The first day of school is exciting for both kids and parents. It’s a chance to meet new teachers and classmates, learn about the school’s rules and expectations, and start a new chapter in your child’s education. Many different activities take place on the first day of school. Some schools have orientation sessions where students learn about the school’s policies and procedures. Others have activities that help students get to know each other, such as icebreakers or games.
Table of Contents
1. Crafting a Visual Schedule
Let’s kick things off with a visual schedule. This handy tool can be a lifesaver for kids with autism. It’s like a roadmap for the day, helping them understand what’s coming next. This understanding can dial down anxiety levels and boost their independence. You can use pictures or symbols to represent different activities throughout the day. For example, a school bus for drop-off time, a book for reading sessions, or a paintbrush for art class.
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
Click below to make your CUSTOM printable visual schedule! 👇
Here’s a tip: involve your child in creating this schedule. It’s a fun activity that makes the schedule more personal and engaging. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce Goally, a learning tablet designed for kids with thinking and learning differences. With Goally, you can create and manage visual schedules with ease.
2. Role-Playing Scenarios
Next up, we have role-playing. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for the first day of school. This activity allows your child to practice social interactions, routines, and transitions in a safe and familiar environment. You could role-play scenarios like saying hello to the teacher, sitting at a desk, or eating lunch in the cafeteria.
Read more: How to Prepare for School
Role-playing can be even more effective with Goally. It’s not just a learning tablet; it’s a tool that helps kids practice and reinforce positive behaviors. So, why not use it to make role-playing more interactive and fun?
3. Creating a ‘Get to Know Me’ Poster
Now, let’s get creative! Encourage your child to create a ‘Get to Know Me’ poster. It’s a canvas for them to express their individuality and interests. They can fill it with their favorite hobbies or family photos. This activity boosts their creativity and helps teachers and classmates understand and connect with your child better.
Here’s a quick list of things your child can include in their poster:
- Their name and age
- Favorite color, food, and animal
- Hobbies and interests
- Family members and pets
- Something unique about them
Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids
4. Reading a Story About School
Reading a school story can help your child understand what to expect and ease apprehensions. Choose a book that portrays school in a positive light, highlighting fun activities and new friendships. Discuss the story with your child afterward, answering any questions they might have.
Read more: 9 Read Aloud Books
Here are a few book suggestions:
| Book Title | Author |
|---|---|
| The Kissing Hand | Audrey Penn |
| First Day Jitters | Julie Danneberg |
| Chrysanthemum | Kevin Henkes |
5. Packing a Comfort Item
Last but not least, consider packing a comfort item in your child’s backpack. This could be a favorite toy, a family photo, or a small blanket. A comfort item can provide security during the first day of school. However, it’s important to first check the school’s policy on personal items.
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
The first day of school activities are notable for kids and parents. It’s a time for excitement, new beginnings, and a little bit of nervousness. But with a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can help your child make the most of their first day back to school.
This post was originally published on 07/20/2023. It was updated on 12/21/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
