The countdown for back-to-school is on, and the first day of school brings a mighty mash-up of emotions for both kids and adults: anticipation and excitement laced with a little (or a lot!) of anxiety. Starting strong can make a big difference. That first day is literally a leading indicator; it sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Depending on their age, personality, and past experiences, kids can feel apprehension about performing well, making friends, or adjusting to a new school, teacher, and/or classroom. “It’s all good” is what every parent and teacher wants for them.
School Zone has long been committed to supporting early learning transitions at home and in school. We know that details matter. Renowned basketball coach John Wooden once said, “Little things make big things happen,” and our products and perspective are 100% aimed at helping you make big—and good—things happen this school year, starting with Day 1. Take a look at the tips we’ve pulled together.
Tips for parents: be calm, confident, and prepared
Like starting anything new, preparation goes a long way in calming nerves and building confidence. To help boost first-day happies:
• Start a back-to-school routine early - adjust bedtimes, wake-up times, and meal schedules 1–2 weeks before school starts. Check out our recent post on welcoming the new school year for more details.
• Talk about what to expect - role-play school scenarios (lining up, asking for help, meeting new friends) and read books or watch videos about the first day of school. One video, geared toward starting kindergarten, comes from Little Fox – Kids Stories and Songs.
• Talk through feelings - it’s okay to be nervous! Everyone feels that way sometimes. Encourage kids to draw or talk about what they’re looking forward to.
• Practice independence - teach simple tasks like zipping backpacks, opening lunch containers, and washing hands.
• Pack smart and early - use a checklist to prep supplies, clothes, and snacks the night before, include a small comfort item or encouraging note in your child’s backpack.
• Celebrate the milestones - take first-day photos, make a special breakfast, or plan a fun after-school treat.
• Stay positive at drop-off - keep goodbyes brief and reassuring, smile (even if you’re nervous).
Kindergarten can be an especially emotional milestone for kids as well as moms and dads. For parents, it can bring happy-sad tears, and for kids, the potential for separation anxiety, particularly if they didn’t attend preschool. A super cute way to remind kids you are still “with” them when you are out of sight is to get matching “me and you” bracelets. One version has two bracelets made of colorful clay beads with a package insert that says, “Here are two bracelets for your first day of school. I’ll wear the Big One and always think of you. The Little one is yours, so think of me, too. And remember that my heart will be with you wherever you go.” Another version made of paracord says, “Here are 2 bracelets, one big and one small, for your first day of school that is coming this Fall,” with a message about being tough (like paracord) if times get rough.
Tips for teachers: Set the stage for a warm welcome
Edutopia suggests “Creating a ‘just right’ classroom environment where all students feel they belong is key to a successful school year. The first five days can set you and your students up for a joyful and successful year or semester.”
Here are a few more classroom ideas for welcoming students and their families:
• Create a kid-friendly environment - label spaces with pictures and words, display welcome signs to help students feel seen and included.
• Plan icebreakers and routines - have fun, low-pressure “get to know you” activities ready, start modeling classroom routines gently from day one.
• Connect with families - send a welcome note or email before school starts, be available for quick check-ins at arrival or dismissal.
• Give kids a task right away -The Edutopia post suggests, “As the children find their seats, have something on their desks for them to do. It can be as simple as coloring a name tag, completing a word search, or drawing a picture—nothing fancy.”
• Introduce yourself and have kids introduce themselves - Once students are settled in, tell them your name and write it on the board. The littlest littles can just say their name and something they like to do. With bigger littles, you might get a little more creative and detailed with questions.
The Susan Jones Teaching channel includes a 26 ½-minute video about her planning for the first day (and days) of first grade in what for her is a new school district. It’s full of fun ideas! One is her use of the book We Don’t Eat Our Classmates from the Penelope Rex series by Ryan T. Higgins and Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen from The Classroom Community Collection. Jones also takes “first-day selfies” that she displays for parents to see later on, discusses with students her lists of helpful and non-helpful behaviors, and, towards the end of the day, asks about their first-day feelings.
Parents and teachers: Get kids excited and ready to learn
Teamwork between parents and teachers is one of the best ways to ensure a good start and a good year. We all likely remember a teacher who helped us with a tricky zipper before recess or a parent who went through our spelling words list with us. Parents and teachers tag-team lots of tasks. The first day of school starts setting the tone for the year, and the early years are the foundation for everything that follows. Working closely together to help kids learn to love learning is a gift that has countless lifetime rewards.
A leadership organization called Possip, in 9 Ways to Make the Best First Day of School Ever – for Parents, Teachers, and Kids! suggests parents consider a “nice to meet you” teacher gift, and teachers consider sending postcards to their students. They also offer some fresh ideas and strategies for parents to get kids talking about their days at school.
The Responsive Classroom says, “Although in many schools the first parent conference doesn’t take place until November, teachers can begin early—right as, or even before, the school year starts—to build a positive relationship with parents.”
To make learning exciting for kids, parents and teachers can focus on creating engaging experiences, nurturing curiosity, and celebrating effort. This happens in part by connecting lessons to real-life situations, providing choices, and celebrating effort and progress.
Use School Zone learning tools to get a head start
To help create a strong start in a new school year and plant the seeds for a lifetime love of learning, School Zone offers a wide range of tools. Here are a few:
• Anywhere Teacher online learning program – Kids ages 2-8 explore 3,000+ activities, including songs, games, videos, books, interactive worksheets, and more. The program has curriculum-based full learning paths for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade, and mini paths that zero in on specific skills for those ages and beyond. Kids can complete an entire path or free play in a less structured way. At home, parents can use settings to select specific skills, levels, or activities. At school, each classroom account accommodates up to 25 students with customized profiles teachers can curate to each child’s needs.
• Learning Kits and Full Learning Programs – The Preschool Full Learning Program and Kindergarten Full Learning Program boxed sets offer a full year of learning and a dynamic, all-in-one, hands-on experience! They include books, flash cards, game boards with press-out pieces, workbooks with stickers, and a cool see-through storage pouch with safety scissors, glue stick, pencil, and a Write & Reuse™ marker, making it so much fun! Other sets like Oba’s Kindergarten Learning Pack and the On-the-Go Activity Playset offer take-anywhere learning with lots of variety to keep kids engaged and challenged.
• Big 320-Page Workbooks – Among them are Big Kindergarten, which is packed with colorful, creative practice in early math and reading skills, and Big Math K-1, Big Math 1-2, and Big Spelling 1-3, which deliver lots of focused practice on specific skills. Perforated pages enable their use as individual worksheets for multiple kids.
These resources supplement and reinforce classroom lessons in multiple ways!
Let the learning begin
Every great school year starts with one great day! Preparation builds confidence for parents, teachers, and kids alike. Creating a welcoming atmosphere, establishing good habits and forging strong connections make kids feel secure and eager to learn. From that point on, shaking things up from time to time with unexpected activities, and adding fun, real-world, hands-on applications can keep that first-day energy and momentum rolling.
Explore School Zone's creative, colorful back-to-school resources today for more ideas.
