The first day of school can be... a lot
You are learning names, helping students find their belongings, explaining classroom routines, managing emotions and answering approximately 347 questions—all before recess!
It can be tempting to jump straight into teaching curriculum, but students (and us!) usually need a softer start to the year. They need time to become familiar with their new classroom, connect with their teacher and classmates, and learn how things work.
The best first-day activities are simple, flexible and easy for students to complete successfully. They give YOU opportunities to observe your new class without placing too much pressure on children who may already be feeling nervous or overwhelmed.
Here are some practical ways to make the first day of school more smoothly, along with two easy All About Me activities that can help you begin building your classroom community.
Choose Activities That Every Student Can Access
Students arrive at school with a wide range of abilities. Some children will confidently write several sentences about themselves. Others may still be learning how to write their name, hold a pencil or use scissors. Some students may be learning English, while others may feel too nervous to speak in front of the class.
That is why drawing, colouring and picture-based activities work so well during the first week of school. They allow students to share information about themselves without relying heavily on reading or writing and also give you an informal opportunity to notice:
- pencil grip and fine motor control
- ability to follow directions
- scissor skills
- willingness to ask for help
- attention and stamina
- confidence with drawing and coloring
- interests that could help you connect with each child
Create a Pennant Display
A simple way to get to know your students is through an All About Me pennant craft.
Pennants are useful at the beginning of the year because they combine an engaging first-day activity with an instant classroom or hallway display.
My All About Me Back-to-School Pennant Craft was designed especially for Kindergarten and first grade students.
Instead of asking students to complete lots of written prompts, they tell about themselves using pictures and drawings. Students can share information such as their favorite food, color, animal, sport, book or activity. They can also draw themselves and their family.
While they are completing the craft, you can go from group to group chatting with and building a relationship with your new students.
This pennant display resource is available in my TpT store and includes a choice of 16 large character toppers (making them easier to cut out), with both face and faceless options.
All About Me Silhouette Activity
One of my favourite first-day activities is an All About Me face profile or silhouette.
Each student receives a face profile template and fills the inside with drawings that represent them. They might add pictures of:
- their family
- pets
- favorite foods
- hobbies
- sports
- books
- toys
- places they enjoy visiting
- things they are excited to learn
Students can draw their ideas, add labels or write short sentences depending on their age and ability.
There is no single correct way to complete the activity, which makes it easy to differentiate. A reluctant writer can communicate entirely through pictures, while a more confident student can add descriptive words or sentences.
The completed profiles make a meaningful classroom display because every piece is unique.
Download the free All About Me Silhouette Templates by signing up here.
**On the inside of our classroom, these same pieces of colored paper show each students WOW work!
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Check out my back-to-school resources on TpT.
