The first day of school sets the tone for the entire academic year. It’s one of the most influential days for students, parents, and especially teachers. Whether you're a first-year teacher navigating new responsibilities, a seasoned veteran trying out fresh ideas, or approaching retirement with a sense of nostalgia, the beginning of the school year is a critical moment. In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive teacher checklist to help you start the school year strong. From building relationships with students to laying the foundation for classroom routines and academics, this list will guide you through everything you need to accomplish on day one.
Students walk into the classroom with a mix of excitement and anxiety—especially those attending a new school. That’s why a great icebreaker is the first item on any checklist for teachers. It helps ease nervous energy, fosters community, and begins the relationship-building process.
Avoid the go-to “say your name and a fun fact” routine. Instead, look for interactive, age-appropriate games that engage students and make them feel comfortable. For younger students, try movement-based games. For older students, consider fun questionnaires or partner interviews that spark conversation.
Every successful classroom has clearly defined procedures—how to enter the room, what to do when you need a pencil, how to line up for specials. These routines help students know what to expect and reduce classroom management issues.
Rather than overwhelm students with all the rules at once, introduce them throughout the day or even during the first week of school. Pair your instructions with practice: model the behavior, allow students to try it out, and correct misconceptions as they arise. This part of your first day of school checklist will pay dividends all year long.
You’ve probably heard the old saying: “Don’t let them see you smile until Christmas.” While it’s meant to encourage early discipline, it can send the wrong message. Instead of being stern, be consistent. A well-thought-out behavior plan, clearly communicated and fairly enforced, goes much further in creating a positive learning environment.
Consider allowing students to participate in creating class rules and consequences. When students help build the behavior framework, they’re more likely to take ownership and follow through. That makes this a powerful addition to your teacher checklist.
Even if you’ve reviewed student files, there’s no substitute for firsthand information. Include brief pre-assessments in reading, writing, and math to gauge where your students are after the summer slide.
These quick checks will help you tailor your instruction starting day two.
Math anxiety is real for many students. That’s why your first day of school checklist should include a simple, achievable math activity. Choose a problem or game that aligns with last year’s concepts and is likely to result in early success. This builds confidence and sets a positive tone for the subject.
Reading for pleasure is one of the best habits you can instill in your students. If you can visit the school library, great! If not, have your classroom library ready for browsing. Let students pick a book that interests them and explain that reading will be a regular part of homework.
Use this opportunity to introduce how your class will talk about books. Ask students to jot down why they picked the book or what they expect from it. You can revisit this in a few weeks to check in on progress.
One of the most effective ways to build community and reinforce learning is through group work. Include a collaborative activity in your teacher checklist that not only engages students but also reinforces your classroom expectations.
One popular idea is to break students into small groups and ask them to act out the right (or wrong!) way to follow a classroom procedure. Students usually enjoy showing what not to do, and the resulting discussions can be both educational and entertaining.
Downtime can derail the best-planned first day of school. Plan extra activities like puzzles, read-alouds, or creative drawing tasks in case certain parts of the day run shorter than expected. Managing transitions smoothly is an often-overlooked part of an effective teacher checklist.
Send home a brief welcome letter or email that outlines what you did today and what to expect in the coming weeks. Let parents know how they can contact you and what role they’ll play in supporting their child this year.
At the end of the day, jot down a few thoughts about what went well and what you’d like to change for tomorrow or next year. This step might seem minor now, but it can be incredibly valuable for your ongoing professional growth—and a great habit to include in your checklist for teachers.
The first day of school is a whirlwind—but with the right plan, it can also be one of the most rewarding days of your year. By following this thoughtfully-designed teacher checklist, you’ll not only start strong but also lay the foundation for a successful, structured, and joyful classroom environment. Whether you’re brand new to teaching or a seasoned veteran, these steps will help you stay organized, connect with your students, and create a community built on trust and learning.
Take a deep breath—you’ve got this! Keep this checklist for teachers handy, reflect at the end of the day, and return tomorrow ready to build on your strong start.