First Day of School 2026 Activities Teaching Resources for 5th Grade

Goal Setting – Iceberg Template

Download a free goal setting template that helps students identify singular aspects that they need focus on to achieve a goal.

Hopes and Wishes Jar - Goal Planning Template

Have your students craft a hopes and wishes jar to set goals for the school year.

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.

All About Me Sundae - First Day Activity

Student Behavior Discussion Cards for the Classroom

Print free student behavior discussion cards to encourage your class to think about what a positive learning environment looks like, sounds like, and feels like.

Printable SMART Goals Template

Start the school year by having your students use a printable template to set their own S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Free Blank Face Templates

Use these blank face templates to create fun back-to-school art celebrating the individuality and diversity of your new students!

Color Me Carefully – Geometric Animals

Hone in on your students' speaking and listening skills with this barrier activity.

Find Someone Who Icebreaker

Build a classroom community and help your students get to know each other with a fun getting to know you activity.

I'm Outta This World - About Me Kids' Craft

Create an easy paper craft that is out of this world with a printable Alien-themed All About Me template.

Interview a Classmate - First Day of School Activity

Help your students learn more about their new classmates (even if they have been together for the last 5 years) with this fun speaking and listening activity!

All About Me Jersey Design Template

Kick off the year and get to know your new team of students with an exciting All About Me Jersey Design Template.

One Has to Go! Game of Elimination Icebreaker

Play ‘One Has to Go!” and engage your students in a friendly classroom debate with this Google Slides icebreaker game.

Student Behavior Contract Template

Create a classroom community and ensure adherence to rules and procedures with a printable Student Behavior Contract Template.

I Am Poem Template

Get to know your students and create back-to-school poems with a printable ‘I Am… Poem template.

Add It In - Listen and Draw Activity

Practice following directions to color and draw pictures with a listen and draw activity pack.

Never Have I Ever Questions for Kids ... Getting to Know You Game

See fun "Never Have I Ever" questions for kids to break the ice in your classroom and help students get to know one another.

Back to School Scatter - Categories Game

Start the school year with a collaborative Back to School Categories game to initiate student introductions.

Back to School - Get to Know You Dice Game

Play a Get to Know You dice game for students to get to know their classmates.

Investigate the Teacher Activity

Help your students learn all about you with an engaging Investigate the Teacher Activity.

Have a Bright Year! Lightbulb Goal Setting Craft

Brighten up your first day of school with a fun Lightbulb-themed goal-setting craft activity.

Who’s in Your Circle? Quick Icebreaker Activity

Help your students find like-minded friends on the first day of school with a ‘Who’s in Your Circle?’ icebreaker activity.

Meet the Teacher Trivia Game - Interactive Activity

Help your students get to know the teacher with a fun All About the Teacher Trivia Game!

Goal Grid - Goal Setting Template

Set goals for the new school year with a printable goal-setting template for kids.