Back to School Poetry Activities for KS2 | First Week Fun & Icebreakers ✏️✨
Start the Year with Poetry
The first week of a new school year is full of excitement, nerves and fresh beginnings. Teachers are often looking for back to school activities KS2 children will love — something fun, creative and easy to set up. Poetry is perfect for this. These ideas double up as icebreakers and getting-to-know-you games, helping to build confidence and create a strong classroom community.
Here are some easy and fun back to school poetry activities for KS2 that will get your pupils writing, performing and laughing together.
If your class enjoys hands-on poetry activities, you can book me for Online Poetry Workshops or Poetry Days in school.
Great for teachers looking to save time!
1. Calligrams: All About Me ✍️
A calligram is a word or phrase written in a way that shows its meaning through shape and design. Invite pupils to create a calligram about themselves – their name, hobby or favourite food.
👉 See my Calligrams in the Classroom blog for step-by-step ideas.
2. Tongue Twister Icebreaker 👅 (First Week Activity)
Tongue twisters are perfect icebreakers. Put children in pairs and challenge them to see who can perform a tongue twister fastest without making a mistake. Display a class chart and let everyone try to beat their personal best.
👉 More inspiration in Tongue Twisters for KS2. 🔗 The Ultimate Guide To Teaching Poetry KS2 🔗 Teaching Figurative Language Through Poetry 🔗 Christmas Poems For Assemblies KS1 & KS2 🔗 International School Poetry Workshops For KS1 And KS2
3. Acrostics with WELCOME 🌟
Use the word WELCOME or BACK TO SCHOOL as an acrostic. Each line should share something about the class, themselves or hopes for the year. It’s a great way to learn about each other and decorate your classroom walls with poetry.
👉 Try other acrostic variations in my Mesostic Telestich Poems blog – adaptable for any theme.
4. Class Performance Poem 🎤
Choose a short, funny poem and learn it together as a class. Add actions, sound effects and group lines. Performing as a team builds confidence, helps with memorisation and sets a positive tone for the year.
👉 Explore Poems to Learn and Perform for inspiration.
5. Our Class Poem 🏫 (A Getting-to-Know-You Game)
Invite every child to contribute one line to a class poem. Give them a starting phrase such as “This year we will…” and let the class poem grow from there. It can be serious, funny, or a mix of both! Display it in your classroom as a reminder of the year’s shared journey.
Why Start with Poetry?
Poetry is quick, creative and inclusive. Even reluctant writers enjoy short, playful activities. Starting the year with poetry helps:
Build confidence in writing and performing
Encourage creativity and imagination
Strengthen class bonds through shared fun
Book a Back to School Poetry Day
Kickstart your year with a real poet! I’ve been visiting schools across the UK for over 25 years, inspiring children to write, perform and love poetry.
📅 Book an in-person or online poetry day to bring fun, laughter and creativity straight to your classroom.
👉 Find out more here: Poets in Schools
Final Thoughts
Starting the school year with poetry is one of the simplest ways to build community, spark creativity and boost confidence in your classroom. From fun icebreakers to whole-class performances, these activities will help children settle in, laugh together and discover the joy of words.
Whether you try calligrams, acrostics or a class poem, each activity can be adapted for your pupils and revisited throughout the year. Poetry isn’t just for English lessons — it can become a tool for expression, teamwork and celebration across the curriculum.
So whether you’re planning back to school first week activities, searching for fun getting-to-know-you games, or simply want creative ideas to inspire your class, poetry is the perfect place to begin.
👉 In my Poetry Days in primary schools across the UK I work hard to get the children excited about writing and performing their own poems. I visit over 100 schools every year and I’d love to work with your children and teachers.
📅 You can book me for:
In-person Poetry Days across the UK
Online Poetry Workshops (affordable and flexible)
