Surviving the First Day of Preschool: A Guide for Teachers (Plus an Exclusive Back to School Bundle!)

Every year on the first day of preschool, I find myself on the brink of tears. Don't worry, it's not a bad thing! It's just the overwhelming feeling of joy mixed with the chaos of trying to herd cats... I mean, kids.

The First Few Days

The first few days of preschool are very tough. Imagine trying to manage a classroom full of students who've never been in a structured environment before! They want to explore every nook and cranny, and it's your job to channel that enthusiasm into productive learning.

Morning Check-In

The number one priority on day one is getting the students to do what they need to do when they arrive. Showing them their cubbies, helping them find their names, and having them answer the question of the day. I usually guide them through this process quickly, especially with 22 students eager to start their day.

Table Time

After the check-in, students move to table time, pulling out a bin and playing while I manage the rest of the incoming chaos. Soon as everyone's settled, we gather at the carpet to talk really basic rules.

Where's the bathroom?

Who's your teacher?

Listening to the teacher when she's talking.

Oh, and the eternal question: "When do we get to play?"

Rule Time

The first lesson time is dedicated to going over some basic classroom rules. And no, not the big rules yet; those come later. The initial focus is on things like playing nicely, sharing, cleaning up, and fostering a sense of respect and kindness.

And speaking of kindness and rules, I introduce the star chart right away. I make it my goal to get everyone up to the star by the end of the first day, rewarding good behavior and setting the tone for the rest of the year.

Balancing Fun with Learning

One of the toughest things about the first day of preschool is balancing the need to cover important information with ensuring the students have tons of fun. It's a whirlwind, but it sets the stage for a successful year.

Kickstart Your Year with Our Back to School Bundle!

Now, I want to share something that has made my back-to-school prep even smoother. Welcome to our exciting Back to School Bundle, a comprehensive collection of essential resources tailor-made for preschool teachers!

From Center Name Spots & Name Tags to Editable Preschool Schedules, Hand Washing Charts, and even Name Songs, this bundle is packed with everything you need to kickstart your preschool classroom with joy and organization.

And the best part? You can get all these valuable tools, worth $53, for just $24.99, saving over 50%!

Create a vibrant, organized, and engaging classroom without breaking the bank. Grab the bundle today, and start your school year with confidence and excitement. Trust me; it will make those first few days feel less like herding cats and more like shaping the minds of our future!

Happy teaching, and here's to an unforgettable school year! πŸŽ“πŸŒŸ

TJ CardinalComment