Back to School

How can the first days set the tone for an entire year? Creative activities, strategies and resources to start school thoughtfully!

Starting the School Year with Adventure: 3 Quotes to Inspire Your 6th Graders (and Yourself)

Chiara / 2025-07-13

Starting middle school feels like stepping into a grand adventure — full of new faces, challenges, and discoveries. In this post, explore inspiring quotes from The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter that invite 6th graders (and their teachers!) to embrace the year with wonder, courage, and connection.

Teacher playing electric guitar in classroom, illustrating starting 6th grade with School of Rock theme.

Turn Up the Volume, Turn On the School Year: Starting 6th Grade with School of Rock

Chiara / 2025-05-19

Starting middle school can feel overwhelming, but the right story helps students feel empowered and ready to grow. This post shows how School of Rock sets the tone for a confident, collaborative classroom with fun themes and activities.

Illustration of a rocket launch used to introduce the October Sky movie lesson for middle and high school.

Back to School Educational Movie Activities Teaching suggestions

October Sky Movie Lesson to Inspire Students at the Start of the School Year

Chiara / 2025-05-12

What if the school year began with a story of dreams, failure, and quiet courage? October Sky invites students to reflect on ambition, learning, and the mentors who help us grow—making it a powerful and inspiring way to launch the year in middle and high school.