First Day of School Activities

Staying Sane While You Launch a Great New Year

What's a teacher's number one goal for first day of school activities? I can't speak for others, but my goal is simple:

I want the children to buy into me completely as their
teacher / leader by the end of the day.

Jump down to the article list for this section

It starts before the first bell rings. By the end of the day my new group of students will think their new teacher is very special, that she's someone they want to know more about, and that she's someone they want to follow...and obey...for the rest of the year.

These little people need to know
their teacher really cares

By the end of the first week, I want each and every child to know deep in their hearts that I am personally thrilled to see them every day. By then, every one of them will be firmly in my pocket and happy to be there for the rest of the year.

That's how great classroom management starts in elementary school: With community. And communities happen because teachers take a leadership role...and add a bit of sparkle!

Our first day of school activities include building our classroom community, setting expectations and having a little fun. Every one of these objectives allows you a chance to showcase your "teacher personality."

How to Win Friends and Influence Children

These are young elementary children and they can be captivated by engaging personalities.

I call the personality that I show my children during first day of school activities (and every day after that) "sparkly." This means that I'm somewhat different from what they expect from a teacher and a little bit larger than life. In their eyes, I'm certainly different from what they're used to experiencing with their parents.

As I pointed out in response to a question on my Q&A page, everything I do is a tiny bit exaggerated, as if I'm an actor on a stage.

Just like a great actor, though, an effective teacher has a range of emotions that her students need to see. It's a balancing act and they need to experience a little taste of everything on the first day in school.

They need to see that sparkle, but they also need to see the hints of other emotions. At some point during the day, my new students will always see a little bit of the stern side of me. There will come a time when a child blurts out and I'll use that teachable moment to show that fun is the norm in my classroom, but we do it according to my rules, not theirs.

Instead of a lighthearted tone and twinkle in my eye, they suddenly hear silence, a deeper tone of voice and a correction before we move on and they see "Mrs. Sparkle" again.

How to Start Your Community the Right Way

First day of school activities will probably leave you exhausted...in a good way!

I find myself talking much more that I do on any other day of school. Setting expectations and practicing those expectations consistently takes a lot talking and a lot of energy.

That's where these first day of school ideas will help. Take a look and make your first day of school activities establish the pattern for a successful year.

1st Day of School Stress?

Get my 1st Day activity kit!

---

Get your kids organized in record time. Word search, worksheet, writing prompt and homework. Plus my "Magic Box" process!


Click anywhere in this box

First Days of School Articles

Top of Page