The Perfect ESL Back-to-School Activity: Set Goals, Celebrate Identity, and Build Connection

***Disclaimer: In this blog, the terms ESL students (English as a Second Language), ELLs (English Language Learners), and ML (Multilingual Learners) are used interchangeably. While “Multilingual Learners” is becoming the more widely accepted term, “ESL students” and “English Language Learners” are still commonly used in various contexts. My aim is to be inclusive and clear to all readers, regardless of the terminology they are familiar with.

The first day of school sets the tone for the entire year — especially when you're working with ELL students. It's not just about routines and procedures; it's about creating a space where every student feels seen, safe, and supported. When we build strong, trusting relationships with these students and their families, we create a safe space for risk-taking, language development, and academic growth.

One of the best ways to do that? A Back-to-School “All About Me” activity that encourages students to share their goals and cultural identity — all while building confidence in their English skills.

Start the Year Strong with the “ESL Backpack Full of Goals”

The ESL Backpack Full of Goals is a student writing + craft activity designed specifically for the first days and weeks of school. It helps teachers connect with students while guiding them through goal-setting and self-expression — in a way that’s culturally inclusive and accessible at all English proficiency levels.

This resource makes a fantastic first-day All About Me activity — but it also goes deeper by asking students to set personal, academic, and social goals in a developmentally appropriate way.

Teaching ELLs about setting goals — whether personal, academic, or social — is so important, and it’s something we can start from day one. Goal-setting gives our students a sense of purpose and helps them grow into the future leaders of their communities — and our country.

Vocabulary Support for ELL Newcomers

This resource also includes a goal vocabulary activity that you might find especially helpful for your newcomers. Students first read simple definitions of academic, social, and personal goals, each with a helpful image. Then, they complete a sorting task by placing picture cards into the correct category. It’s a fun, interactive way to build background knowledge before students start writing their own goals.

Celebrate Culture + Identity from Day One

After students finish writing, they get to decorate their backpack covers with flags, colors, and symbols from their culture. This step is so special — especially for students who might not have seen their background celebrated in school before.

There’s even a version of the final page with a blank circle, so older students can draw themselves or something important that represents who they are.

Scaffolded Goal-Setting for All ESL Levels

Every student can participate — no matter their language level — thanks to 4 tiers of support and visual word banks.

Newcomers: Cut-and-paste visuals or draw their goals
Beginners: Use sentence stems with drawing boxes
Intermediate: Draw and write independently
Advanced: Full writing lines for complete paragraphs

Real Connections, Real Language Growth in ELL classroom

Whether you’re teaching newcomers, intermediate students, or a mix of ELLs and general ed, this resource gives you a flexible, ready-to-go activity that:

Supports identity and belonging
Builds vocabulary and writing stamina
Grows classroom community
Gives you writing samples from the very first week

Create a Meaningful Bulletin Board (That Lasts All Year)

When students finish their backpacks, you can create a vibrant bulletin board titled “Our ESL Backpacks Full of Goals.” It makes a powerful display for:

Back-to-School Night
Parent conferences
Goal check-ins throughout the year

Ready to Build Confidence from Day 1?

If you're looking for an ESL Back to School resource that goes beyond “getting to know you” — something that helps your students express themselves, set meaningful goals, and feel like they belong — the Backpack Full of Goals is the perfect fit.