First Day of School 2026 Activities Teaching Resources

Explore teacher-created first-day-of-school activities, printables and icebreakers to help pupils settle in and feel comfortable, whether they're starting their very first day in primary school or just their first day of the 2026-2027 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 teacher team at Teach Starter with an eye on providing teachers with everything they need to make children feel safe and respected from day one. Let pupils 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 pupil information, and so much more, this collection has your entire day (and first week) covered.

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 pupil.

What to Do on the First Day of School for Pupils in 2026

If it's your first year as a teacher or your very first day in a brand-new classroom, you may be wondering what to do on the first day of school for pupils. Don't worry!

Our team of expert teachers has put together dozens of first-day activities that you can explore throughout this collection, but we didn't stop there.

Here are some more things to do on the first day of school!

Introduce Yourself — Giving your pupils a chance to get to know you is the first step to a great relationship, and that all starts on the first day! Introduce yourself to your new class, share the name you prefer they use (Mrs. S? Mr. Jones?) and share a little information about your own background and interests. How much of your personal life you want to share here is up to you, but a few details, like what you like to do in your spare time or if you have any pets, can help the children see that you're a lot more like them than they may have thought.
Break the Ice — Once you've introduced yourself, it's time for your pupils to introduce themselves, allowing everyone to become familiar with each other. Icebreaker activities like name games or 'get-to-know-you' exercises help create a sense of classroom community and start peers off on the road to solid classmate bonding.
Give a Classroom Tour — Give pupils a tour of your classroom and highlight important areas, such as where the supplies can be found and where they should store personal belongings.
Introduce Your Classroom Rules and Procedures — The first day is a good time to introduce the specific procedures or rules you expect pupils to follow, such as raising hands, taking things in turns or using classroom resources. It's also a good time to share your rules and expectations, emphasising the importance of respect, kindness and cooperation. You may want to involve your class in creating a set of rules, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Important Note: Although rules and procedures should be introduced on the first day of school, don't expect children to 'get' it all right away! Practise, practise, practise!
Explain Any Classroom Routines and Schedules — In addition to rules and procedures, you'll also need to familiarise pupils with the daily routines and schedule they'll need to follow, including arrival and dismissal procedures, transitions between subjects or activities and any special events or routines unique to the classroom. Establishing a predictable routine helps create a sense of structure and security for children, but once again, expect to keep practising these far past the first day!
Establish Classroom Procedures for Asking Questions or Sharing Concerns — Key to any safe classroom environment is ensuring you provide a space where pupils feel comfortable asking questions or expressing concerns. Establishing the procedures that they should follow when asking for help sets the tone for the entire school year!
Collect Important Pupil and Parent Info — The first day of school is often homework assignment day ... parent homework, that is. Maybe your school already sends email reminders for parents to fill out all the necessary information online. But if not, you may need to distribute forms for parents to fill out so you can gather the required information, such as emergency contact numbers or details on allergies.
Assess Pupils' Strengths and Weaknesses — Starting on the first day or first week of school, you can start simple assessments or activities to gauge the pupils' academic levels and identify their strengths and weaknesses. These assessments will help guide instructional planning and differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs.
Try Some Get-to-Know-You Activities — Expanding on the icebreakers that are a fun way to get kids acquainted on the first day of school, you may want to incorporate fun and engaging activities to help pupils become more familiar with one another. Teach Starter's site is full of fun teacher-created 'All About Me' posters, plus group games and discussion starters to make your planning easier!
Explore Classroom Materials — Pupils don't just need to know the procedures for accessing supplies. Give them a chance to explore and familiarise themselves with classroom materials, including textbooks, books from your classroom library, manipulatives and more. You might want to organise a few small group or independent activities that allow them to interact with different materials in a hands-on manner.

8 First Day of School Quotes for Teachers

Looking for some inspiring words to write on your whiteboard to set the tone for the new school year? Here are a few of our teacher team's favourite first day of school quotes that may fit perfectly.

'Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.' — Malcolm X
'The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.' — B.B. King
'The first day of school is the day when your story begins, so make it a great one.' — Adam Braun
'The future of the world is in my classroom today.' — Ivan Welton Fitzwater
'The first day of school is the first page of a brand-new chapter in your life.' — Ritu Ghatourey
'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.' — C.S. Lewis
'The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.' — Lao Tzu
'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' — Nelson Mandela