Teacher-Tested Tips:

First Day Gift
Submitted by: Beth, 2nd Grade
Just to get the children excited about the year, I like to give them a special pencil and an eraser at the end of the first day. I put it in a ziploc bag and type the following saying on a label and attach it to the bag: Second Graders Try their Best, Take Chances, and Make Mistakes! This is a great way for children and parents to catch a glimpse of your teaching philosophy and makes the children feel comfortable.
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5

First Day Pencils
Submitted by: Deirdre O Brien, K-5
I always place a newly sharpened pencil in each students desk. That way we don't have to worry about sharping all those new pencils the first day. The students love getting a new fun and colorful the first day. This would work with all grade levels.
Grade Level(s): K , 1-2, 3-5, 6-8

First Day Treats
Submitted by: Lee Young
I buy the back to school cups from Hobby Lobby. They sell them 5 for $1.00. I fill them with a new pencil, eraser, candy, trinkets, and a small book. I take tissue paper (the kind you would use to wrap a gift with) and wrap the cups. Then I tie them with ribbon, make a name tag using a small star die-cut and write "You are an all star kid" on the tag.
Grade Level(s): 1-2, 3-5

First Day Welcome Bag
Submitted by: C. Lopez, Grade 2
At the beginning of the school year, I make up a packet using a plastic zip lock bag. In the bag I put a pencil, a small piece of candy, a word search using basic vocabulary the kids will need such as room, name, address, street, school, teacher, parents, notes, date, pencils, erasers, dates, the school name, my name a... more »»
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5

For last year's students
Submitted by: A. Vasquez, 2nd Bilingual
At the beginning of the year, the students I had last year always come to see me. Because I truly do miss them and want them to have a successful year, I prepare a "goodie bag" of sorts for them. I use a regular brown sack lunch and spruce it up with labels (about the size of a shipping label) that I make on the comput... more »»
Grade Level(s): 1-2, 3-5

Help Young Ones Feel Closer to Home
Submitted by: Linette, Toddlers - Preschool - PreK
I am a Director for a childcare facility and I have talked to my staff about collecting family photos from all of the children. These photos will be contact papered to a cardboard box. These boxes will be our family boxes to remind children of their families when they feel sad or lonely. Our NAEYC coordinator shared th... more »»
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K

Warm First Day Greetings
Submitted by: Mytzi Brown, 1st Grade
I read about two cute ideas to welcome the kids back to school. The first idea is to get balloons and stuff them with a pencil, eraser, or whatever then blow them up. Next, hang the balloons from the ceiling and the students will get to pop them with to get their back to school goodies. You could also make this some ty... more »»
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5

Welcoming Students to School - All Year
Submitted by: Rita, 1st Grade
Having been in situations where student mobility is a concern, I was frustrated by new students entering after I had everyone else settled and supplied with class information. This year, when making your "Welcome Back" letter, do not date the letter and simply title it "Welcome to Room...." Include homework info, speci... more »»
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5