everything is blackline for easy printing, and the format is ideal for early finishers, centers, or morning work during that hectic first week.
How to Use It in Your Classroom
You’ve got options. This isn’t just a one-and-done activity. It’s flexible and fits into your routine however you need it to:
???? First Day Icebreaker
Print and leave on student desks as a welcome activity during supply drop-off. Students can quietly draw and reflect while you greet families, take attendance, or manage supplies.
???? Morning Work for the Week
Stretch it out over a few days, favorites on Monday, adjectives and goals on Tuesday, fun facts on Wednesday, and decorating the pennant on Thursday and Friday.
???? Back-to-School Bulletin Board
Once students finish, staple the pennants along your bulletin board or string them on twine across your classroom. Instant visual community + cheerful decor = win-win.
Final Touches that Make It Even More Meaningful
Want to take it up a notch?
- Have students share their banners aloud during morning meeting.
- Create a classroom scavenger hunt—find someone who has the same favorite book, hobby, or goal.
- Snap photos of students holding their banners and send them home for families to enjoy or keep them for an end-of-year comparison!
Let Students Take Center Stage from Day One
You only get one first week. This All About Me Pennant Banner is a low-prep, high-impact way to learn about your students, build community, and give kids ownership of your classroom space.
If you’re looking to build connection in those crucial first weeks, combining this activity with a great read-aloud is a powerful way to start. Here are some of my favorite back-to-school books for elementary students to pair with your first week plans.
And let’s be honest: it’s also a teacher sanity saver. You’ll have an engaging activity ready to go, even if you’re running on iced coffee and three hours of sleep.
Grab the All About Me Pennant Banner Craft here on TPT
