Discover 10 first day of school activities for kindergarten students! From school supply shopping adventures to creating a morning checklist, these fun and easy ideas will help ease first day jitters and make the transition to the new school year smooth and enjoyable.
My oldest child starts kindergarten soon and I’ll be honest, I’m not OK. Sure, he’s excited and is going to love spending his days surrounded by new friends and activities, but I’m at the “cry at the drop of a hat” phase of this process, so it is what it is.
Since I don’t want to pass on my anxiety about the start of school I’m overcompensating on the excitement level for the first day of kindergarten. I want my son to be so excited about this big step that he doesn’t look back at me once as I drive away weeping into the steering wheel.( A bit dramatic? Definitely, but I’m in my feelings, OK?)
In my own countdown to the first day of school I started thinking about some fun ways he (and I) can get ready and build the excitement. Yes, he’s excited, but those butterflies in his stomach are definitely starting to flutter!
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for both parents and new students. As the first week of school approaches, it’s natural for kids to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Preparing for this transition in a fun way can make all the difference.
Engaging in activities that build anticipation, confidence, and familiarity with school routines is crucial for setting a positive tone for the new school year. From creative crafts to practical preparation, these ideas will ensure that your little one steps into their new classroom with confidence and joy, just like I hope mine does! I’m also hoping that by involving my child in these activities not only eases their anxieties but also created special memories that made the transition smoother.
10 Fun Activities to Get Excited for Kindergarten
Here are some ideas for easy activities to get kids excited about starting kindergarten!
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1. School Supply Shopping Adventure
School shopping might have been my favorite of the “first-day-of-school activities” on my list each year. Turning the task of buying school supplies into an adventure is a fun activity that can help build excitement for the first day of school.
Start by creating a list of necessary items, such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, and folders. Most schools will provide a list in the weeks leading up to the first day. Then, head to the store together and let your child take the lead in choosing their supplies.
Encourage them to pick items in their favorite color or with their favorite characters. This not only gives them a sense of ownership but also makes them look forward to using their new supplies. For the Kindergarten class at my son’s school, they ask only for a school supply fee (so easy!) but we’ll still need to get a backpack, lunchbox, and P.E. shoes!
2. Create a Countdown Calendar
As you approach the first days of school, the calendar serves as a visual reminder of the exciting new journey ahead.
Creating a countdown calendar is a fantastic way to build anticipation and excitement for the new school year. There are a lot of options for this first day of school activity, from more elaborate calendars with special activities, or something simple like a ring countdown (Probably what I’ll do!). 
For something a little more involved, each day on the countdown calendar can feature different activities related to preparing for school. For example, one day could involve reading a book about kindergarten, another could be a craft day where they make a school-themed art project or complete a coloring page, and another could include practicing their morning routine. This variety keeps the anticipation fun and engaging.
3. Read Books About Kindergarten
Reading books together about starting kindergarten is a great opportunity to address your child’s first day jitters and build excitement for the new school year. Introducing stories about kindergarten in your daily reading routine helps little learners understand what to expect and feel more comfortable with the upcoming change.
Choose some favorite books that specifically talk about the kindergarten experience. Popular titles include “The Night Before Kindergarten” by Natasha Wing and “Kindergarten, Here I Come!” by D.J. Steinberg. These books are engaging and filled with relatable characters and situations that can help demystify the first day of school.
4. Visit the School
If possible, take a tour of the school, visit the classroom, or attend a “meet the teacher” event. Familiarity with the new environment can ease anxiety and build excitement. Walking through the halls of the elementary school and seeing where their classroom is located helps your child visualize their daily routine.
Meeting their new teacher beforehand can also make the first day less intimidating, as they will already recognize a friendly face. I’m actually getting pretty excited for this night soon; getting to watching my child finding a spot at his desk or his name on the door, and seeing his apprehension turn into eagerness.
5. Practice Morning Routines
Start practicing the school morning routine a week or two before school starts. This includes waking up at the right time, getting dressed, and having breakfast. A consistent routine helps kids feel more prepared.
Practicing these habits in advance is the best way to ensure that the first week of kindergarten goes smoothly. It allows your child to become comfortable with the new schedule, making the transition easier and less stressful.
6. First Day Outfit Planning
Let your child pick out a special outfit for the first day of school. Involve them in choosing their clothes, shoes, and accessories to make them feel special and excited. This activity is a fun way to let them express their personal style and preferences.
The first thing they do on the first day is get dressed, so having an outfit they love can help start their day on the right foot, boosting their confidence and enthusiasm for the new adventure ahead.
7. Create a “First Day of School” Tradition
Establish a fun family tradition for the first day of school. It could be a special breakfast, a photo session, or a small celebration after school. This tradition is a great time to bring everyone together and create lasting memories that young kids will cherish for years to come. By making this a special occasion at the beginning of the school year, you set a positive tone for the upcoming months, reinforcing the idea that school is a place for growth, adventure, and excitement.
I’m still trying to narrow down some ideas for our own new traditions to start this year, other than taking a “first day of school” photo by the front door. We may go grab an after-school slushie drink he loves or maybe a special dessert for dinner.
8. Storytime About Your Own School Days
Share stories from your own school days to build excitement and relate to your child’s upcoming experience. Talk about your favorite memories, friends you made, and fun activities you did.
Sharing how you felt during your first time at school can help your child understand that it’s normal to be a little nervous. Highlighting the joy of making new friends and the adventures you had can reassure them that they, too, will create their own special memories in kindergarten.
9. Positive Affirmations
Teach your child simple positive affirmations they can say each morning before school. Phrases like “I am brave,” “I am smart,” and “I am ready for kindergarten” can boost their confidence. Encourage your child to come up with their own affirmations that reflect their favorite things, such as “I can make good choices” or “I will have fun learning today.”
Practicing these affirmations every day, even just a little bit, can help instill a positive mindset and make them feel empowered as they embark on their new journey in school.
10. Create a Morning Checklist
Make a fun and colorful checklist of morning tasks (brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast) that your child can follow. This helps establish a routine and makes mornings smoother. Consider creating a bulletin board where the checklist is displayed prominently, allowing your child to see it each morning.
By incorporating simple activities, like stickers for completed tasks, you create an interactive way for them to engage with their routine and take pride in their independence as they prepare for school.
You’re Almost Ready!
These activities can help create a positive and enthusiastic attitude toward starting kindergarten, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child.
As you prepare for this exciting milestone, these favorite activities are sure to make the transition to kindergarten a memorable experience for your child. By incorporating engaging activities like school supply shopping adventures, creating a countdown calendar, and reading books about starting school, you can help ease any first day jitters.
These ideas not only build excitement but also create a strong foundation for their journey as elementary students. Embrace this special time with your child, and watch as they embark on a new and thrilling adventure. When the day comes, I’ll be ready, Kleenex in hand.