At back-to-school time, use classroom activities and tools that help students feel at home and comfortable during the first day of school. Kids and parents will appreciate the extra effort to welcome their children to school and help ease the first-day jitters.
Help Kids Feel Welcome and Ready for the First Day of School
The first day of school is a significant milestone for students and teachers, filled with excitement and nerves. The jitters can overwhelm kindergarten, first, and second-grade kids. Teachers play a critical role in easing their transition and setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
Below, you will find a variety of activities, books, and lesson ideas designed to make those first days a little less daunting and a lot more fun. Use classroom community builders and daily routines to create a comforting, structured atmosphere. Turn those first-day jitters into joyful beginnings!
Welcome Back to School Postcard
Why It Works: The postcard builds excitement and makes students feel valued before entering the classroom. They see it as an invitation to the room and the new community they will be a part of for the year. It also helps students get to know their new teacher before day one and sets a positive tone for that relationship.
How To:
- Design a cheerful, colorful postcard, or use one of the included postcards in the Back to School Fun Pack.
- Include a personalized message welcoming each student back to school.
- Add a fun fact or question to spark curiosity and conversation.
Ready Confetti Letter
Why It Works: The adorable Ready Confetti poem and letter can turn first-day jitters into excitement. It gives kids a tangible way to feel prepared, and they will be excited to use it the night before their first day.
How To:
- Send a letter with a small packet of confetti.
- Explain how the confetti is “magic” and will help them have a great first day.
- Encourage them to sprinkle the confetti under their pillow the night before school starts.
- Find your Ready Confetti materials (letter, poem, & bag label) in the Back to School Fun Pack
Back to School Door Display with Student Names
Why It Works: Having the classroom door decorated creates a sense of belonging and community when students arrive. Students love seeing their names on the classroom walls and doors; this is the first place they will see them!
How To:
- Decorate the classroom door with a fun, welcoming theme.
- Creatively include each student’s name (e.g., crayons or notepads).
- Add a catchy slogan like “Our Class is on Point This Year” with little pencils!
- Find three door decor sets with editable student labels in the Back to School Fun Pack
First Day of School Survival Kit
Why It Works: A survival kit provides comfort and a sense of preparedness. It’s like a SWAG bag for kids, helping them prepare for the new year.
How To:
- Create small kits or Ziploc bags with items like a pencil, an eraser, a small toy, and a positive note.
- Explain how each item will help them throughout their day (e.g., “This pencil will help you write amazing stories!”).
Classroom Scavenger Hunt
Why It Works: Scavenger hunts help students become familiar with their new environment and meet new classmates in a fun and engaging way. They are also great for taking kids on a building tour, showing them new room features, and helping them find necessary supplies.
How To:
- Give each student a scavenger hunt sheet and a clipboard.
- Have them go around the room to find all the images on their sheet.
- They can check them off or color them in.
- Find a done-for-you Classroom Scavenger Hunt in the Back to School Fun Pack
Interactive Morning Meeting
Why It Works: A morning meeting establishes a routine and helps students connect with the classroom community and get to know one another. It gives them consistency and confidence, which all kids thrive on.
How To:
- Start each day with a fun greeting, a shared time, and an engaging activity.
- Include songs, games, or simple exercises to get them moving and laughing.
- Use the Morning Meeting Slides by Proud to be Primary to welcome kids daily. They cover each month of the school year.
Personalized Desk Tags and Supplies
Why It Works: A decorated desk space and fun supplies give each student a sense of ownership and responsibility. They will be proud to take care of their space each day.
How To:
- Create personalized desk tags with their names and a fun design.
- Provide labeled supplies like crayons and notebooks to make them feel special.
Parent Involvement & Meet the Teacher Materials
Why It Works: Meet the Teacher materials are essential to send home with students to help build a supportive community and ease parents’ anxieties on the first day. It also boosts parent involvement to see what a fun year will be ahead and what they can expect.
How To:
- Send a “meet the teacher” booklet to parents with info about the class
- Organize a back-to-school night where parents can “pop in” for a chat to say hi
- Find a done-for-you editable Meet the Teacher booklet and back-to-school night materials in the all-in-one Back to School Fun Pack
Back to School Read-Aloud Books
Why It Works: Stories can help children relate to characters who feel the same way they do, providing comfort and understanding. Gather a few back-to-school read-aloud books to start the year in a fun way. Place others on your classroom bookshelf for students to grab and look at when they have time.
How To:
- Choose books that address first-day fears and excitement.
- Read aloud and discuss the story, allowing students to share their thoughts and feelings.
Recommended Books:
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Description: This book tells the story of Sarah, who is nervous about starting a new school. The twist at the end reveals that Sarah is the teacher!
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Description: A heartwarming story about a raccoon named Chester who is nervous about starting school. His mother comforts him by kissing his hand and telling him her love will always be with him.
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Description: Wemberly is a little mouse who worries about everything, especially the first day of school. This story helps children understand that it’s okay to have worries and how to cope with them.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
Description: This unique story is told from the perspective of the school building, which is nervous about welcoming the children. It’s a fun and relatable read for kids.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Description: This humorous book tells the story of a young dinosaur named Penelope who learns about making friends and the importance of treating others kindly.
You’re Finally Here! by Mélanie Watt
Description: This playful and engaging book features a rabbit who is thrilled to meet the reader finally. It’s a great way to express excitement and welcome children back to school, helping them feel special and wanted.
Find a book companion activity and craft to go with this book in the Back to School Fun Pack.
Make the New School Year Fun
The key to a successful year is making students feel welcome and secure in their classroom environment. On the first days of school, you can do this by using fun activities and welcoming resources. Both kids and parents will appreciate the effort you put into the back-to-school season!
Add the ideas mentioned above to classroom routines to make the year fun. If you have exciting activities, games, or decor you use, I would love to hear how you make kids feel welcome on day one!
Amazing Back-to-School Resources
Help students feel welcome with the FREE Welcome Back to School Posters for K-3. They make great decor for the first day of school, and kids will enjoy seeing such bright and colorful welcome posters as they enter the room.
Click the image below to grab a copy.
Back to School Fun Pack
Need an all-in-one back to school resource with everything you need for a smooth start and fun? Try the Back to School Fun Pack by Proud to be Primary. It includes crafts, writing prompts, a fun hat, games, a scavenger hunt, postcards, Ready Confetti, and tons more to start the new school year with a bang!
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