The first day of school is an exciting day for most. It represents a new year, a fresh start, and not to mention my favorite part, brand new school supplies! Most importantly though, it is the first day with students; the students who will be your tribe for the entire year. It is also your very first opportunity to create the culture of your classroom. The relationships that you begin to build on day one are the relationships that will greatly impact not just the culture of your classroom but the teaching and learning as well.

In a recent George Couros post, he writes about 3 Reminders for the Beginning of Schools, one of which reminds us that for some students, school is their happy place. They have waited all summer for this day and are dying to come back! And for others, they may be reluctant, nervous, or even stressed to come back to school. Knowing the mixed emotions that will be happening, it is important to ask yourself, What do you want day one to be like for these students? How will you design day one of school to cultivate relationships, form trust, and most importantly, make your classroom a fun and welcoming place for your students.

I thought I would take the time to curate some of the great activities I have seen or used that make day one less about rules and routines and more about making positive connections with your tribe of learners!

Collaborative Classroom Design
After all, this is going to be their space for the next 180 days! I know it is very tempting to have your room completely done and perfect before the kids walk in (I am so guilty of this when I was a classroom teacher). However, I do think that it is extremely beneficial to give students a voice in the design of the learning space. First day is a perfect opportunity to all get together and brainstorm and decide on the layout of the flexible seating and spaces that work best for them as learners.

Art Project
Get some art on the walls! I absolutely love getting student artwork and creative designs on the walls as soon as possible, why not day one?? Throw on some music and get messy, get creative, and have students create something that represents themselves!

Teammate Interview [Thanks @MrsMarcus5th!]
Have students get to know each other by interviewing a teammate. Then have students introduce each other via FlipGrid or SeeSaw. This is a great way to introduce or re-familiarize tech tools while getting to know each other. Plus, you could share it out later to parents or via class website to introduce your class.

STEAM Challenge
Challenges are always fun. A great way to start off team building from day one is with a fun and engaging STEAM challenge. Working together to strategize and solve problems is also a great way to build trust and relationships between peers.

Sharing Stories
Sharing personal stories with students and having them share stories back will increase the social emotional connection between you and your students. Jump start trust and positive relationships by getting together to just talk and listen. This will show your students that you willing to put yourself out there and it will also show them that you value their experiences and backgrounds as individuals. Share pictures, share summer adventures, share challenges, share fears; be transparent.

Ice Breakers [via Cult of Pedagogy]
Try one of these fun ice breakers that provide students with real topics to talk about and get to know each other, building those relationships right from the start.

Make a Class Video
Tell the students you are going to make a video as a class and let them be the directors. What will this video be? A class song? A Class Introduction video? A class music video?! The possibilities are endless!

Best First Week Ever [@TrevorMuir]
Love the ideas and enthusiasm of Trevor Muir in this video with lots of great ideas to make it the best first week ever for your students!

Worries or Fear [Thanks @MrsHeatherHooks!]
Create a Worry or Fear Box and have students anonymously write their worries or fears in the box. Once you put the worry or fear in the box it goes away! Together you can go over the worries or fears and realize that we are all human and all have things we are worried about but together we will help each other be successful and have fun!

Have a Talent Show
Each one of the students that walk into your room have talents that you may never know about unless you give them opportunities to share and celebrate them. Learn all about your student's amazing talents by having them prepare and plan to be in a first week of school class talent show!


Remember, #relationshipsfirst, the rest can wait! What will your first day be like for your students? What will they experience? What will they go home and tell their parents? Every student deserves an amazing day one!