Uncover the Coolest Back-to-School First Day Activities

Hey teacher!

Excitement is in the air as the back-to-school season approaches – can you feel it? A new school year is like a blank canvas, brimming with possibilities for both teachers and students.

The first day sets the tone for the months ahead, so why not make it unforgettable?

Whether you're looking for back-to-school activities to break the ice or creative ways to kick-start learning, I’ve got you covered with some fun ideas.

Five Creative Back-to-School Activities

1. Back-to-School Writing Display

Kick off the school year with our Back to School All About Me Snaps activity for Years 2-4, featuring customisable templates where students can personalise their own camera designs with stickers, photos, and drawings.

This fun, easy-to-use resource fosters creativity and community while saving teachers prep time.

back to school activity - writing recount

Get the Back to School All About Me Snaps →

2. All About Me Poster

Let students showcase their unique personalities by designing All About Me posters.

Encourage creativity with prompts about their favourite hobbies, dreams, and fun facts.

Display these posters around the room to build a sense of community and connection.

back to school activity - all about me writing prompt

Grab the All About Me Banner →

The Mrs Edgar Resources Used in This Post

3. Fact or Fiction: The Ultimate Icebreaker

This game is always a hit! Students share two facts and one fictional statement about themselves, and their classmates guess which one isn’t true. It’s a simple yet exciting way to build rapport and spark laughter in the classroom.

back to school activity - guess who activity

Get Back to School Fact or Fiction →

4. Guess Who? Back-to-School Edition

Bring the fun of guessing games into the classroom with Guess Who? Students write clues about themselves and attach a photo for extra intrigue. As the game unfolds, classmates connect over shared interests, setting a positive and inclusive vibe.

Grab Back to School Guess Who →

5. Math About Me: Combining Math Skills with Creativity

Challenge students to create a Math About Me display, using numbers to represent facts about their lives.

How many siblings do they have? How many pets? This activity seamlessly blends creativity with a bit of numeracy and makes for a great hallway display.

Back to School Maths About Me worksheet with number facts and personal information about the student

Get Back to School Maths About Me →

Five Fun First-Day Games

1. Scavenger Hunt

Design a classroom scavenger hunt to help students explore their new learning environment. Add clues related to classroom rules or subject areas for an educational twist.

2. Two Truths and a Lie

This classic game is perfect for breaking the ice. Each student shares three statements about themselves – two true and one a lie. The class then guesses the lie.

3. Human Bingo

Create bingo cards with prompts like "Has a pet cat" or "Loves pizza." Students mingle to find classmates who match each prompt. It’s an engaging way to get everyone talking.

4. Speed Friending

Set up short, timed conversations between students. Provide prompts like "What’s your favourite book?" to encourage meaningful chats and help students make new friends.

5. Classroom Charades

Use school-related themes for a quick round of charades. It’s a light-hearted activity to get students comfortable and energised.

Share Your First-Day Creations!

Have you tried any of these activities or games? Snap a photo of your students’ creations or share your success stories with us on social media. Tag us @mrsedgarsclass – we’d love to celebrate with you!

Here’s to a fantastic start to the school year filled with joy, creativity, and connection. 🎉

P.S. Don’t miss out on more fun tips and free classroom resources! Subscribe to our email list for inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to subscribe

Let’s make this school year unforgettable!

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1 comment


  • Tri

    This sounds like a fantastic way to start the school year with a fun and engaging activity! Letting students personalize their designs encourages creativity while helping them share a bit about themselves. It’s a great way to build classroom community right from the start! Tel U


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