As the new school year begins, teachers around the world often find themselves diving into a familiar routine: the “All About Me” activities. In almost every classroom, from early years through to higher grades, this approach is used to get to know children by discussing their families, bodies, emotions and more. While this may seem like a sensible way to ease children into the school environment, is it really the best way to start the year?
Here’s an unpopular opinion: dedicating weeks to these activities may not be the most effective use of valuable learning time.
Why “All About Me” Every Year?
There is value in getting to know each child, but spending the first few weeks of school discussing things children already know—like their families or their favourite colour—may not truly engage them. For many children, especially in early years, this is repetitive and doesn’t offer much new learning or excitement.
For instance, emotions and self-understanding should be ongoing, not a Theme. Rather than turning emotions and self-awareness into a multi-week project at the start of the year, why not weave these important skills into daily routines? Talking about how to manage feelings or being mindful of others doesn’t need a designated “week.” It should be part of everyday classroom culture, seamlessly integrated into the flow of learning throughout the year.
A Better Approach: Discovering Interests
What if, instead of focusing heavily on “All About Me” activities, teachers spent that first week learning about what excites and interests their students? By observing children during free play, engaging them in conversation, or offering a variety of learning experiences, teachers can gather meaningful insights into their children’ passions, curiosities and needs.
Understanding children’s interests right from the start can help teachers plan a more tailored curriculum that sparks curiosity and fosters engagement. By focusing on what they want to explore, children may feel more seen and heard, creating a deeper connection between teacher and children.
The beginning of the school year should be about discovery—for both the children and the teachers. Yes, relationships and emotional literacy are important, but these can be nurtured throughout the year rather than being confined to the first few weeks. Let’s move beyond the predictable “All About Me” weeks and instead embrace the opportunity to learn about what makes our children truly curious, helping us build a year full of meaningful, engaging learning experiences.
