The first day of preschool can be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience for both teachers and students.
As a teacher, you want to make sure that your students feel comfortable, welcomed, and excited to learn.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of fun First Day of Preschool Ideas for Teachers.
All About Me Collage
One great activity for the first day of preschool is an “All About Me” collage. Give each child a blank piece of paper and ask them to draw or cut out pictures of things that represent who they are, such as their favorite foods, hobbies, and family members.
Name Tag Art
Another fun orientation activity for the first day of preschool is creating name tag art. Have each child write their name on a blank tag, and then give them crayons, markers, and stickers to decorate their tag.
Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt
If you have access to an outdoor area, taking your class on a nature walk and scavenger hunt can be a great way to introduce them to their new surroundings. Provide each child with a small paper bag and a list of things to find, such as leaves, rocks, and flowers.
Playdough Creations
Playing with playdough is always a hit with preschoolers. On the first day of school, provide each child with a small ball of playdough and ask them to create something that represents them, such as their favorite animal or food they love.
Story Time
Reading a story on the first day of school can help calm nervous jitters and set a positive tone for the school year. Choose a book that is age-appropriate and has a positive message about starting school. After reading the story, discuss the characters and the lessons learned.
Friendship Bracelets
Encourage friendship activities and social skills by having the children create friendship bracelets for each other. Provide yarn, beads, and other decorative materials, and have each child make a bracelet for a classmate.
Building with Blocks
Playing with blocks is a classic preschool activity that helps children develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. On the first day of school, provide a variety of building blocks and challenge the children to build something together, such as a tower or a castle.
Color Sorting Game
Teach color recognition and sorting skills with a color-sorting game. Provide a set of colored objects, such as blocks or balls, and ask the children to sort them by color.
Classroom Scavenger Hunt
Introduce the classroom and its features with a classroom scavenger hunt with clues. Provide a list of items to find, such as the sink, the bookshelf, and the art supplies.
Singing and Dancing
Start the school year off with some fun and movement by singing and dancing together. Choose some simple songs and dances, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” or “The Hokey Pokey,” and get the children moving and laughing.
Sensory Exploration Station
Provide a sensory exploration station where children can explore different textures and materials, such as sand, water, and play dough.
Puzzles and Games
Set up a table with a variety of puzzles and games that are age-appropriate for your students. Encourage the children to work together to complete the puzzles and games.
Handprint Art
Use paint or ink to make handprint art on a piece of paper. Encourage children to decorate their handprints with markers, glitter, or other materials.
Picture Book Walk
Take a walk around the school or classroom and read picture books that are relevant to the locations you visit. For example, read a book about the playground when you go outside, or a book about the library when you visit the school library.
Cooking Activity
Choose a simple cooking activity, such as making fruit skewers or decorating cookies. This activity promotes fine motor skills and encourages children to try new foods. Be sure to check for any allergies beforehand and provide alternative options if needed.
Puppet Show
Create a puppet show for the children to enjoy. Use puppets to act out a story or sing a song. This activity promotes imagination and creativity, and can also help children become comfortable with the new environment.
Simon Says
Play a game of Simon Says with the children. This game promotes listening skills and following directions. You can make it more fun and educational by including movements that are relevant to the school day, such as “Simon says line up at the door” or “Simon says put your backpack on.”
Dress-Up Station
Provide a dress-up station where children can try on costumes and pretend to be different characters, such as a doctor, a chef, or a firefighter. This activity promotes imagination and social skills, as children can pretend to interact with each other in their new roles.
Letter and Number
Recognition Game Use flashcards or magnetic letters and numbers to play a game of letter and number recognition. Hold up a card and ask the children to identify the letter or number.
Bubble Play
Provide bubbles and bubble wands for the children to play with. This activity promotes gross motor skills and encourages children to explore cause and effect, as they see how blowing and popping bubbles work. You can also use this activity to teach sharing and taking turns.
