Back to school season is such an exciting (and busy!) time for teachers. Whether you’re welcoming wide-eyed kindergarteners for the first time or helping first graders settle back into the classroom routine, having a few simple, engaging activities ready to go can make those first weeks run more smoothly.
In this post, I’m sharing some fun and practical back to school ideas perfect for kindergarten and first grade teachers. Including a few classroom favorites from my own collection!
The first few days are all about building classroom community.
Try simple games that help students learn names and feel included.
One idea: have students sit in a circle and roll a ball to someone while saying their name and favorite color or animal.
These little activities ease first-day jitters and encourage positive social interactions from day one.
Young learners thrive on structure, but it takes time to teach routines.
One way to make this fun is by introducing expectations through stories and discussion.
Choose a few picture books that model kindness, classroom behavior, or friendship, and follow up with class talks or role-play.
It’s a great way to ease into routine without diving straight into worksheets.
One of my personal favorites is: “David Goes to School” by David Shannon!
Simple, phonics-based stories with reading comprehension questions are a great way to assess early literacy skills and get students used to responding to text.
This set of Back to School Stories is great for the first weeks of school! It includes 20 differentiated school-themed stories!
They’re short, easy-to-read passages designed just for beginning readers. Each story includes three comprehension questions that support understanding and vocabulary.
Plus, they come in two levels for easy differentiation!
CLICK HERE to read more!
Kindergarteners and first graders need to move!
A great way to combine learning with movement is by setting up a classroom scavenger hunt or a Write the Room activity.
Students walk around the room searching for cards with letters, sight words, or school supplies, and record what they find.
It’s fun, interactive, and keeps them engaged while reinforcing key skills.
My Back to School Activity Set is perfect for centers! It includes school-themed write the room activity, plus great follow up activities!
CLICK HERE to read more!
Games are a teacher’s best friend during the first few weeks of school!
They keep energy high while sneaking in learning.
My Back to School Bingo Activity is perfect for this. It includes fun school-themed vocabulary words, visual support for early readers, and 35 bingo boards to make it ideal for whole group play.
This Bingo Game comes with a Rhyming Riddle Version! A fun twist on traditional Bingo, helping students develop listening and problem-solving skills!
CLICK HERE to read more!
Once your class is getting used to the routine, start introducing independent centers.
Keep it simple: letter matching, number tracing, or coloring activities that students can do on their own while you assess one-on-one.
Try using reusable materials like laminated task cards with washable markers to save time in the long run.
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate those small victories!
Learning how to walk in a line, raising hands, or packing up independently are all big milestones at this age.
Praise your students for their progress and their accomplishments. It sets a positive tone for the entire year.
Happy Teaching!
