A new briefcase is here from the same authors as The briefcase for starting off first grade, with everything teachers need for starting the school year off right. 
In the first weeks of school, it is important to dedicate time to establishing classroom dynamics and social relations so that the rest of the school year is tranquil; therefore, the time dedicated to the classroom is functional for learning. 
That’s why The briefcase for starting off…right offers teachers a series of differentiated materials and ideas intended to stimulate the social skills and motivation of students in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades of primary school.

Find out more!

THE OBJECTIVES

By using the materials contained in the briefcase, it is possible to reach different objectives:

• increase self-awareness and the ability for students to manage their emotions
• strengthen the social dimensions of learning
• develop the students’ relationship skills to communicate effectively and with empathy
• encourage active citizenship skills, like responsibility and independence
• nurture the learning processes.

BRIEFCASE CONTENTS

The briefcase contains:

The teacher’s guide

The guide Starting off…right contains all the methodological indications for the correct use of the materials contained in the briefcase: 40 workshops, 10 for each class, and some attached game materials.

The book of stories

The book Stories for starting off… right contains four stories targeted by age and specific disciplinary contents for each class, aimed at developing pupils’ emotional, cognitive and relational skills. 

The playing cards

2 decks of 55 cards:

• Mirror cards (2nd grade)
  A game for promoting self-awareness and awareness of others by using the 5 senses.

• Egyptian cards (4th grade)
  A speed challenge for learning how to handle stress and establish positive relationships with peers. 

The board game

A two-sided board game with dice and tokens:

• Travel Companions (3rd grade)
  A cooperative game to encourage empathy and learn how to communicate effectively. 

• Space Mission (5th grade)
  An adventurous journey through space to develop problem solving and decision making skills.

WHO THE BRIEFCASE IS FOR

The proposed activities and materials contained in The briefcase for starting off…right have been created for teachers and students in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades of primary school. 

THE AUTHORS

Desirèe Rossi has a degree in Education Science and Clinical Psychology.  She is a primary school teacher and author of numerous didactic games.
Anna Marinelli has a degree in Primary Education with a specialization in special needs.  As a primary school teacher, she is always looking for new and creative strategies for practicing and promoting inclusion on a daily basis.