First day of school activities: A comprehensive guide for parents

Each year of school is unique. Kids must adapt to new teachers, relationships, goals and experiences. With a little preparation, you can set a positive tone for the entire school year. In this guide, we cover what to expect in the first few days of elementary and middle school. Plus, how parents can help, from typical first day of school activities to things you can do beforehand to set kids up for success.

Elementary school: Creating a safe space

The first day of school can be a lot for younger kids to process. To ease any discomfort, the first days of elementary school, especially years 1-3, may focus more on creating a safe, comfortable environment. Common first day of school activities include:

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1. Welcome circle time: Many teachers start the day with a welcome circle. Kids sit in a circle, introduce themselves, and share something fun about their summer. It’s a great icebreaker!

2. Classroom tour: A guided tour of the classroom helps kids familiarize themselves with their new environment. Pointing out important areas like cubbies, learning centers, and restrooms reduces anxiety.

3. Name games: Activities like “Name Bingo” or “Name Ball Toss” help kids learn each other’s names quickly, fostering a sense of community.

4. Story time: Reading a book related to starting school can be comforting and relatable. Favorites include, "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn and "First Day Jitters" by Julie Danneberg.

5. Art projects: Simple art projects like drawing self-portraits or decorating name tags allow kids to express themselves creatively while getting to know their classmates.

Middle school: Cutting the tension

You might see some of these activities in grades 4-5 also, as kids start to move into adolescence. Kids this age are usually going through puberty or will soon. They may struggle with peer pressure or confidence more than in elementary school. First day of school activities in middle school may revolve more around the social than academic. 

1. Icebreaker games: Humor can help loosen kids up and get acquainted in more lighthearted ways. Games like “Would you rather” can get them connecting quickly.

2. Classroom and campus tours: If your child’s moving to an entirely new school, visit over the summer if you can. Many schools offer new-family tours. 

3. Orientation: Even if your child is in the same school as last year, try to attend any grade-level orientations you can. They’re meant to help them with anything new, like lockers, schedules, sports, and other enrichment groups and activities. 

4. The 3-2-1 challenge: Teachers may open with group activities for students to get to know each other. Practice with your child so they can think about what they might say. For example: Write down 3 facts about yourself, 2 favorite hobbies, and 1 thing they like to do on weekends.

Before school starts: Helpful activities for all ages

Regardless of age, all kids can benefit from some of these proactive steps. Adapt them for your child’s age, stage, and your unique family circumstances. 

1. Practice the morning routine: A few days before school starts, practice the morning routine. This includes waking up at the same time, having breakfast, and getting dressed. Consistency helps kids adjust more easily.

2. Visit the school: If possible, take your child to visit their new school and classroom. Meeting the teacher and seeing the classroom beforehand can alleviate first-day jitters.

3. Discuss what to expect: Talk about how the daily schedule will go and what activities they might do. Knowing what to expect can make the first day less intimidating.

4. Role-play: If your child has specific questions or concerns, you can act out scenarios they might encounter, such as introducing themselves or asking the teacher for help. This helps prepares them for social interactions and can boost their confidence.

5. Read books about school: Include stories that highlight the fun aspects of school and address common concerns, such as making friends, transitioning to a new school, and any interesting new opportunities.

First day of school activities can influence your child’s perception of school. By preparing kids for what to expect and engaging in some of these activities before and during school, you can help ensure a smoother transition.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.