Printable PDF Teaching Resources
Explore printable PDF worksheets, activities and thousands more teacher resources you can add to your lesson plans with just a few clicks — including free printables!
Thousands of Teach Starter's teacher-created resources are available in PDF file format, making it easy for any teacher to use anywhere — no matter what type of computer or software you have.
Curious about the advantages of PDF resources for teachers? Read on for a quick guide from our teacher team!
What Does PDF Stand For?
Before we dive into all the ways you can use a PDF in your classroom, it's worth looking at the meaning behind the acronym. PDF stands for "Portable Document Format."
It's a file format that was developed by the software company Adobe in the 1990s. The format was designed to protect the appearance and layout of documents across different platforms and devices.
That's exactly what makes it so easy for teachers to use. You can print a PDF worksheet on the school printer and send that same PDF via email to a student's parent, and the layout will remain exactly the same — even if you are using entirely different computers.
How Do I Open a PDF File From Teach Starter?
Most web browsers — like the one you're using right now to access our teacher resources — will allow you to open a PDF file directly in the browser.
What if you want to open the file without opening a browser? We suggest downloading Adobe's free Adobe Acrobat Reader software to easily display any PDF.
How Do I Print a PDF Document for My Students?
The ease of printing has made the PDF format a must for teacher resources, so how do you actually print your new worksheet or activity?
Simple!
- Open the PDF file in your browser or PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader, mentioned above).
- Click on the "File" menu in the top-left corner.
- Select "Print" or use your keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + P" (Windows) or "Command + P" (Mac).
- In the print dialog box, choose your printer from the list.
- Adjust print settings like orientation, paper size and the number of copies you'll need for your students.
- Click "Print" to start printing.
Can I Edit a PDF File?
This is a common teacher question, and the answer is a bit complicated.
There's special software out there that will allow for some edits on a PDF, but you will typically need to have the original document to get the best results.
To make sure teachers can make the edits they need to adjust our resources for their lesson plans and their individual students, most Teach Starter resources are available in other (editable) formats, such as Google Slides!
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Find a Friend Icebreaker - Key Stage 1
Play a back-to-school find-a-friend game for Key Stage 1 pupils to get to know their classmates.
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Back to School Colouring Pages
Use these back-to-school colouring pages as a first day of school activity with your pupils.
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Back to School Activity Mats - All Year Groups
Use these back-to-school activity mats as your first day of school warm-up activity during morning arrival.
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Back to School - Getting to Know You Dice Roll
Get your pupils up, moving, and making new friends with a quick round of Getting to Know You Dice Roll
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Rock the School Year - Goal Setting Craftivity
Set goals to have a rockin’ school year with a back to school goal setting craftivity.
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Back to School Emoji Code Breaker Worksheets
Use this emoji code breaker worksheet as a back to school activity with your pupils.
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Getting to Know You Fortune Teller
Use this getting to know you fortune teller template and summary sheet as a first day of school activity.
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Mindfulness Activities - Backpack Craft and Book
Promote mindfulness and social and emotional learning with this Mindfulness Backpack activity.
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Let's Be Sharp! Goal Setting Craft
Set a positive tone and start the school year with a 'Let’s Be Sharp!' Goal Setting craft.
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A Whole 'Llama' Learning Going On! Classroom Decor Pack
Make creating a fun classroom display no prob-llama with this llama-themed decor kit.
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Informative Text Writing Graphic Organiser Pack
Make writing an informative text easy with graphic organisers for your pupils!
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Positive Notes Home – Parent Communication Templates
Use this editable template to share information with parents and carers about academic improvement, positive behaviour and more!
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Summit of Success Goal Mountain – Class Progress Tracker
Track pupil progress in your classroom with this mountain-themed wall display.
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Learning Objective Sentence Starters
Post your daily learning objectives using this set of 10 goal slips.
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How to Walk Like a... Instruction Cards
Transitioning pupils throughout the school grounds doesn't have to be boring when you use this set of 4 instruction cards!
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We Are a RAINBOW of Possibilities! Classroom Display
Start the new year with this back-to-school boho-rainbow classroom door display.
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Slicing Up Good Choices! Class Reward Tracker
Encourage teamwork and positive behaviour in your classroom with a new pizza-themed classroom reward system.
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Reward Bracelets – Behaviour Incentives
Encourage positive behaviour and reward your pupils for their achievements with a fun set of printable reward bracelets.
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We’re a Bright Bunch! Classroom Display
Get your pupils excited about a BRIGHT new school year with this crayon display bundle that includes everything you need to get set up.
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Our Class is Sharp! Back to School Display
Celebrate your new batch of 'Sharp' pupils with a fun Back to School display.
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Back to School Bookmarks
Celebrate the new school year with these back-to-school bookmarks.
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Growth Mindset Display
Print a growth mindset display for your primary classroom.
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Hand Signals For Classroom Management
Strengthen classroom management and reduce classroom interruptions with miniature hand signal posters and bookmarks.
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Tap Light Posters – Voice Level
Create voice-level expectations in the classroom with this set of 5 posters.
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Caught Being Good! Class Reward System
Reward and track positive classroom behaviour with a printable 'Caught Being Good' ticket system.
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Desk Pet Adoption Certificate
Boost pupil behaviour using Desk pets, starting with a printable Desk Pet Adoption Certificate.
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Blank Letter and Number Cut Outs
Cut out your own letters to decorate your classroom displays with a printable letter template.
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Positive Self-Talk Reward Bracelets
Encourage a positive mindset with a fun set of printable positive self-talk bracelets.
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Schools Around the World – Brochure and Writing Template
Research and write a report on schools in a different country with this brochure template.
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Back-to-School Checklists
Keep up with all of those beginning of the school year tasks with printable teacher checklists.
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Learning Behaviours Reflection Worksheet - Key Stage 2
Have your pupils reflect on various learning behaviours with this 2-page worksheet.
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Chill Out Passes
Use these Chill Out Passes as a classroom management tool.