The first week of school is exciting... and a little exhausting.
I like to have a mix of activities ready that help students connect, learn the classroom routines, and ease back into school without creating a ton of extra prep for me.
Here are six of my favorites:
🎮 Back-to-School Digital Math Escape Rooms
Skip the traditional review packet and let students escape instead! These no-prep digital escape rooms review important (previous year) math skills while students solve puzzles and crack secret codes.
There are versions for grades 3–6, making them a fun way to see what students remember from the previous year without making the first week feel like a test.
✏️ Morning Writing Prompts
Starting a morning routine right away makes such a difference. These 60+ writing prompt slides give you something you can simply display as students arrive.
They’re great for morning work, journals, bell ringers, or those random five-minute pockets you inevitably need to fill.
🌟 Back-to-School Glow Day
Want to make the first week feel extra special? Have a Glow Day!
Students rotate through activities like This or That, Tic Tac Glow, Ring Toss, and self-portraits while getting to know their classmates. It’s a fun way to build classroom community without another awkward “tell us something interesting about yourself” icebreaker. Want to do this activity without the glow? You’ll find that HERE.
🏀 Trashketball Routine Review
Classroom procedures need lots (and lots!) of repetition—but reviewing them doesn’t have to be boring.
Turn your classroom rules and routines into questions and let students compete in Trashketball. All you really need is some paper and a trash can, and suddenly procedure review feels like a game.
📰 Classroom Job Applications
Instead of simply assigning classroom jobs, let students apply for them!
Students read funny “Help Wanted” listings and fill out applications for the classroom jobs they want. It’s a simple way to introduce responsibility while sneaking in a little reading and writing.
❤️ The Best Part of Me
For something a little more meaningful, The Best Part of Me writing activity gives students an opportunity to reflect on something they love about themselves.
It makes a wonderful first-week writing activity and an even better bulletin board display to start the year.
Start Simple
You don’t need every minute of the first week perfectly planned. A few engaging activities that help you build routines, learn about your students, and create a positive classroom community can go a long way.
And if they’re low prep? Even better. 🍎
Happy teaching!