The first day of school is always such an exciting time! Shiny new classroom supplies, students filled with butterflies, and a fresh start with a new group to begin laying the framework for a positive classroom community and well-run classroom. From icebreakers and read alouds to hands-on learning activities and classroom management resources, these first day of school ideas are designed to help you start the school year smoothly while creating a fun and supportive classroom atmosphere. Check out the list of first day of school activity ideas below!
First Day of School Activities
Check out the list of first day of school activities below!
1. First Day of School Word Search
This First Day of School Word Search Activity is a fun way for students to celebrate the first day of school while practicing spelling, vocabulary, reading, visual scanning, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. This activity features a themed word search with words related to the first day of school and classroom tools. Learn more below!
2. First Day of School Read Aloud Activities
The First Day of School Read Aloud Activities include book companions for the following book: A Tiger Tail by Deborah Hopkinson, First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney, and A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen. Each book companion includes reading comprehension activities, writing prompts, vocabulary activities, grammar lessons and more. Learn more below!
3. Classroom Procedures and Routines
This Classroom Procedures and Routines Resource guides you through the process of thinking of everything you’ll need to consider and enable you to create a plan for how you will handle the procedures and routines in your classroom, so you can start the year on the right foot. Taking the time to establish consistent routines and procedures will create a safe community, provide you with more time to teach, decrease discipline problems, and improve learning and productivity. This classroom management tool will help you with teaching procedures and routines at the beginning of the year, ensuring you teach every single one you need to run your classroom smoothly. Learn more below!
4. Back to School Icebreaker Activities
As the excitement of a new school year builds, both you and your students are eager to dive into new learning experiences. Kick off the year with fun and engaging Back to School Icebreaker Activities to cultivate a classroom environment where students are active and motivated learners. This builds the foundation for a successful school year. Learn more below!
5. Play Dough First Day of School Activity
This Play Dough First Day of School Activity is perfect for the first activity of the day. Having a small baggy of play dough at each child’s seat will give them something to do at a time when they don’t have a clue what to do in their new classroom. Unlike a paper and pencil task, which may create anxiety in some students, all children can use play dough without assistance. If a student is feeling nervous about the new year, the play dough is calming. If you have friends who tend to wiggle, the play dough gives them an outlet. At a time when they aren’t sure what to expect, it sends a message that “this place is going to be fun!” Play dough really is the best way to start the first day of school! Learn more below!
6. First Day of School Photo Frame
The first day of school is very special for students and their families. One way to commemorate the special day is to take first day of school pictures of your students. This First Day of School Photo Frame is a fun prop for these first day pictures. It includes directions and printables to help you create a DIY photo frame. These photos paired with the writing activities included in this resource make for a great back to school bulletin board display. Learn more below!
Get All of the First Day of School Activities
Below are some other popular First Day of School activities you might be interested in.
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In closing, we hope you found the list of first day of school activity ideas helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these other posts:
