First day of school ideas?

Question

Hey kindergarten teachers! Does anyone want to share a creative activity for the first day of kindergarten? Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't teach kindergarten, but teach students with special needs so maybe some of these ideas could help. I print out student names on colorful paper and laminate them, then put magnet on the back. There are so many activities that you can do with name cards, and it lets the kids become familiar with each other, as well as offer the comfort of seeing their own name and develop the idea of all being in a class together. You can use the names for word work, too! They can learn letters, sounds, and word parts from names! On the first day, I put the names on their desks and they find their space that way. We take the time to introduce ourselves, and talk about families and pets. We do a daily calendar routine to practice day, month, year, money, numbers, etc, and put up our schedule. I begin this on the first day. Your school may have materials for a daily calendar already available! I have students write their names (whatever that means to them-it gives you a great idea of what they can do and I don't correct them or write it for them, even if it's scribbles but will write on the back for my sake :) on large puzzle pieces that I cut out of posterboard. You can use several large posterboards to make sure each student gets a large surface. They are offered magazines to find and cut out three things they like. This gives a lot of information, too. I would only do this if you have assistance. Then they put the puzzles together in groups. These make a really nice display :) You can do Simon Says to go over rules. Make sure you role play and visually demonstrate what you want them to do. Practice things like lining up, and morning and afternoon routines. Read aloud a story. I like Rainbow Fish for the first few days-there are several books about this character, and he is a very nice fish. It teaches sharing and working together, not teasing, among other things. We have fish on large construction paper for the kids to color, and they each get a shiny scale to add on. You could blow bubbles too if you're feeling brave :) Sing some songs- there are really cute ones for little kids that are very appropriate for school, and this will bring out some of the shy kids. Plus, this will establish community and they'll go home singing. Try days of the week or something about colors...or something they may already know like nursery rhymes. Good luck! Have fun! Make sure they know you're in charge, but they are going to be safe and they are going to learn and have fun.

Answer 2

ok...since it could be a scary time for many students..make it relaxing and fun. Have everyone sit in a circle and you start.. Tell your name and some fun facts about yourself. Have each student do the same..maybe ask how old they are and what they think they will learn in kindergarten. also..go over the classroom rules.

Answer 3

Im not a kindergarten teacher but i remember my daughter did this thing were they all colored a paper shoe and put there name on it and if they could tie there shoe they put it up on the board and if not they couldnt yet. And they did a book and if they could read they could put it up but if not they couldnt yet. and when they did both they got to later in the year.

Answer 4

red rover! or is that too dangerous?

or hangman is always fun

or ...hmm....idk. it was a LONG time since i was in kindergarten

Answer 5

have them make a art drawing with shaving cream .or trace leaves. they are fun for art projects...