The first day of school can be an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience for everyone involved. As teachers, especially if you’re a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) or stepping into Infants for the first time, the anticipation can be overwhelming. With some practical planning and a calm, organised approach, you can ensure that the day goes smoothly for both you and your new class - it's now one of my favourite times of the year!
Here are some ideas and tips from my own classroom to help you navigate the first day with your new infant class.
Preparing for the First Day
Depending on your situation you might have had all Summer to think about your new class, or you might only have a few days! You might be experienced with this class level, or it might be the first time you've taught Infants. Regardless of how much time you've spent preparing your classroom, perfecting your displays or gathering resources, it's really important to map out your first day with the class. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! Map out what exactly will happen when the children walk through the door.
Here’s my plan to help you get off on a good foot and start to settle your new students into their school routine.
Before the Children Arrive
Morning Activities: Have some sort of activity already put out on their tables so that when they enter the room they immediately have something to do. Keep it simple and fun, I like having colouring sheets out as they're simple for them to tidy away (they haven't yet learned the procedures for tidying up!)
Name Tags: Have name tags ready for each child. This not only helps you learn their names quickly but, for Junior Infants, it also helps the children get to know each other.
Greet Parents and Students: Stand at the door/in the yard to welcome each child and their parents. A warm smile and a friendly greeting can do wonders in easing first-day jitters.
Beginning
8.55am - Arrival/Morning Activity
I let children pick their seats, it gives me time to work out the best seating plan for the following week. I can observe who they pick to sit beside, who their friends are etc.
Children work on the 'Welcome' colouring sheet that's already out on the table.
I circulate the tables to introduce myself and welcome the children to school. I start relationship-building straight away!
While children are colouring and catching up with each other, I start pulling children. to get their first day of school photo.
9:30am - Morning Meeting (Carpet time)
I introduce the procedure for sitting on the carpet. We talk about the expectations for listening to others and I model the difference between raising my hand and blurting out (usually to much laughter!)
I show the class a short Introduction PowerPoint where I properly introduce myself. to them and show them some pictures
9:45am - Read Aloud
I read the story 'A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School'. It's a gorgeous book and really sets us off on the right tone in terms of community building!
10am - Lining up & Walking procedure
My students are given a position in the line where they stay all year (unless I change things). I teach them this from day 1.
After I then bring them on a little walk around the school where I model being a walking 'ninja'.
10:15 - Lunch & Yard Procedure
Before we take out any food or go out to yard, it's important to remind the children of the rules in your classroom/school. For Junior Infants, this will be their first time learning the rules! For Senior Infants, two months is a long time so they'll need a reminder.
We talk about what is/isn't the expected behaviour and I ask children to give examples of things they should/shouldn't do during these times
10:25am - Eat Snack
I give them a fairly long amount of eating time in the first few days. It's nice to way to fit some more 'downtime' for them into the day, whilst keeping it structured. Eating times also take extra long to tidy up from at the start of school as they learn the routines etc!
10:45 - Yard
Middle
11 - Colouring (for classroom door)
I give each child a small colouring/drawing page with their name on it to colour in.
I then laminate these colourings and cut them out to stick to our classroom door for the year. It's a nice way for them to immediately have their work displayed and to start giving them some ownership in the classroom space.
11:30 - Scissors Procedure
Yes, it's time to learn more classroom procedures!
I use the visualiser to model how to use scissors the correct way. I get children up to model too.
We make anchor chart on do’s and don’ts for using scissors.
The c hildren then practise by cutting straight lines on a worksheet.
I then put their finished cutting into their assessment folder.
11:50 - Maths
Like with everything on the first day, the goal here is enjoyment and learning how to use the materials.
I like introducing the main maths 'manipulatives/tools' that we'll be using on the first day so that we're good to go from day 1!
I give each table one basket of manipulatives (bears, chains, pegs etc.) Children freely explore the manipulatives at their table. After around 10 mins (depending on attention span), the baskets are swapped around.
12:20 - Eat Lunch
12:35 - Yard
End
1 - Music
Music is a great way to end the day. It's a lovely way to build your classroom community and will help to ensure your children go home happy from their first day!
We practice sitting down on the carpet again and I play through some songs on the ukulele that they're likely to know, and be able to sing along to.
Don't worry if you don't play an instrument! There's plenty of YouTube videos you could use to singalong to with your class. The most important part is to share in the music experience together!
1:15 - Tidy up
I show the children how to tidy up at the end of the day and get ready to go home - stacking chairs, getting coats, picking up rubbish etc.
I finish by giving them lots of praise for their first day and then I send them on their way!
Tips for Success!
Stay Calm and Positive: Your attitude sets the tone for the day. Stay calm, positive, and flexible. Children can sense your energy and will respond accordingly.
Be Prepared for Tears: It’s normal for some children (and parents) to feel emotional on the first day, particularly in Junior Infants. Have tissues on hand and offer comforting words.
Keep It Simple: Don’t try to do too much on the first day. Focus on establishing a routine and making the children feel safe and welcome.
Build Relationships: Use the first day to start building relationships with your students. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. Try to start establishing simple connections e.g. You might find a student that has a pet dog like you do.
Remember, the first day of school is just the very beginning of your journey with your new class. Don't put pressure on yourself at the start of the year, take things slowly - before you know it you'll know your class inside out! The start of the year is all about creating a warm, welcoming environment and establishing clear routines that set the foundation for a successful and enjoyable school year. Good luck and enjoy it!
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