Still need a few ideas? Read on for some tips from our teacher team on what to do on the first day of school, plus some inspiring first day of school quotes to share with your students!
First Day of School 2024 Activities & Worksheets for Primary Classrooms
Dive into a curated collection of teacher-created first-day-of-school activities, printables and icebreakers to help your students settle in and feel comfortable whether they're starting their very first day in primary school or just their first day of the 2024 school year! This collection of printables and digital activities for teachers to use on the first day of the school year was created by the expert Australian teacher team at Teach Starter with an eye on providing teachers everything they need to make kids feel safe and respected from day one. Let your students know they've found a warm and welcoming classroom environment where they can thrive this school year! From activities that will help you set expectations early to printable forms you can use to collect important student information and so much more, this collection has your entire day (and first week) covered!
Editor’s Picks
The best of the best hand-picked by our team of teachers.
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Never Have I Ever... Getting-to-know-you Game
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Collaborative Icebreaker - Back to School Scatter Game
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Back-to-School Countdown Mobile - Goal Setting Template
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Mindfulness Activities for Kids - Backpack Craft and Book
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Back to School Activity Mats - All Year Levels
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Project Based Back-to-School Activity - Plan an Excursion
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First Day of School 2024 Activities & Worksheets for Primary Classrooms
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Back to School Today — Short Poem for Kids
Use this short poem for kids when students return to school. This child-friendly poem discusses feelings that they may experience when heading back to school after an extended break.
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A Letter to My Teacher Activity
Get to know your students a bit better using a ‘Letter to Teacher’ template.
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Letter to the Teacher Template
Get to know your students with an all about me writing template.
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Project Based Back-to-School Activity - Plan an Excursion
Integrate Project-based activities into your beginning-of-year maths and lessons by inviting your students to plan an excursion, calculate costs and follow a budget.
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My Goal Grid - Goal Setting Template
Set goals for the new school year with a printable goal-setting template for kids.
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I Wish My Teacher Knew Activity Sheet
Add an ‘I Wish My Teacher Knew’ activity to your first-day plans to learn more about your new students.
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Classroom Procedures Scoot Game
Review classroom and school procedures as a back-to-school activity with a game of Scoot!
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Above and Below the Line Behaviours – Sorting Activity
Remind students of behaviours that are 'above the line,' 'below the line,' and 'bottom-line' with this sorting activity.
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Behaviour Charades
Explore appropriate and inappropriate behaviors at the beginning of a new school year with a fun charade activity.
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My Hopes and Wishes Jar - Goal-Setting Activity
Sets goals for the new school year with a goal-setting activity.
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Student Interest Survey Pack
Use a Student Interest Survey to get to know your new students at the beginning of the school year.
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All About Myself Template - Welcome to Year 1-6
Use this printable All About Myself template to engage your students on the first day of school.
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Count and Graph – In the Classroom
Practise collecting, sorting, and organising data to create a graph with this 2-page worksheet.
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Funky School Bus Craft Activity
Go for a ride on the Funky School Bus with a fun school bus craft for kids!
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Classroom Scavenger Hunt – PowerPoint Presentation
Take your students on a scavenger hunt to get to know their new classroom environment.
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Icebreaker Games - Get to Know You Game Cards
Help your students get to know each other with this set of 20 icebreaker games.
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Back-to-School Countdown Mobile - Goal Setting Template
Craft colourful hanging mobiles to start the school year with a printable goal setting craft activity.
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Yeti to Learn - Goal Setting Template
Get “Yeti” to learn with a fun goal-setting craft and writing prompt for back to school.
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Printable Take-Home Folder Covers
Customise and colour your own Take Home Folder inserts with editable and printable folder cover templates.
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I Can Follow the Rules at School – Mini-Book
Use this mini-book to review or introduce school and classroom rules to your primary students.
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Interview a Classmate - First Day of School Activity
Help your students learn more about their new classmates with this fun speaking and listening activity!
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Find a Friend Who…Worksheet
Encourage students to engage with different classmates and learn about others with this whole-class activity.
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Back to School Craft - First Day of School Crown Template
Get crafty and celebrate the new school year with a printable first day of school headband.
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Fishing To Know You
A getting-to-know-you activity for the beginning of the year.
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