First Week of School Lesson Plans

Time is rushing along and it’s time to start thinking about the new school year ahead. There’s so much to do during “back-to-school season” and it always made my palms sweat when I used to think about having to get ALLLL the things done AND lesson plan for a brand-new batch of littles. I’ve put together a resource for you that would take a TON off your back-to-school plate and you can click HERE to grab it!

When thinking about the plans for the first week, I focus on getting to know my students, creating a classroom community, setting expectations, and teaching procedures. Remember that without constant review of these things, it will be difficult to teach your students anything else throughout the year. My advice to you is to spend this week without a huge emphasis on learning standards (yeah- you read that right!). I always say, “go slow at the beginning, to go fast at the end!” Take this time to go slow with your students to make sure they understand how the classroom works, how people should be treated, how supplies and materials should be used, etc. You’re setting the foundation for the rest of the year.

Below I’m sharing a few things from my First Week of School Plans Resource (for K-1) on Teachers Pay Teachers that could be beneficial to you!

Expectation Visual Supports

I’ve included 12 simple visual expectation supports for you to use while teaching your students. It’s important to set and revisit expectations daily. All visual expectations in this resource are simple and clear. (Not all pictured.)

Engaging Scripted Lesson Plans for Each Day

These aren’t your boring, run-of-the-mill lesson plans. I’ve given you 5 full days of plans with a full page overview of what to do for each activity. I think a lot of times teachers wonder how other teachers word things to their students when explaining directions or talking to them. I sat down and went through my first week of school thoughts/words and put them in writing for you so you would have a better understanding of what to do and say during your first week. (Not all pictured.)

School Supply Practice Pages

It’s important to teach, model, and practice how to use the different supplies, manipulatives, and items in your classroom. I’ve included many supply practice pages and lessons for you to help teach these important skills. (Not all pictured.)

Meaningful Craftivities

Y’all know I love a good craftivity. Craftivities are so much more than just cutesy fun. They help to promote the act of following directions, listening skills, fine motor skills like cutting/gluing, and creativity. All of the craftivities included in this resource are linked to classroom community, rules, and procedures. (Not all pictured.)

Pocket Anchor Charts

Completing pocket anchor chart sorts together as a class can be powerful. Getting students involved in this way allows them to take control of their own learning. This resource includes tons of pocket anchor chart sorts, and project and trace anchor charts to help teach different skills. (Not all pictured.)

ELA, Math, Writing, and Social Studies Activities + Tons of Extras!

This resource is full of over 25 different lesson-planned activities, and over 30+ different fast finisher review printables. It includes differentiated versions of things so that Kindergarteners and First Graders can benefit from it. Within this resource file, there are also tons of helpful things for the teacher including: to-do lists for the end of your day to help remind you of some things you may need to do, an expectations list to help you keep track of alllllll those procedures and expectations you’ve taught, and digital links to read alouds so you don’t have to purchase the corresponding books. I wish I would have had this during my first year of teaching!

Here’s to another fantastic year! I hope it’s amazing. Your students are sooo lucky to have you!