First Day of Kindergarten Activities
Discover practical first day of kindergarten activities, tips for managing those first-day jitters, and ideas to build relationships, establish routines, and create a welcoming classroom community. You can also download my free resources to make your first day stress-free!
Are you feeling overwhelmed with everything there is to plan and prepare for the first day of kindergarten?
Between managing nervous little ones, setting up the classroom, and planning the best first day ever - the to-do list can feel endless. It’s no wonder we feel excited and anxious as the big day draws closer.
But don’t worry—this blog post is here to help you.
You’ll find practical first day ideas that include both play-based and structured activities and also some planning tips that will guide you through your first day with confidence.
From meaningful ways to build relationships with your students and creating a sense of community right from the start to setting up routines and procedures to ensure your students understand expectations, these ideas will ensure you have a strong foundation for a successful year.
With the right preparation and a focus on connection, your first day plans will go from just another task on the to-do list to a purposeful action plan that will set the tone for a joyful and productive year ahead.
Managing first day jitters is an important part of helping young kids feel comfortable and confident as they begin their first year of school BUT the first day of kindergarten can be just as nerve-wracking for teachers as it is for children.
Not anymore though!
I can calm your first day jitters with the ideas in this blog post, you’ll be calm and collected… and prepared!
Setting Up for Success - Less is More
When it comes to preparing your classroom for the first day of kindergarten, less is definitely more. A minimally decorated classroom might feel incomplete at first, but it’s the perfect blank canvas to invite student ownership.
Setting up your classroom in a simple way with a focus on important things, like clearly labelled spaces, helps both you and your new students navigate the day.
Children are far more likely to engage with their environment when they feel a sense of connection to it. By leaving walls bare or sparsely decorated, you create opportunities to co-create meaningful displays with your students during the first few weeks.
Not only does this approach save you precious time before school starts, but it also helps build a classroom community where students feel valued.
For example, instead of filling the walls with pre-made posters, consider displaying just the basics—like a welcome sign and a class list. As the weeks progress, you can work together to create anchor charts and visual displays based on your lessons and routines.
These collaborative efforts make the classroom feel like it truly belongs to your students.
The Importance of Co-Creating Displays with Students
Co-creating classroom displays with your students is not just a time-saver for back-to-school prep—it’s a powerful way to build autonomy and foster a sense of pride and ownership.
When your students contribute to what’s on the walls, they see their work and ideas reflected in their environment. This empowerment can have a lasting impact on their engagement and motivation throughout the year.
One of the best reasons to co-create classroom displays and anchor charts is that your students will actually use them. Think about it: how many times have you carefully hung pre-purchased anchor charts as part of your classroom setup, only for them to go completely unnoticed and unused?
Save yourself the time and money!
Collaborative displays become meaningful learning tools because students understand their purpose and feel connected to them.
For example, instead of putting up a ready-made alphabet chart, involve your students in creating one together during the first week.
Similarly, you can write classroom rules on an anchor chart as you model and discuss them. These personalised touches make the space feel purposeful, and students are far more likely to reference and rely on displays they helped create.
First Day Essentials: Labelling, Organisation, and Welcome Gifts
An organised and welcoming classroom is the key to a successful first day.
I like to start by clearly labelling everything—bag racks, supply crates, and even areas of the classroom like the home corner or reading area. These labels help students—and their families—feel confident and comfortable as they navigate the new space.
You can download the labels I use HERE
One idea is to place labelled crates near the carpet area so your parents can easily drop off communally shared books and school supplies when they arrive in the morning.
Also, another helpful idea is to have student name tags ready with a pin on a table near the entry door. This encourages parents to pin their child’s name tag on for you, as you’ll likely be busy greeting everyone.
These small details can make the big adjustment to school much smoother for your little learners.
And don’t forget the parents!
Welcome your parents and guardians with a thoughtful gesture like my Tea & Tissues gift!
It’s a great idea to acknowledge their feelings as they leave their kindergarten kids for their first days of kindergarten. This little gift is so easy to put together and can go a long way toward easing their nerves as they say goodbye.
I place a basket near the classroom door filled with these small gifts. You can easily create these thoughtful gifts by placing a pocket-sized pack of tissues, a tea bag, and a heartfelt note in a little cello bag for your parents to take with them.
This gesture is so simple but such a meaningful way to acknowledge parents’ emotions and reassure them that their child is in good hands.
On the first day of the school year, our beginning Prep parents receive this little gift as a token of care and understanding.
It’s not easy leaving your child with people you don’t know well, and many parents spend the day worrying about their child’s safety and happiness. This small gift shows that we see their feelings, value their trust, and truly care about their child.
Teaching Procedures and Routines on Day One
The first day of kindergarten is all about helping children feel comfortable in their new environment. Here’s an experienced teacher’s tip: modelling routines is the answer to easing anxieties!
One of the most important routines to establish early is the arrival.
When your students first arrive, start by warmly greeting them and directing them to a clear and simple routine.
Show them where to store their school bags, hats, drink bottles and lunchboxes. Use visual aids like signs or pictures to help children understand what to do, even if they can’t yet read.
Have a selection of tabletop activities out and ready for your students when they come inside the classroom. Drawing and writing, reading, puzzles and a simple fine motor activity like threading or cutting are my go-tos.
When everyone has arrived and settled, call them to the carpet for a short morning meeting. Introduce yourself and play a get-to know you circle game.
Then very early on, take your class on a guided walk to the toilets. Explain the rules in a calm and reassuring way—covering important points like waiting their turn, washing their hands, and respecting others’ privacy.
Model how to line up quietly and walk as a group to and from the toilets. This simple walkthrough sets clear expectations and helps build confidence, reducing the likelihood of accidents or confusion later on.
Take your time and thoroughly explain EVERYTHING!
Introducing Supplies and the Idea of Communal Sharing
Introducing classroom supplies on the first day can be both fun and practical.
Gather your students together and go through the supply crates as a group, turning it into an exploration activity. For example, pull out crayons or glue sticks and talk about how these items are for everyone to share. You can even play a quick sorting game, asking students to help place the supplies in designated containers around the room.
Don't forget to introduce other classroom supplies like play dough or math manipulatives too.
This important first day activity not only reinforces the idea of sharing but also introduces your new students to where materials are stored. By involving your students in organising their classroom supplies, you’re building ownership and encouraging responsibility right from day one.
Teaching Routines: Lunch Breaks and Playground Expectations
Lunch breaks and play time can be two of the most overwhelming parts of the first day, but modelling expectations early helps everything run smoothly.
Before the first break, show students how to unpack their lunches and explain eating expectations—
like sitting down while eating
tidying up when they’re done
where to place any leftover food or rubbish.
Introduce the concept of a food recycling bin if you have one, and model how to use it.
Next, take your class on a walk around their playground. Explain the different areas where they can play, demonstrate how to use the equipment safely, and set clear boundaries for where they’re allowed to go.
Most importantly, model how and where to line up when the bell rings. Believe me - practising this routine will help reduce chaos and confusion during the day.
To make learning routines fun, consider turning them into a game.
For example, after the playground tour, play a quick “line-up competition” where children practise getting into a straight line as quickly as possible. Small fun moments like these will reinforce expectations and also help to build their confidence – and of course, release some energy!
The First Week MUST be About Building Relationships and Community
For a young child, starting kindergarten can feel big and scary. It’s an entirely new environment filled with unfamiliar faces, routines, and expectations. This is why the first week of school is not about rushing into the curriculum—it’s about building relationships.
When you focus on relationships from the beginning, you show children that your classroom is a safe space where they are valued and cared for.
Take time to get to know your students individually and as a group.
Learn their interests, their fears, and what excites them.
A simple conversation at morning meeting or a moment spent listening during play can lay the groundwork for trust.
Kindergarten is the first step in a long journey, and building strong connections now helps ensure that your students will feel supported as they navigate this big adjustment.
How to Create a Classroom Community
Building a classroom community is the foundation of a successful school year.
When students feel they belong, their confidence grows, and they are more likely to engage in both learning and social interactions.
A supportive classroom community also makes it easier to manage behaviour, as children naturally want to contribute positively to the group.
One of the most effective ways to build community is to involve your students in creating the classroom environment. This includes co-creating classroom rules, working together on collaborative projects, and participating in group discussions.
Check out my blog post, How to Build a Classroom Community, for more ideas on fostering belonging and connection.
Morning meetings are another excellent tool for community building. Use this time first up in the mornings to discuss feelings, practice social skills, and celebrate individual and group successes.
A carefully planned morning meeting can show your students that their voice matters, and everyone is an important part of the big classroom family.
Explicitly Teaching Behaviour Expectations
Often, we focus so much on how to respond when children cross boundaries that we forget to establish those boundaries clearly to begin with.
On the first day, take time to explicitly teach behaviour expectations through modelling and discussion. Show your students what it looks like to share materials, take turns, and resolve conflicts respectfully.
Reinforce these expectations with consistent practice.
For example, use role-playing to demonstrate how to handle common situations, like what to do if two students want the same resource. Guide the class in brainstorming solutions, and practice using kind words to resolve disagreements.
Children thrive on structure, so be patient as they learn.
Revisit and reinforce expectations regularly, especially during the first few weeks.
Trust me! A clear and consistent approach will create the classroom of your dreams – a place where your students feel secure, respected, and ready to learn.
Tips for Managing First-Day Challenges
The first day of kindergarten is exciting
… but it can also be unpredictable.
With so much to manage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
These tips will help you navigate common challenges, stay flexible, and end the day feeling confident about the days ahead.
Flexibility is the key during your first day of school activities. Remember some students are going to need a little bit of extra encouragement and time to adjust to the new environment.
Over-Planning vs. Flexible Planning: Finding the Balance
It’s no secret that many teachers over-plan for the first day of school, and honestly, that’s perfectly okay!
Having more activities than you need is a great safety net for those unpredictable moments.
However, the key to a successful first day lies in balancing preparation with flexibility.
Think of your first-day plan as a guide and not a strict schedule.
It’s more important to focus on the quality of interactions and activities than checking off every item on your list.
Be ready to adjust based on your students’ energy levels and needs.
For instance, if your class seems overwhelmed, swap out a structured task for a calming activity like a brain break or storytime with a favourite book.
Remember, the first day is about creating a welcoming environment, not racing through the curriculum. Embrace the moments when you need to pause and connect with your students—and remind yourself that these moments lay the foundation for a successful year.
Dealing with First-Day Exhaustion: Observational Notes for Day Two
Let’s face it—the first day is exhausting!!!
You’ll likely end the day feeling drained, but it’s also a prime opportunity to reflect and prepare for day two.
I like to print out my daily plan and put it on a clipboard so I can carry it around all day and jot down observational notes and ideas throughout the day.
I write down what worked well, what didn’t go as planned, and what surprised me about my students.
If you like this idea, ask yourself:
Did a particular routine confuse them?
Was an activity too challenging or too simple?
Which activities or moments seemed to engage the students the most?
Were there any students who appeared hesitant or struggled to join in? How can I support them tomorrow?
Did I spend enough time explicitly teaching and modelling key routines, or do they need more practice?
Use observational notes to reflect on what worked well, such as which routines helped build confidence or which fun activities engaged the class the most. Your observation notes are a great way to ensure your second day is even better than your first. These notes are invaluable for adapting your plans for the second day and beyond.
For example, if lining up was chaos and caused confusion, you might dedicate more time on day two to practising this routine. If an activity sparked excitement, consider building on it the next day.
Reflection ensures you’re meeting your students where they are, setting them (and yourself) up for success.
I have a free observation checklist you will find useful. I primarily use this checklist to make notes during our play based investigation time but it is useful for other parts of the school day too. You can download your Free Observation Checklist HERE.
First Day of School Dismissal Tips
Dismissal can be one of the most hectic parts of the day, but with a few strategies, you can make it smooth and stress-free.
Start by collecting all the name tags from each student before they leave. This ensures you’ll have them ready for the next day and helps you keep track of everyone during dismissal.
Create a clear system for reuniting students with their parents or guardians.
If possible, invite parents into the classroom at the end of the day to make this process easier and provide an opportunity for quick updates or friendly farewells.
You can also use this time to explain any dismissal routines or updates, like where to drop off and pick up their child moving forward.
Dismissal is also a great time to set expectations for the next morning.
Talk with your students about the first thing they should do when they arrive tomorrow and use this moment to praise their efforts on the first day.
End with a positive send-off, such as a circle time game where students share their favourite part of the day. I love this simple activity because it leaves everyone feeling seen and valued as they head home.
Free Resources to Make Your First Day Easier
Make your first day stress-free with my free first-day printables, designed to save you time and help you feel organised from the start.
These resources include engaging activities, planning templates, and practical tools that support a smooth transition for both you and your students.
Free First Day of Kindergarten Printables
From a full day plan to listening posters and interactive activities like The Kissing Hand handprint craft or the first day portrait templates, I have detailed planning documents and printables that provide everything you need to create a welcoming and productive first day.
Best of all, they’re aligned with a play-based learning approach and will help you focus on building relationships and establishing routines.
Click here to download your free first-day planning and printables and start your school year with confidence!
Planning for the First Week of School: Downloadable Resources
In addition to all my first-day printables, I have Short 10 Week Term Overviews, which provide a flexible framework for planning not only your entire first term but the whole year!!!!
How amazing to have ideas for the first 10 weeks of school and beyond!
My term overviews are specifically designed to align with the ACARA curriculum, ensuring your lessons meet essential learning outcomes while also incorporating engaging, play-based activities.
Whether you’re looking for ideas to fill the first week of school or seeking long-term planning support, these resources take the guesswork out of aligning your teaching with curriculum requirements.
The beginning of the year activities you choose can make a lasting impact, creating a positive tone for the days of school to come. With a focus on balance and practicality, my term overviews will help you plan effectively without feeling overwhelmed.
Start the year off right by downloading these invaluable tools and giving yourself the gift of an organised, stress-free start to the term.
The first day of kindergarten is an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful year.
By focusing on
building relationships
establishing clear routines
and fostering a strong sense of community,
you can create a classroom environment where every child feels valued and secure.
Focus on building relationships through fun activities, establishing classroom expectations, and helping your young kids feel secure as they start their new school year.
These foundational elements are far more important than rushing into curriculum goals—they set the stage for engagement, learning, and growth all year long!
Remember, the most important thing on the first day is connection.
It’s about showing your students that they belong, helping them navigate their new environment with confidence, and reassuring parents that their little ones are in good hands.
To make your first day stress-free and organised, download my free first-day planning and activity printables.
My free resources include ideas for first day of kindergarten lesson plans and first-day-of-school activities that are both practical and engaging.
These resources are designed to support you every step of the way, so you can focus on what truly matters—building relationships and creating a joyful, welcoming space for your students.
Here’s to a smooth and memorable first day of kindergarten!
You’ve got this!