First Day of Preschool Ideas for Teachers: 10 Engaging Activity Ideas

The first day of preschool is such a special milestone—for children, families, and you as their teacher. If you're looking for first day of preschool ideas for teachers that go beyond the basics, you're in the right place.

Whether you're welcoming brand-new little learners or easing seasoned preschoolers into a new routine, the right mix of activities can help everyone feel safe, excited, and connected from the moment they walk through the door. Let’s explore a few thoughtful, teacher-tested ways to start the school year off with warmth, confidence, and joy.

The importance of first day of preschool activities

The first day of preschool sets the tone for the entire year. Thoughtfully planned activities do more than just fill time—they help ease separation anxiety, establish a sense of belonging, and create the foundation for healthy classroom routines.

For many young children, this may be their first experience away from home, so simple, predictable activities can provide comfort and a sense of security. These first day of preschool ideas for teachers are designed to help you create a welcoming environment where children feel seen, safe, and connected. They also give you an early opportunity to build community, model classroom expectations, and introduce the daily rhythm that will carry your students through the year with confidence.

Creating a positive and supportive first day experience

The first day of preschool holds a special place in the hearts of both children and their families. It marks a significant milestone in a child's life, as they embark on a journey of learning, growth, and new experiences. However, this momentous occasion can also be accompanied by feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, both for the little ones and their families.

Fortunately, preschool teachers have an arsenal of strategies at their disposal to help ease this transition and make the first day a positive experience for everyone involved.

Prepare children and families before the first day

As a teacher, taking proactive measures is important to help children and their families prepare for the first day of preschool. One way to do this is by planning an orientation where you can warmly greet families and introduce yourself. During the orientation, take the time to make families familiar with the preschool environment and share important information about daily routines, expectations, and any special activities or events. By allowing families to ask questions and get a sense of comfort before the official start, you can make the transition smoother for everyone.

Additionally, you can send out a newsletter before the first day, which can serve as a helpful resource. This is a great way to include important details about the curriculum, classroom procedures, contact information, and suggestions to help prepare children for the transition. By doing this, you can ease any anxieties, build trust, and establish a strong partnership between home and school from the beginning.

First Day of School Checklist for New Families

A free checklist providers can share with new families to help them get ready for their child's first day.

First name*

Last name*

Email*

Phone number*

Organization Name*

Are you open and operating?*

What is your enrollment capacity?*

Tell us about yourself*

I want to get brightwheel for my center
My center already uses brightwheel
I am a parent or guardian

State or province

Would you like to receive a demo of brightwheel?*

Provide comfort for separation anxiety

The first day of preschool is a chance to care for children who may have anxiety about being separated from their families. Comfort them by acknowledging their feelings, creating a calm down corner, or practicing deep breathing exercises.

You can also allow children to bring a comfort item from home or create a family photo wall to help them feel more comfortable in your classroom and look forward to learning and spending time at preschool.

Support children in building friendships

Use the first day of preschool activities as a prime opportunity to create connections between the children. These activities can be a fun way to learn more about each other and lay the foundation for future friendships.

Introduce the teacher(s) to the children

Children are undoubtedly curious about you as the newly-acquainted adult they’ll spend a lot of time with. So let children get to know you with an activity where you share a few facts about who you are and what they can expect from you as their teacher.

Share memorable moments with families

It is also likely that families will be anxious to know how their child is doing on their first day. Help families stay connected to their child's day by using a tool like brightwheel's daily activity report feature which allows you to share real-time updates about daily activities and events and send customized daily reports for each child.

Read on for first day of preschool ideas for teachers who want to welcome children into their classroom with activities that instruct and bring smiles!

First day of preschool activity ideas for teachers

10 creative first day of preschool ideas for teachers

There are many ways to make the first day of preschool fun and welcoming for your children. These activities can help reduce nervousness, create a sense of belonging, and encourage children to make new friends.

You can read a story about starting school, work together to come up with rules for the classroom, or incorporate an "all about me" activity to get to know your students. These activities will help everyone feel comfortable and set the stage for a happy and inclusive classroom environment.

1. Read a book about the first day of school

Utilize your read-aloud time to read a book themed around the first day of school. Books support everyone—including children—to feel more connected and calm. The books below can assist children in easing any anxiety about their first day of preschool and inspire them to embrace what’s ahead.

Little Critter: First Day of School by Mercer Mayer
The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan Berenstain
Pete the Kitty's First Day of Preschool by Kimberly and James Dean
Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
Curious George's First Day of School by Margret and H.A. Rey
Rosie Goes to Preschool by Karen Katz

2. Have a classroom tour or scavenger hunt

Help children adjust to their new learning environment by showing them around the classroom. Point out the most important supplies and the proper places to store their belongings.

Then, make it a game by turning it into a scavenger hunt! Give each child a list and have them search for the listed items or locations in the classroom, marking them off as they find them. Afterwards, gather the children together to discuss their findings and celebrate their efforts as a group.

3. Play a “get to know the teacher” game

Make introducing yourself to preschoolers more memorable by playing a “get to know me” game. Children may not remember a list of facts, but they’ll perk up for a guessing game with funny options!

Create a list of fun facts about yourself and get the children to guess which one applies to you. For example, “My favorite color is blue, I used to have green hair, and I love cats more than any other animal!”

4. Sticker name activity

Name-based activities are perfect for the first day of preschool. This one requires a little preparation, but it’s a simple way for children to use their creativity and begin to introduce themselves to their classmates.

Write out each child’s name large enough for them to put stickers on top of or inside of the letters. Provide the children with a variety of stickers and allow them to decorate their name. This activity not only gets names circulating among the children but helps children learn the letters in their name.

5. Play “our favorite things” activity

Building a giant list of favorite things is an exercise that everyone can participate in. First, write out categories, ask children what their favorite things are, and have the children draw their favorite things on a piece of paper. It doesn’t have to be legible—ask the children to explain what they drew as you walk around the room! Drawing has many benefits for young children, including improved hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

You can also revisit this activity as a way to celebrate your preschoolers' 100th day of school. Create a new list of your children's favorite things and compare with the first day list to see much your children's interests have changed!

6. Invite children to co-create classroom rules and procedures

Sharing the classroom rules and essential procedures with children is an integral part of the first day of preschool. Before the first day of school, write out a list of classroom rules and plan how you’ll guide children to participate in naming them. Their participation is also a great icebreaker that will help them get to know each other and remember the classroom rules.

You can even make a game of it afterward to further help children retain the information. Quiz children on what to do in certain scenarios (how to apply the rules and the correct procedure) and reward them with a small prize for correct answers.

7. Pass the ball

All you need for this activity is a ball made of a soft material and a predetermined “fun fact” for children to share. Children will slowly pass or gently toss a ball around. The child who catches it will share their name plus the fun fact (e.g., their favorite color, favorite animal, or favorite food).

8. First-day self-portrait

A first day of preschool self-portrait is a great way to celebrate and makes a wonderful keepsake that parents will love. Ask children to draw a picture of themselves on the first day of preschool. You can use this free printable first day of school self-portrait worksheet or create your own template!

9. Interview time

Pair up the children and have them take turns interviewing each other. Provide simple questions like "What is your favorite color?" or "What do you like to do for fun?" They can then share their partner's answers with the group.

10. Friendship chain

Give each child a paper strip with their name on it and allow them to decorate it. Then, link the strips together to create a friendship chain, symbolizing unity and connection in the classroom. Display it in your classroom where children can see it.

Teacher prep tips before the first day

Before welcoming little learners, the below teacher prep steps will help ensure a smooth, welcoming, and calm first day of preschool—designed specifically for teachers striving to start strong:

Create an inviting and intentional classroom space: Organize learning zones like a reading corner, sensory table, and art station using bright, child-friendly visuals and soft rugs to define spaces.
Send thoughtful communication in advance: Reach out to families before day one with a welcome email or note introducing yourself and letting them know what to expect.
Review class details and student needs: Familiarize yourself with your class roster, noting each child’s name, correct pronunciation, allergies, and any unique needs.
Plan a welcoming drop-off routine: Designate a clear drop-off spot, offer a comforting goodbye ritual, and provide a place for families to leave notes or comfort objects.
Organize administrative details ahead of time: Prepare important paperwork like sign-in sheets or emergency contact forms, or have families use your all your paperwork eate organized sign-in sheets, emergency contacts, permission form folders, and daily report templates in an accessible spot.
Plan first-day activities: Keep your first day structured yet flexible to build comfort and encourage exploration.

FAQs: First day of preschool ideas for teachers

What are some good first day of preschool ideas for teachers?

Great first day of preschool ideas for teachers include name games, storytime, classroom tours, self-portrait crafts, and introducing routines through songs or visual schedules. These activities help children feel welcome, ease anxiety, and start building classroom community from day one.

How can teachers ease separation anxiety on the first day?

Teachers can ease separation anxiety by creating a warm, predictable environment. Simple techniques like calm-down corners, comfort items from home, deep breathing exercises, and displaying family photos can help children feel safe. Greeting each child individually and using a soothing tone also fosters trust.

What should a preschool teacher do before the first day of school?

Before the first day, teachers should prepare the classroom environment, review student rosters and individual needs, communicate with families, and plan a flexible daily flow. Hosting an orientation or sending a welcome newsletter can help families feel informed and supported before the school year begins.

What are the best ways to help preschoolers make friends on the first day?

Start with group games or partner activities that encourage children to learn each other’s names and find things in common. Simple icebreakers or collaborative art projects can create positive early connections and set the tone for friendship-building.

How can I keep families updated on their child’s first day?

Use tools like brightwheel to share updates with families in real time. Photos, short notes, and highlights from the day help families feel connected and reassured, especially when children are attending preschool for the first time.

Should teachers introduce classroom rules on the first day of preschool?

Yes, but keep it simple and engaging. Use visuals, songs, puppets, or role-play to introduce a few key rules like using kind hands, taking turns, and listening. Repetition and modeling throughout the week will help children internalize expectations gradually.

Make the most of their first day

For a preschool teacher, few things bring more joy than welcoming a child to their first day of preschool. As you plan for their first day, remember that your excitement is contagious, and your smile can help put children and families at ease. With the fun activities you plan, you’ll help children feel comfortable and adjust to their new environment in no time.