10 Tips for the First Day of School

For teachers, there’s no day like the first day of the school year. Veterans and rookies alike are just the right mixture of nervous and excited. So are students.

With some planning, common sense, and communication, you can make the first day of school the best it can be—a springboard to a successful and rewarding school year. Here’s how to make that happen:

1. Greet Every Student Warmly

Start building relationships with your new students by greeting them with an awesome attitude, offering a handshake or high five, and an attempt to catch their names. You won’t remember all of them but hearing how their names are pronounced can help save you and students from any embarrassing gaffes when you’re taking attendance later. 

Letting students know how excited you are that they’re in your class this year sets a positive tone, making your time together smoother and creating a wonderful class culture and community.

2. Use a Seating Chart

Using a seating chart can significantly ease the process of learning your students' names and faces, especially in the initial days of the school year. By arranging the seating alphabetically by first name, you create a system that helps you quickly associate names with faces, making it easier to remember them. 

Additionally, a seating chart can assist in maintaining order and structure in the classroom. It provides students with a sense of stability and helps them quickly settle into their new environment. This is especially beneficial for younger students or those who may feel anxious about starting a new school year. 

After the first week or so, once you’ve become more familiar with your students, you can consider allowing them to choose their own seats or adjusting the chart based on classroom dynamics and individual needs. However, starting with a seating chart at least for the first week sets a solid foundation for a well-organized and smoothly run classroom. 

3. Save the Rules for the Second Day

Enjoy a fresh start by not taking yourself too seriously. Students generally know how to behave in a classroom setting, and incidents on the first day are rare. On the first day, focus on building relationships and establishing a positive classroom atmosphere rather than immediately diving into the rules and regulations.  

When you do introduce the rules on the second day, you can do so in a context where students already feel invested in the classroom community. This approach can make the rules feel like a collective agreement rather than an imposed set of restrictions. You might even consider involving the students in a discussion about the rules, allowing them to contribute their ideas and take ownership of the classroom norms. 

4. Share Something About Yourself

Students are naturally curious about their new teacher and eager to learn more about the person they will be spending a significant part of their school year with. Sharing personal information can help humanize you in their eyes and make you more approachable. It also sets the stage for building stronger relationships, as students are more likely to engage with someone they feel they know and can relate to. 

Prepare a short biographical talk that includes some fun and interesting facts about yourself. You might share where you grew up, your hobbies, favorite books or movies, or any interesting travel experiences. Students often enjoy hearing about your family, especially if you have children or pets, so consider bringing in pictures to share. Visual aids like photos or personal items can make your introduction more engaging and memorable. 

5. Post the Daily Schedule 

Even if students have previously attended the school, the summer break is a difficult transition. They often get confused about timing. Making a poster will save you a lot of “When do we…?” questions. You can also hand out blank student organizers, and have your class fill-in and walk-through your class schedule together, so they have a copy handy at their desk.

6. Explain the Space

Familiarize students with how your room is organized, especially if they are bringing supplies with them or need to store things overnight. It could also be helpful to stock your classroom with plenty of grab-and-go snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled during busy hours.

7. Find a Good Ice-Breaking Activity

Starting the school year with an ice-breaking activity can significantly help in easing the initial tension and awkwardness that students might feel on the first day. A well-chosen activity can set a positive tone for the rest of the year by fostering connections among students and creating a sense of community in the classroom.

When selecting an ice-breaking activity, consider the age group and comfort levels of your students. Aim for activities that encourage interaction without putting anyone on the spot. For example, avoid activities that require students to share deeply personal information or stand up and speak in front of the entire class if they might not be comfortable doing so. Check out a few of our favorites.

8. Identify Any Student Needs

Understanding your students' individual needs as early as possible is crucial for creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. On the first day, make it a priority to gather information about any special needs or accommodations that your students may require. This includes not only physical needs, such as hearing or vision impairments, but also learning disabilities, medical conditions, or any other unique requirements.

You can approach this sensitively by providing a confidential questionnaire for students and their parents to fill out. This questionnaire can ask about any medical conditions, allergies, learning difficulties, or other concerns that might affect the student's experience in your classroom. Additionally, it can include questions about preferred learning styles and any strategies that have been effective in the past. 

9. Expect the Unexpected

First days rarely go according to plan. You may have to work around schedule changes and general confusion. Flexibility and adaptability are key to navigating the first day successfully and setting a positive tone for the rest of the school year. 

Here are some common scenarios to be prepared for: 

• New Student Arrivals: You might have new students who were not on your original class list. Make sure to have extra materials and a welcoming attitude ready to integrate them smoothly into the class. 
• Technical Difficulties: If you’re using technology in your lesson plan, be prepared for potential glitches. Have a low-tech backup plan, such as printed handouts or alternative activities, to ensure that learning can continue smoothly. 
• Unexpected Behavior Issues: While most students are well-behaved on the first day, occasionally you might encounter unexpected behavior issues. Approach these with patience and understanding, remembering that the first day can be stressful for students. 
• Forgotten Supplies: Some students may forget to bring necessary supplies. Having a stash of extra pencils, paper, and other basic materials can help ensure that all students can participate in activities without feeling left out. 

10. Plan the Second Day

Teachers often spend so much effort making sure that the first day of school is perfect that they forget to lay out the expectations for the rest of the week.

Even the most jaded teacher can get caught up in the excitement of the first day of school. Do your best to carry that infectious energy throughout the year.

Looking for more strategies to create a positive and effective classroom environment? Check out our article on How Teachers Can Establish an Effective Classroom Culture from the First Day for tips on setting clear expectations, building relationships, and maintaining a supportive learning atmosphere from day one.