Kindergaten Set Up for the First Day of School

Kindergarten set up for the first day of school can go all-out or simple.  It's up to you.

My friend Keri has set up a wonderland with an Elmer-the-Elephant-colored carpet, Winnie dolls galore, Raggedy Anne dolls on a rocker, alternative stool seating at the meeting area, Legos for each child to play with at tables as she signs them in, and so much more!  Keep looking!

 Here's another view that includes numbered circles on removable stickies, that will show each child where to stand on line.

Want to go simple?  Cheer it up with ceiling hangings!

My room-in-progress has an arrow at the doorway, leading my newbies to our lucky leprechaun, with an inflatable globe in the distance--all hanging from near-invisible threads.  

Other hangings include anchor charts and picture dictionary pages printed in pastels.  I make my cutouts puffy and 3D by gluing folded tissues inside.

I finish it off with a high-interest book for the kids to read when they first walk in.  This will give me time to greet the parents and take attendance.

Be sure to have name tags ready to go.  This year, mine are a fiesta-vibe oak tag.

Simple and effective. 

Since my parents are bringing their children right into my classroom on the first day, I have posters letting them know when and where to pick up their kids on the first days.

My posters also show parents how they can help their kids organize the school supplies.  Personal supplies like notebooks, folders and pencils stay on their desks.

Communal supplies go in bins in the back of the classroom.  I put a sample of each type in every bin--paper towels, tissues, glue, markers, soap, computer paper, etc.  That way, parents can help sort these--saving me hours of work later!  An industrious child or two sometimes helps to collect and sort.  

It takes about twenty minutes to meet and greet each child.  By then, the classroom is organized and ready to go.  The parents leave--reluctantly--and we begin the day.

If you'd like a complete guide to setting up your kindergarten it's here.

First Days of Kindergarten Teacher's Bundle features step-by-step instructions for setting up a kindergarten classroom, as well as moment-by-moment teacher scripts for the first day of school.  We go through the first week of school--with all the printables, posters, parent letters, and forms you'll need, including an EDITABLE homework kit.  Then I point you in the right direction for the next few weeks of kindergarten.

I'll be thinking of you, and wishing you all the best on your first days of school!

Kindergarten Homework Template

Kindergarten homework is a great tool--for parents.

It shows parents how to help their kids to succeed in school.

Kindergarten homework should be simple; a quick review of the day's work.  

The first week of school it can be verbal: kids can practice saying their first and last name, their teacher's name, class, and school.  They can also write or trace their first name.

The second week kids can continue to write or trace their first name.  They can also draw and label one picture--of something red, or blue, or yellow--to match the lesson of the day.

The parent can help by writing the word and having their child copy or trace it.  The key is to have the child involved and growing new skills.

By the fourth week, your phonics program has likely begun.  Kids can draw one picture of an object that starts with a given letter--the letter that matches your lesson--and label it.  

Advanced kids can write a simple sentence: e.g.; for the letter t, I see a tiger or I like a tiger.

You can also start assigning a math page to match your lesson.

You may review the week's math lessons on Friday, and give only reading homework on the weekends.

You'll want to explain to parents how important it is to read with their child every day.  Remind them to talk about the characters, settings, events, feelings, and ideas in the books.  Have their child re-tell the stories.  

This same template works for the rest of the year.  Simply apply the math and phonics/reading/writing or holiday homework for each day.  Add any special news or events for the week, or for upcoming weeks.

All the kindergarten classes may use the same homework sheet.  Teachers can plan the homework together as a grade, and then take turns typing it up using this template.  Each teacher can type all the homework sheets for a month, then make enough copies for each child.

If you'd like this Kindergarten Homework Kit, with homework for the first four weeks of school, Parent Letters and Notes--including for Orientation Night, a Supply List, First Day of Kindergarten Schedule, and tips, ALL EDITABLE, it's here.

If you'd like a mentor's guide, First Days of Kindergarten Teacher's Bundle features step-by-step instructions for setting up a kindergarten classroom, as well as moment-by-moment teacher scripts for the first day of school.  We go through the first week of school--with all the printables, posters, parent letters, and forms you'll need, including the EDITABLE homework kit.  Then I point you in the right direction for the next few weeks of kindergarten.

For all of the above, and many other resources that you can use all year, please take a look at my Kindergarten Creative Mega-Bundle.  I think it will help you on your journey.

The Kindergarten Ultra Bundle has even more delightful goodies, including an in-depth guide to behavior management:

As always, I'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the best!