Kicking Off the School Year

  • Alicia Sullivan
  • Jul 18 2025
Categories

With summer quickly coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about the new school year. The smell of sharpened pencils, the perfectly arranged classroom, the hopeful buzz of possibility—it’s a fresh start for students and educators. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or stepping into the classroom for the first time, the beginning of the year sets the tone for what’s to come.

Here are a few tips to help you build community, set expectations, and start the year off right.

1. Get-to-Know-You Games

Try these fresh ideas to break the ice with your new students:

  • Classroom Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of things for students to find—like someone who has the same birth month, someone who speaks another language, or someone who’s been to another country.
  • All About Me Bags: Have students bring 3 small items from home that represent who they are. It’s a great way to encourage storytelling and build connections.
  • Snowball Fight: Students write three facts about themselves on a paper, crumple them into a “snowball” and throw them around the room. Then, everyone tries to guess which student wrote each set of facts.   

Need more ideas for fun ice breakers? Check out this Teachers Helping Teachers Blog.

2. Classroom Agreements

Instead of going over a long list of rules, involve students in creating a classroom contract:

  • Student Collaboration: Ask students what kind of classroom they want to be in and what behaviors will help everyone feel safe and successful. This teacher shares his ideas for classroom contracts.
  • Anchor Charts: As you discuss expectations, record student ideas visually. This reinforces ownership and can be displayed all year as a reminder.

3. Build Classroom Culture Early

Use the first week to focus on community-building and fostering relationships:

  • Daily Morning Meetings: These can be as simple as a question of the day or a quick emotion check using a feelings chart.
  • Student Spotlights: Let students sign up for a “spotlight” day where they can share something important to them, such as a favorite book or special item from home.
  • Kindness Challenges: Create a kindness chain—each time a student performs an act of kindness, add a paper link to the chain and watch it grow.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFXChyYjirg

4. Add Fun into Your Routines

Transitioning back to structure can be tough after summer. Here are some ways to keep things interesting:

  • Daily Fun Facts: Provide an interesting fact or joke for your students every day. Here are some ideas. 
  • Brain Breaks: Incorporate movement breaks, drawing challenges, or dance parties to keep energy high and minds fresh.

The first weeks of school are about setting the tone for the months ahead. When students feel seen, valued, and connected, everything else falls into place. You have the power to shape the experience of every student who walks through your door. Let this year be one filled with kindness, curiosity, and joy.

If you’re looking for inspiration or support along the way, The Connecting Link is offering a variety of interactive fall classes designed to help you meet the year with confidence and creativity.

 

 

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Alicia Sullivan
Alicia is pivotal in shaping high-quality educational experiences as Course Facilitator for TCL. With expertise in course development, instructional support, and curriculum refinement, Alicia ensures that every course meets rigorous academic standards, fostering an engaging and impactful learning environment for educators and students alike.

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