Kickstart a brand-new school year with back-to-school activities that will get students excited about the year ahead. The first day of school is about creating a welcoming environment where students build connections and a sense of community in the classroom that will last all year. Whether you鈥檙e kindergarteners or high school students, these back-to-school activities will be sure to jumpstart the first day of school.
Student Videos
Grade Levels: 聽K-12
Let’s face it, only some students are eager to stand in front of the classroom and introduce themselves. Instead of putting your shy students on the spot, try challenging them to make a video introduction of themselves. Younger students will enjoy using to create an avatar character that represents themselves. They will use this avatar to share something special about themselves, making it a less intimidating experience for the shy students to introduce themselves to their classmates.
Older students will enjoy making a short video clip to introduce themselves using the app, which allows them to transport themselves to any destination they choose. This is a fun way for students to showcase their favorite destinations or where they traveled over summer break. Both options are creative ways for students to share about themselves without the pressure of standing in front of the classroom.
QR Code Self Portraits
Grade Levels: K-12
QR codes are little white and black squares that were originally used by companies for marketing purposes but have made their way into the classroom. QR codes, or 鈥渜uick response codes,鈥� act as shortcuts to web links. When you scan the code with your smartphone, it takes you directly to a specific webpage. On the first day of school, you can use QR codes to help students get to know one another. Students can create a webpage about themselves, then use a website like to聽 generate a QR code. Students attach this QR code to a photograph or self-portrait. Once these are displayed in the hallway, classmates can scan the codes on the pictures to learn more about each other.
Name Games
Grade Levels: K-5
Name games are a fun and simple way to help students (and teachers!) remember each other’s names. Younger students can sit in a circle, and each say their name along with a favorite animal or hobby. Older students can walk around the classroom finding classmates who match the descriptions in the bingo squares, such as 鈥淗as a pet dog鈥� or 鈥淟oves cheeseburgers.鈥�
Here are a few other favorite name-game activities to try:
- Name Train 鈥� Students learn and practice each other’s names while forming a train with their bodies.
- Group Juggle 鈥� Students learn names in a fast-paced Nerf ball game.
- Scavenger Hunt 鈥� Students team up to find common classroom items.
- Name Web 鈥� Students learn their classmates鈥� names and one fact about them.
- Meet Your Match 鈥� Students meet new classmates by finding someone with the same puzzle piece as them.
Read Aloud
Grade Levels: K-5
A well-chosen book on the first day of school can set a positive tone for the entire school year. Select a story that emphasizes friendship or kindness. After reading the story, discuss the book’s message and ask students to talk about how they think it relates to their experiences and hopes for the new school year ahead.
Here are a few book suggestions:
- “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
- “Enemy Pie” by Derek Munson
- “The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig
- “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Pe帽a
- “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud
Student Interest Surveys
Grade Levels: 3-12
Getting to know your student’s interests and learning preferences can help tailor your teaching throughout the year. Hand out surveys where students can share their favorite subjects, hobbies, and how they like to learn. This information is invaluable for creating engaging lesson plans and making each student feel seen and valued. You can download this for younger grades from Teachers Pay Teachers. For older grades, there’s also a available on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Goal Setting Activities
Grade Levels: 4-12
The first day of school is the perfect time to encourage students to set personal and academic goals for the year. This will help students develop important skills in planning, perseverance, and self-reflection. Plus, they’ll have a tangible sense of their growth and achievements throughout the school year. Provide students with worksheets where they can write down their goals. Include sections for setting their goals, the steps they will take to achieve them, and how they plan on staying motivated. For younger students, simplify the process by having them draw pictures of their goals. Be sure to schedule time to revisit these goals throughout the year to celebrate achievements and or change as needed.
404精品 Rules and Expectations Discussion
Grade Levels: K-12
The key to a successful school year is to set the tone for behavior and expectations. Engage your students in a discussion about classroom rules and allow them to contribute their thoughts and ideas. For younger students, brainstorm a list of rules together as a class and write them down on a colorful poster that they can refer back to throughout the year. For older students, discuss the importance of each rule and how they can help create a respectful and productive classroom. By involving students in this process, you’re fostering a sense of ownership and community right from the start.
The first day of school can be a challenge for many children. These activities are meant to break the ice, create connections, and set a positive tone for the school year. The goal for the first day of school is to make every single student feel welcomed, valued, and excited for the school year ahead. Good luck! You got this!
