Getting ready for 2021: First day

The first day of school is super exciting! Nerve-wracking especially if you are new to the school or students; but lots of fun! Once the first day is done, you will be ready for the rest of the year! 

This post shares some of my personal tips for the first day including what you might like to organise for the first day. This could include checking in with people in your school about meetings or assemblies you might have, setting an easy going timetable for the first day, introducing fun games to get to know students and their passions or loves; and having a celebratory beverage for the completion of your first day. 

Depending on the day and timings, I usually do most of these above ideas with my students on the first day. I definitley try and do a little bit of writing or art, routine teaching for a few routines, getting to know each other games or activities and a school walk or tour. With the newbies beginning, this shows them where things are, where to navigate around the school and I always make it fun by turning it into an Eye Spy game. That way students are looking for specific things on our walk - make it fun!
My personal recommendation is NOT to complete anything intense like reading groups, maths groups, structured writing etc so students can breathe easy and have some fun on the first day. I don't use their books on the first day nor do any 'teaching' on the first day. I keep it light, fun and easy going! But then again, each to their own so please do what is best for you and your students. 

There are lots of first day activities and prompts out there for students to complete. I have a variety of resources on my website that you can purchase or download to use in your classroom. These could be in whole class activities, smaller group sessions or as fun oral language activities. I have used these all in my classroom each year and personally love the anchor charts as a great goal setting too. 
If you have any questions about first day of school contact me [email protected]. Or check out the inspiration online on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook. There are lots of options out there so find something that suits you and your class! 

First Day Questions

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First day of school questions

These questions are great prompts and questions to use to get to know your students on the first day of school. Print them off, display them around your class and use these to get to know your students.

Each letter of the word 'first day' has a question which could be used in whole class questions, small groups, entry/exit questions.

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Back to School Favourite Things

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Back to School Favourite Things

This is a great template for students to write or draw their favourite things. This could be used as a writing activity on the first day or over the first week.

This comes in black and white and also colour variation.

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Beginning of the year anchor charts

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First day of school anchor charts

These anchor charts are perfect for setting the scene on the first day of school. They each have different questions that students can answer with sticky dots or post it notes! A great way to gain student ideas, to get a feel for how they are feeling and form connections at the beginning of the year.

The anchor charts included are:

-how do you feel about year...

-how you like to work best?

-what is your favourite subject?

-what is 1 thing you want to learn this year?

-what is 1 thing you want your teacher to know about you?

-what do you think makes a great teacher?

-what did you like the most about year ..... (last year)?

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Tell me about you! game

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Tell me about you! game

This game is a great game that you can can play with your students at the beginning of the year. This is perfect for the first day of school or even the first week of school.

Students can play in groups of 2-4, taking turns to answer the questions to share information about themselves.

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