Tips for the First Day of School

The first day of school is a big deal, especially if you're a new teacher. It's your chance to make a great first impression, set the tone for the year, and establish a positive classroom environment. But let’s be real—no matter how much you prepare, those first-day jitters and sometimes uncontrollable surprises are bound to creep in. The good news? With a bit of planning and a few key strategies, you can confidently step into your classroom and start the year off strong.

Here are some tips to help you navigate your first day as a new teacher—and TWO free resources to help you plan not just for the first day, but for the first week and month of school as well!

Start with a Warm Welcome

First impressions matter, and the first day of school is all about making your students feel welcome and excited to be in your class. Greet each student with a smile, learn their names as quickly as possible, and create a positive atmosphere from the moment they walk in.

• Pro tip: Have a fun activity ready for students as they arrive, like a simple "All About Me" worksheet or a get-to-know-you game. This not only keeps them engaged but also gives you a chance to start learning about them.

Set Clear Expectations

Your first day is the perfect time to establish the rules and expectations for your classroom. Students need to know what behaviour is acceptable, how they should treat one another and what the daily routine will look like

• Pro tip: Go over your classroom rules and procedures in a clear, positive way. Instead of just listing rules, explain the “why” behind them. For example, “We raise our hands to speak so everyone gets a turn and feels heard.” More specifically for success you need to go over your expectations for every single thing that happens in your classroom. Where do we keep our pencils? You need a procedure for that. How do we pack up our bags to go home? A procedure is needed for that. 
• We have the MOST important resource to help you do this. Our comprehensive Classroom Management Planner has a list of EVERYTHING you need to plan a routine or procedure for. 

3. Plan Engaging Activities

While it's important to cover the basics like classroom rules and procedures, make sure to include some engaging activities that help build classroom community and set a positive tone for learning. Make sure your students want to come back the next day!

• Pro tip: Plan a mix of activities—some that are academic and some that are just for fun. This helps students get a sense of what they’ll be learning and starts building relationships among classmates.

4. Get Organized for Success: Overplan!

The first day of school is just the beginning. To set yourself up for a smooth year, take some time to get organized. Have all your materials ready to go, know your schedule inside and out, and have a plan for what you'll do if something doesn't go as expected (because it probably won't!).

• Pro tip: Have extra activities or games on hand in case you finish early or need to fill time. It’s always better to have too much planned than not enough.

Free Resource: Your First Day, Week, and Month Planner

Feeling overwhelmed by all there is to do? Don't worry—we’ve got you covered! Our Free First Day, Week, and Month Planning Guide is designed specifically for new teachers to help you plan out those crucial early days with confidence.

What’s Inside:

• Outline for what you need to think about in planning for the essential First Week, Month and Day

• Guides you to plan for which routines and lessons to cover

How to Get It: Download your free planning guide here and take the guesswork out of your first month of teaching.

Final Thoughts

Your first day as a teacher is a milestone moment. While it can feel overwhelming, remember that it’s just the start of an exciting journey. With a warm welcome, clear expectations, engaging activities, and a solid plan in place, you’ll not only survive your first day—you’ll thrive.