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 students!
First Day of School 2024 Activities & Worksheets for Primary Classrooms
Dive into a curated collection of teacher-created first-day-of-school activities, printables and icebreakers to help your students settle in and feel comfortable whether they're starting their very first day in primary school or just their first day of the 2024 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 Australian teacher team at Teach Starter with an eye on providing teachers everything they need to make kids feel safe and respected from day one. Let your students 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 student information and so much more, this collection has your entire day (and first week) covered!
Editor’s Picks
The best of the best hand-picked by our team of teachers.
- Free Plan
Never Have I Ever... Getting-to-know-you Game
- Plus Plan
Collaborative Icebreaker - Back to School Scatter Game
- Plus Plan
Back-to-School Countdown Mobile - Goal Setting Template
- Plus Plan
Mindfulness Activities for Kids - Backpack Craft and Book
- Plus Plan
Back to School Activity Mats - All Year Levels
- Plus Plan
Project Based Back-to-School Activity - Plan an Excursion
Engage your classroom and save valuable time with Teach Starter
Get access to thousands of high-quality teaching resources that will engage your classroom and save your valuable time. Teach Starter is here to help you on your teaching journey.
First Day of School 2024 Activities & Worksheets for Primary Classrooms
- Free Plan
Never Have I Ever... Getting-to-know-you Game
Have some back to school fun with a child-friendly version of the popular getting-to-know-you game, ‘Never Have I Ever’.
- Free Plan
Add It In Listening Activity Bundle
Practise following directions to colour and draw pictures with a free printable listening activity worksheet pack.
- Free Plan
Free Blank Face Template Pack
Use these free blank face templates to create fun back-to-school art celebrating the individuality and diversity of your new students!
- Plus Plan
Would You Rather...? Question Cards
Would You Rather use this set of 31 question cards or eat a can of worms?
- Plus Plan
Back to School STEM Challenges – Upper Years
A selection of 3 STEM activities for upper years students that are perfect for the back-to-school period.
- Plus Plan
'My Goal Tree' - Goal Setting Worksheet
Grow new back to school goals with a printable goal setting tree template.
- Plus Plan
Funky Apple - Printable Apple Craft Template
Have some crafty fun with our Funky Apple craft activity.
- Plus Plan
Meet the Teacher - Get to Know You Game
Help your students get to know the teacher with a fun Get to Know You Game!
- Plus Plan
Brain Break Activity Cards
Give your students a quick brain break with this set of 19 whole-class games.
- Plus Plan
Rules Around Us - Sorting Activity
Identify rules at home, in school and around the community with a sorting activity.
- Free Plan
My Goal Grid - Goal Setting Template
Set goals for the new school year with a printable goal-setting template for kids.
- Plus Plan
A Letter to My Teacher Activity
Get to know your students a bit better using a ‘Letter to Teacher’ template.
- Free Plan
Student Interest Survey Pack
Use a Student Interest Survey to get to know your new students at the beginning of the school year.
- Plus Plan
Back to School Word Search Worksheets
Warm up your students’ vocabulary skills with this set of Back to School word searches.
- Plus Plan
Team Building Games for Upper Grades
Encourage communication and cooperation with a set of 10 team building games.
- Plus Plan
Funky School Bus Craft Activity
Go for a ride on the Funky School Bus with a fun school bus craft for kids!
- Plus Plan
Goal Setting Template (Mountain)
Set new goals for the school year with a printable goal setting template.
- Free Plan
Back to School Retro Theme Colouring Sheets
Kick off a groovy new school year with fun retro colouring pages!
- Plus Plan
Icebreaker Bingo - First Day of School Game
Kick off a new school year with a Getting to Know You Icebreaker Bingo!
- Free Plan
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.
- Plus Plan
All About Me Sundae - First Day Activity
Scoop up some first-day fun with a printable ice cream-themed Get to Know Me Craft for kids.
- Plus Plan
Get to Know Me Collaborative Tessellation Art Activity
Invite your students to get to know each other by creating a collaborative About Me Tessellation Art Project.
- Plus Plan
What are Desk Pets? Introduction Slide Deck
Introduce your students to your Desk Pet Classroom Reward System with an engaging slide deck.
- Plus Plan
Collaborative Icebreaker - Back to School Scatter Game
Start the school year with a collaborative game to initiate student introductions.
Get inspired
Unlock the potential in your classroom today with the latest teaching ideas, advice, and creative inspiration on the chalkboard.
Explore our blog