The first day of school sets the tone for the entire year, especially in elementary classrooms where excitement, curiosity, and sometimes jitters are at an all-time high!
If you’re looking for some back to school activities or first day of school activities to make sure tha you have the smoothest first day of school possible, you’re going to love this post!
Whether you’re teaching kindergarten or first grade, these plans are designed to captivate your students’ interest and lay a strong foundation for the year ahead. From a Gingerbread Man Hunt to Jitter Glitter Slime Science, these activities are not only fun but also educational. They’ll also help your students transition seamlessly into their new learning environment.
What do you do on the first day of school in elementary?
Check out these ideas to get you started!
First Day of Kindergarten | Back to School Activities | Editable
It’s the first day of kindergarten, and you need plans! I have you covered! ❤️ You have a FULL day of detailed lesson plans with printables, links, editable plans, suggested plans, ideas, and activities! After 20 years of teaching, I created this easy detailed first day lesson plan with extensions including a campus Gingerbread Man Hunt!
First Day of First Grade | Back to School EDITABLE PLANS
It’s the first day of first grade, and you need plans! I have you covered!❤️ You have a FULL day of detailed lesson plans with printables, links, editable plans, suggested plans, ideas, and activities! After 20 years of teaching, I created this easy detailed first day lesson plan with extensions including a campus Gingerbread Man Hunt and First Day Jitters!
First Day of School Jitter Glitter Slime Science
Want a great way to introduce science inquiry to your students? This one will have them engaged and make a memory that will last a lifetime, leaving them wanting more! Students will learn about inquiry, science tools, matter, liquids, solids… all while having fun!
First Day of School Pennant | Banner
Are you looking for a quick First Day of School Activity to do with your students? I have you covered with these PreK-5th Grade pennants! There are two styles.
The Kissing Hand Activities | Back to School
Use this home activity to help your students transition from home to school. After reading the story The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, send this activity home with parents to complete with their child and return. It makes a great wall display for the year!
I use it to help students who are missing parents throughout the year as needed. Simply take them by the hand and lead them to find their family picture. Read the message with them. Sometimes I even take it off the wall for them to keep at their desk.
Back to School Activities | Gingerbread Man Activities Campus Hunt
Are you looking for a back-to-school activity to help students learn where different locations are on your school campus? This is a week of lessons integrating reading with a campus hunt for the Gingerbread Man! There is enough to keep your kiddos busy for weeks learning with this fun theme. It is full of extras too!
I hope your students love these fun activities! If you want more back to school fun, check out my post here to find my favorite back to school resources for teachers!