Introduction: A Practical Approach to the First Day of School
This blog was inspired by the book The First Six Weeks of School, an excellent resource for new teachers. I’ve read it several times, and it’s been helpful in preparing for the first day. While the book is full of useful ideas, it can feel overwhelming to process all the information at once.
Instead of listing everything you must do, this blog offers a more practical approach. It presents ideas to help shape your first day—not a checklist, but a helpful guide. The goal is to help your first day flow more smoothly and feel less stressful.
Before the First Day of Kindergarten
Preparing Your Classroom
Having access to your classroom during the summer can make planning easier. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. Some school districts collect your keys during the break and only return them shortly before the year begins.
Even if you only have a day or two to get ready, focus on the basics. Start by preparing student name tags—place them on tables or cubbies. Each child should know where to hang their backpack and place school items. Labeling these areas clearly helps create a sense of security and order.
Seating and Class Dynamics
On the first day, make sure students can find their names on their seats. Avoid assigning permanent spots too soon since you haven’t observed how students interact. Use flexible seating or play centers to better understand class dynamics. I’ll discuss center ideas later in the blog.
Handling Roster Changes
Expect roster changes—sometimes even hourly. Keep an updated list and wait until the morning to print it. If a new student is added last minute, write their name on a blank tag or kindly explain the delay. Making them feel included is what matters most.
Medical and Emergency Information
Ideally, you’ll have access to students’ emergency cards, allergy alerts, IEPs, or 504s. While that’s not always possible on day one, parents often communicate urgent concerns, especially about allergies.
The Morning Routine
Setting the Tone
Once the first day begins, I ensure students wear name tags throughout the day. On each table, I place a simple coloring page that says “Welcome to Kindergarten” and provide broken crayons from the previous year.
Why Broken Crayons?
Broken crayons help students develop fine motor skills. They encourage a better pencil grip by strengthening the pincer grasp. I don’t introduce pencils until I’ve evaluated where each student stands in their motor development.
Labeling for Safety
Each name tag includes the student’s first name, my name, and the classroom number. If a student gets lost, this ensures they’re quickly returned to class.
Easing Separation Anxiety
Some students may feel anxious when parents leave. I guide them to a peace corner where they can sit with their parents for a short time. This is the only day I allow extended parent presence.
Once the child calms down, I gently ask the parent to leave. If the child becomes upset again, I provide a comfort toy to help them settle into the environment.
Morning Meeting and Community Circle
Starting the Day Together
We begin with a simple morning message. Since many students are still warming up, I read it aloud. I introduce myself and explain classroom expectations, such as raising hands or using signs for water and bathroom. I also use ASL (American Sign Language) for visual reinforcement.
Keeping It Light
I avoid academic tasks on the first day. Instead, I share the schedule with the class to help them feel secure. This is particularly helpful for students with autism.
Building Community
We sit on the rug in what I call a “community circle.” I explain the guidelines:
- Sit properly
- Be an attentive listener
- Wait your turn to speak (use the talking object)
- Be kind and respectful
Name Game: Name Toss
We play Name Toss to help everyone learn names. Here’s how:
- Sit or stand in a circle.
- The first student says their name.
- The person to their left says their name.
- Continue around the circle.
- Use a timer to see how fast everyone can go.
Summer Sharing
After the game, I ask students to share something they enjoyed over the summer. I model the sentence: “This summer I enjoyed __________.” For example: “This summer I enjoyed going to the beach.”
Some students may choose not to speak. That’s okay. Give them time to build confidence.
First Read-Aloud and Story Activity
Recommended Books
Choose a story for the first day. Some good choices are:
- The Kissing Hand
- Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
- A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School
- If You Take a Mouse to School
These books encourage connection and conversation.
Post-Reading Activity
After the read-aloud, I assign a simple activity related to the book. For The Kissing Hand, students draw their face and circle how they feel.
You can also add this poem:
My First Day of School
Inspired by The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
It’s my first day of school,
And The Kissing Hand we read.
It’s all about a raccoon
Who felt nervous, just like me.
His mom gave him a kiss,
To help him feel okay.
He kept it in his hand
To cheer him through the day.
Like Chester the raccoon,
I felt shy and small,
But your love and kind words
Helped me stand tall.
All throughout the year,
I’ll learn and grow each day.
And just like that sweet raccoon,
I’ll be brave in every way!
End-of-Day Routine
Teaching Transitions
Just as the morning routine is vital, the end-of-day routine is equally important. Students learn how to pack their bags and line up for dismissal. You’ll also need to guide parents on where to wait for pickup.
Managing Transportation
If students ride the bus, clarify whether you must walk them there or if a staff member does. Always line up bus riders first to avoid confusion.
The first day can be chaotic, especially for Kindergarteners. Even if you’re tired, smile. Tomorrow will be easier.
Final Thoughts
After the kids leave and you have extra time, reflect on what went well and what you need to adjust. If you feel like crying, by all means, release those emotions. I’ve been there and I understand. It’s hard and not an easy job!
I promise it gets so much easier! Lastly, the goal of the first day of school is connection, not perfection.
I included a sample of the first day of school detailed plan:
First Day of School
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Early Release – Dismissal 12:45
| Time | |
| 7:50-7:55 8:03- 8:05-8:20 8:25-9:30 | Pick up Breakfast from the Cafeteria and take it with you to pick up students. Pick up kids – They’ll be lined up by the K-building. Have the kids come inside and grab their name tags Breakfast- The kids will eat outside. Tally each breakfast that gets passed out to studentsThey must choose a fruit and other breakfast itemMilk is optionalThe food that does not get eaten gets placed in a “share basket”Breakfast from absent students stays in the containerTake attendance while the kids eat breakfast Welcome students to their new classroomHave name tags on desk (have the kids wear them)Coloring Page and read aloud (choose a book from your library book) Go over health safety – (wash your hands, use hand sanitizer)Introduce (materials box) – explain to the students what materials are in there and how to use it (responsible and respectful and safe with their materials)Talk about the different signsBathroomWaterTissueQuestionListen |
| 9:30-9:50 9:50-10:05 | Recess (kids play at the kinder playground). We will need to cross the K- classrooms to get to the playgroundPick up kids at the ramp Schedule- Go over the schedule written on the board. Song: “Good morning” Model and practice- Procedures on how to move from the carpet to their desk and desk to carpet |
| 10:05-10:20 | Community Circle at the carpet– The students will share their name and share one thing they enjoyed doing over the summer. You can play the Beach Ball Game or just pass a stuffed animal around as the talking object. Go over community circle guidelines:-sit properly-be an attentive listener-wait for your turn to speak (talking object is your voice)-be kind and respectful Play a name game. 1. Sit or stand in a circle. 2. Choose a student to start by saying their own name.3. Right after, the person to their left says their own name. 4. Repeat this all the way around the circle.5. Now, start a timer, and see how quickly the group can go around the circle saying their names. After the name game:Put up a sentence frame on a sentence strip to support the students. Ex. This summer I enjoyed _______________. Model first |
| 10:20-10:50 | Crowns- The students will make a crown. Make sure you have a staple around to staple the crowns once they are done. TAKE A FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL CLASS PICTURE 🙂 You can later use it for Open House or yearbook. -materials neededSentence stripsCrown copy Crayons |
| 11:00-11:30 | Lunch Take lunch container for kids that bring lunches from home (remind them to place their lunch box inside after they finish eating)Remind the kids to say Please and thank you to Ms. LupeYou can drop off the kids and go have lunch |
| 11:30-12:30 12:30 | Read a book – The kissing hand Play a song or Go Noodle for movement (CD) *The kissing hand activity- The kids will make draw and color their face and circle how they feel about their first day. End the day by talking about their feelings, how do they feel about their first day of school (Show feelings poster).Kids can show their self portrait -Clean up, pick up their belongings |
| 12:45 | Dismissal – Walk students back to the area where they were picked up. |
Get the Kindergarten First Day of School Schedule & Activities – No-Prep, Editable Plan here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-First-Day-of-School-Schedule-Activities-No-Prep-Editable-Plan-14108609
