Free First Day of School Worksheets

First day of school worksheets have always been my go-to for easing into a new year without overwhelming anyone, especially in those early grades.

Having a few light, engaging activities ready helped calm first-day jitters and set the tone for a positive start.

These printables mix creativity with just enough structure to keep things moving.

They offer a low-pressure way to reconnect with routines and spark excitement about learning, whether you’re teaching a class or supporting learning at home.

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First Day Icebreaker Worksheets

These first day of school icebreakers are all about helping students settle in, connect with classmates, and feel comfortable in a new environment.

Each printable offers a low-pressure way to get kids talking, sharing, and engaging from day one.

Getting to Know You Activity

Kick things off with a simple getting to know you printable that helps students learn about each other’s interests and personalities.

From favorite hobbies to dream vacations, this worksheet makes it easy to start conversations and build classroom community.

All About Me Printable

Let kids express themselves with a classic all about me worksheet.

They can draw, write, and share fun facts about their lives, perfect for both teachers and classmates to get to know them better.

My Favorite Things Worksheets

This set of three engaging printables encourages students to share fun details about themselves, making it easier to connect and spark classroom conversations.

• My favorite things printable offers a broad overview of each child’s likes, covering everything from snacks to subjects, perfect for getting to know the whole student.
• My favorite color worksheet invites kids to reflect on their favorite colors and why they love them, creating easy openings for personal expression and discussion.
• My favorite book worksheet encourages students to share their top reads and recommend them to friends, helping to foster a classroom culture of curiosity and reading.

Each page is simple, open-ended, and designed to celebrate student voice from day one.

First Day Maze

This back to school maze printable turns introductions into a game.

Kids move through the maze by finding classmates who match different descriptions, like someone who has a cat or went to the beach.

A fun way to build confidence and connection.

School Scavenger Hunt

Help kids explore their classroom or school with a first day of school scavenger hunt printable.

They’ll search for common supplies and classroom features, turning the space into something familiar and fun right away.

Creative First Day Printables

These printable crafts and keepsakes add a creative spark to the first day of school.

They’re fun, low-prep activities that also help students feel welcome, settled, and excited about the year ahead.

First Day of School Sign

Capture the moment with first day of school printable signs that students can personalize.

Add their name, grade, and a fun fact before snapping that first-day photo, a simple keepsake that families love.

Headband or Crown Template

Let kids color and wear their own first day of school crown.

Choose from designs for preschool through 2nd grade, then help them assemble their masterpiece for a cheerful classroom photo or circle time.

Handprint Craft

This first day of school handprint printable makes a sweet keepsake for both students and parents. Kids trace or stamp their handprint and reflect on what they’re looking forward to—a fun mix of art and memory-making.

Back to School Bookmark

Let students personalize their own printable back to school bookmark with an “All About Me” theme on one side and a quick book review on the other.

It’s part art, part literacy, and something they’ll actually use.

More First Day of School Crafts

• Photo bus craft – Have students decorate a school bus template and glue a photo of themselves in the window. It’s playful, personal, and makes a fun first-week bulletin board display.
• Craft stick pencil – Use craft sticks, paint, and glue to create oversized pencil decorations. This simple project works well in stations or small groups and doubles as classroom décor.
• Notebook cover printable – Kids can design and color their own notebook covers with school-themed templates. It’s a creative way to take ownership of their materials from day one.
• Back to school lacing cards – These printable cards feature simple school-themed shapes (like apples and backpacks) with holes for threading. Great for building fine motor skills while easing into the school day.

Back to School Learning Activities

These printable worksheets and games help students ease into academic routines without pressure.

They’re designed to review key skills in a fun, low-stress way—ideal for the first week of school.

Word Scramble

In this back to school word scramble, students unscramble 12 school-related words to warm up their brains and vocabulary.

Choose between an easier version with clues or a more challenging option for older kids.

Word Search

This back to school word search includes 20 school-themed words hidden in all directions, making it just tricky enough to be satisfying.

A great quiet-time activity for upper elementary.

Bingo

Use bright, school-themed visuals to help kids relax and get talking. This back to school bingo set is great for small groups or classroom centers, with matching calling cards included.

Scattergories

With back to school scattergories kids race to come up with unique answers for categories like school supplies or subjects using a set of themed starting letters.

It’s a great way to build vocabulary and get them thinking creatively.

Crossword

With 11 school-themed clues, this printable back to school crossword helps reinforce vocabulary while encouraging focus and problem-solving on day one.

First Day Writing Prompts

With 36 open-ended back to school writing prompts to choose from, this set gets students reflecting on summer, school goals, and first impressions, without feeling like a formal assignment.

What I Did Over the Summer

A classic first day activity that helps students ease back into writing.

This what I did over the summer worksheet encourages kids to reflect on their summer break, organize their thoughts, and share highlights with the class. An easy way to kick off journaling and build confidence.

A–Z Alphabet Worksheets

These back to school a-z worksheets cover all 26 letters, each with a matching school-themed image. Kids can trace, color, and connect letters to familiar classroom objects.

Color by Number

Back to school color by number printables combine simple math and coloring for a calm, engaging activity—perfect for the first week.

Kids practice number recognition while creating colorful school-themed pictures.

You can also try the emotions color by number version to support social-emotional learning early on.

Picture Books for the First Day of School

We always start the school year with a few books to read on first day of school. It’s a calm way to ease into the day and talk through those first-day jitters.

These are the ones we’ve read (and re-read) over the years, and each one brings something different to the table, comfort, laughter, or just a quiet moment together.

Butterflies on the First Day of School – This one really resonated when my son started kindergarten. Rosie’s nervous excitement felt so familiar, and the idea of butterflies in your stomach turning into real ones? Beautiful and reassuring.

School’s First Day of School – A fun twist, this story is told from the school building’s point of view. It helped take the pressure off by showing that even the school is nervous on day one. We both smiled all the way through it.

Amelia Badelia’s First Day of School – If you want something light to break the tension, this is it. Amelia’s misunderstandings had us laughing out loud, and it was a good reminder that it’s okay to get things wrong sometimes.

A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School – This book always feels like a gentle way to break the ice. It reads like a real note from a teacher. Reassuring, friendly, and full of encouragement for the year ahead.

Last Updated on 29 May 2025 by Clare Brown