The first week of kindergarten is exciting, busy, and—let’s be honest—a little chaotic. Between managing emotions (theirs and yours!), setting routines, and building classroom community, there’s a lot to juggle.
But with the right tools and mindset, that first week can be smooth, successful, and even fun.
Here are 10 must-haves to help you and your kinders start the year off right:
1. A Visual Schedule
Young learners thrive on routine. Having a simple visual schedule helps ease anxiety and allows students to anticipate what’s coming next, even if they can’t read yet.
Try this one!
2. Name Activities
Start the year with engaging name practice! Use name puzzles, tracing activities, or art projects that help students recognize and spell their own names.
Check out this option!
3. Plenty of Brain Breaks
The first week is not the time to expect long attention spans. Plan short, movement-based brain breaks every 15–20 minutes to help reset and refocus.
Check out these fun brain breaks!
4. Books That Build Classroom Community
Read-alouds like The Kissing Hand or Our Class is a Family are perfect for starting conversations about emotions, friendship, and working together.
5. Simple Routines Taught Step-by-Step
Whether it’s lining up, using glue sticks, or putting away backpacks, model, practice, and praise routines clearly and often.
6. Hands-On Centers
Introduce your center rotation system with low-pressure, hands-on activities like building blocks, puzzles, or playdough. Focus on getting the routine down before adding academic tasks.
7. Interactive Songs and Transitions
Use music to teach transitions, clean-up time, and circle time routines. Songs can turn chaos into calm when used consistently!
8. Kindness Activities
Kick off your classroom culture with lessons on being a kind friend. Anchor charts, role-play, and simple art projects help set the tone for the year.
9. Introductory Science Lessons
Yes, you can teach science the first week, and your students will love it! Try a simple, hands-on lesson from this Yearlong Kindergarten and First Grade Science Curriculum Bundle. It’s packed with easy-to-follow units that integrate literacy, vocabulary, and critical thinking, which is perfect for starting strong!
10. A Whole Lot of Patience (and Snacks!)
Remember: this week is all about building trust, making connections, and learning how to be part of a classroom. Keep expectations clear but flexible and give yourself grace. You’re doing amazing work.
With a little planning and the right tools in your teacher toolbox, the first week of kindergarten can be a joyful beginning to an amazing year.🎉 Ready to make science part of your weekly routine? Grab the full year of K–1 science lessons here »
For more kindergarten success ideas, check out my post here!
