5 First Day Of School Routines and Procedures You Must Start In Kindergarten and First Grade

[@kaitlynkole]

“I cried in my car on the way home” 😅 today was my first day as a Montessori Pre-K/Kinder teacher and I very nearly cried today. Total chaos! Going into tomorrow giving myself and my students grace and taking every one of these notes with me. Thank you!!!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Big hugs. One step at a time. I’m feeling all the feels right with you.

[@s.p642]

I'm also an EC Montessori teacher of 11 years. This year I have found that all my old procedures don't work with this class and have had to change a lot of things. Thanks to these video I am able to change routines and procedures that work with this group. It's also nice to change up the monotony for the teacher as well.

[@angelmaeclores3421]

Im so nervous now, tomorrow is my first day teaching kindergarten your tips really helps a lot watching from Philippines.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

You will do great. Smile and pick a few routines you want them to learn. Make it fun and practice the routines. Reward them with words and other incentives. 💕.

[@juanchenolsen45]

I wish I found you earlier! I am going in the first grader classroom as a sub, this is really helpful! I will try tomorrow! Thank you

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

You will do great.

[@sarsavrilmc2786]

Thank you!!! First-year teacher, just found out I have 2 weeks to prepare for a 1st-grade class. Eeeek! You have given me some clarity and peace of mind. I'm off to watch more of your videos!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Eeeeek is right. You can do it!! If you have any questions, please ask.

[@omusubibi]

!! I really want to know how you did it/any advice you might have because I'm in that exact position and the first day is Monday (in two days) 🥺

[@brayliyarbrough1807]

This will be my first year as a teacher. I will be teaching kindergarten I’m so excited, yet so nervous.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Even after 25 years of teaching I would get very nervous. You will be amazing and your students will learn so much and have the best time with you. Congratulations on your job. I’m so excited for you. 🙂

[@juliebondurant5639]

This is my 15th year of teaching in K-2nd grades. I loved this video as a reminder of procedures & routines I need to teach.

[@marijeanbean]

I loved this video! I am a brand new teacher who started student teaching in January so unfortunately I am clueless about what the first day looks like! This video has really calmed my nerves, thank you!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m so glad you found it useful. I’m going to do a bunch of videos this summer about getting ready for the beginning of the year. If you have an questions I’d be more than happy to help.

[@ECHAdvocacy]

Same here!!! I am a first year teacher and my first day starts in August 2022. My student teaching begin in January.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I hope you’re having a great first year.

[@amylee8167]

​@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFunq

[@suzettegroetsema3346]

After prepping a third grade class all summer I found out I am teaching first grade!!! You have saved me!!!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Oh my gosh. I’m so glad you found these videos. You will be awesome. Let me know if you have any questions. My sister got a kindergarten job 3 days before school started ( a few years ago). It was fun to help her get going on such short notice. Whew. I’m feeling all the feelings for you. 💕

[@phyllojoe5346]

Thanks for this video! I am super interested in child development and learning (especially 0-8 years) so I enjoy when ECE teachers openly discuss their curriculum and strategies! If you are still teaching I hope the 24-25 school year goes well

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I retired but I’m still helping teachers 😊. I hope you have a great year too.

[@geririvera9279]

Thank you! First year teaching coming up, just hired for TK. Super excited but also nervous about how to establish routines. I appreciate these videos.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m so excited for you. You are right on track to a fantastic start.

[@suzanneharris2580]

I'm seeing this a year after it was recorded and appreciate these great ideas. I teach pre-k and will use these tips when we start next month. Thanks!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad you found it and can use the ideas. I have more videos coming soon for a new school year. I hope they will help you too.

[@skyoceantrees]

I am going to use this advice with my 7th graders! I've been teaching 21 years.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

That makes me smile. It’s amazing how much kids are alike no matter the age. 😊

[@brandiewilliams6281]

As a first year teacher, this helped me tremendously!! thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@doraernst1961]

Thank you for sharing , I have been teaching for 15 yrs. and I find your ideas absolutely fantastic!!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for your encouragement. It means a lot to me that a veteran teacher is giving me a thumbs up. I appreciate your comment.

[@jacquelinesamuels134]

Hii my name is Jackie from Jamaica, I am excited but also nervous on how to greet my kindergarten on the first day of school. Procedures are what we should teach for the first two weeks, please send some tips on how to relax .

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

First, BIG HUGS to you. You should be so proud of yourself. The first day is going to be hectic. One way to calm your nerves is to prepare for the day. Like every minute. But then know that it's not going to go as planned. (Plan) Get to school early and just sit for a second. Because I'm a person of faith I would pray and think about how blessed I was to be a teacher of the kids I would soon spend my days with. (Gratitude) Regardless of your beliefs I truly believe that you are there for a reason. That might make you more nervous but I want you to realize that you were made for this. And that you will have peaks and valleys the first day and all the other days. (Know Your Purpose) And that's ok. So just sit in your room and just be for a moment. Smile. (Be Happy) Be confident. (Be Strong) Be the teacher you always wished you'd had growing up. (Be Your Best) Or if you have your own children, the teacher you'd want your children to have. Then it's just a matter of going through the plan and adjusting as needed. Remember you are the boss of your class. Build some fun into the day where they get to play and you get know them. (Have Fun) And just a side note... I never slept well the nights leading up to the first day of school. It's ok if you're the same. (Get Some Rest) Take some time for yourself and do something fun before school starts. (Take Care Of YOU) Try to enjoy the first days. Also, pack yourself some throat lozenges or hard candy. You are going to be talking a lot the first few days and your throat is going to need a little extra love. You've got this!!! Let me know how it goes. (Don't be alone) ** Did you watch my video: First Hour Of Kindergarten kzbin.info/www/bejne/boG7nnipr5iGm9U and First Day of School Activities kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpKngX6JgLJpgrs ** PS. I love Jamaica. Hope to get back there in May.

[@adelacozlac366]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun What a great answer! I walter to ask the same and I am so glad I got to see this comment!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

@@adelacozlac366 I’m glad it was helpful. Thanks for letting me know it helped you too.

[@Hope3638]

Thank you, I have 21 3-6 yearolds in class and I can get up to 25 kids, depending on new enrollments. You've been wonderful help!❤

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Wow wow wow!!! That’s a lot of kids for that age group. My biggest was 20 and that was a lot. Whewwww. I’m glad you are liking the videos.

[@geraldinefaife9561]

I'm Geraldine from Bangalore, India. Going to be teaching Grade 1 for the first time.... loving the videos

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Very exciting. Thanks for watching.🙂

[@geraldinefaife9561]

How do I join the masterclass. I start work on 21st July and like to prepare myself; PYP grade 1

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

@@geraldinefaife9561 You can watch the first video: kzbin.info8PXmEsz3Ses and then the link to the special master class is under that video or you can use this link to go there directly to sign up and get it sent to your email. www.makingthebasicsfun.com/kindergarten

[@Cinditadelmarmolita]

I am very grateful to have found you thank you!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m so glad you found me too and are getting some good ideas for your classroom.

[@ascensioncano3606]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all the teachers that we are going to work with the kindergarten.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

You are very welcome. I hope you have a great year.

[@plushbatfan]

Another suggestion for the first timers at Kindergarten: a watch is strongly recommended (no smartwatches or watches with sound) so that your little ones can keep track of the time, anytime. Those watch devices can teach little ones not only to tell time; also punctuality. The digital watch will be one of the types of watches for little ones if needed.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for the idea.

[@dianebrothers292]

I enjoyed this video! Keeping them motivated and setting them for success is a great start to a new year!! -:)

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Yes. It’s a very important time.

[@eteacherrunner]

I am looking for the crown and hand activities?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Yep. You can get access to each link in the description of this video. 🙂

[@AnddyClarke]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun Hi! Nice job in your vids/ cool Streams i have seen SOME IN PAST! Thanks for letting me watch 🆒thanks!! Sometime i have SOME Questions try ask You please Too? 👻📚🐜🐜!

[@xNCFOREVERx]

The first day of school I teach simple routines, procedures, they make their own name tag and I laminate them and put them on their cubby, we do a classroom scavenger hunt to find where supplies are, and they do tour of the school too

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

That first day flies by so fast. 💕. Thanks for sharing.

[@geraldinefaife9561]

Love that idea. Thank you

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad you found it useful. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. 😀

[@ZanyProductionz]

THANK YOU SO MIUCH FOR THIS!!!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for saying thanks. I’m glad you liked it.

[@lalainereyes8545]

Awesome teaching techniques ! So helpful. Thanks for sharing.🤩🙂

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@raizyzwiebel7021]

I am a second grade teacher! Which chants are appropriate?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I used chants and songs with 3rd grade. I liked line up chants and clean up the most. Anything you find you are saying over and over again is a good candidate for a song or chant. And as the school year progresses your students could help you make some up for the classroom.

[@jennifergraham6896]

I am not allowed to get extra recess. What else are good inside activities? I am a long-time teacher, but new to 1st-2nd grades.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Sad they don’t let you have extra recess if you need it for your students. 🙁. I like any brain break activities like GoNoodle or Fluency & Fitness. Do you have an outdoor classroom? Or can you take them outside for academic activities that could involve movement?

[@lesley6377]

I love it !!!!It is very helpful!!!Thank you

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the comment.

[@nermaalcanar947]

Thank you for sharing

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for saying thanks.

[@jrpeppurrvideos]

Thanks...I love your video..very helpful :)

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@rushsoriano4767]

I had a disastrous first day of school with first graders. But I vowed to make it better.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

The first day is so hard. Day 2 will be better and day 3 will be even better. It’s ok. I’ve had so many days where I cried in the car. Adjust and try again. Think about what needs the most attention and start there. Remember these first few days are hard. So so hard. Big hugs from me.

[@rushsoriano4767]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun I couldn’t help it, I cried in front of a sympathetic kindergarten teacher. She was so encouraging and she said it wasn’t my fault. But I’ve learned a lot from the experience. I’m just doing the very best I can since I haven’t taught in a while. Thank you for your encouragement. 💗💗💗

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

@@rushsoriano4767 you found a good teacher friend. That’s such a blessing. And she’s so right. I hope the next few days went better. We all have those days. Chin up and try again. Big hugs.

[@karaheinrich4325]

I'm day three into the classroom - and my attention getters aren't being effective - is it too late three days in to reset this?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Not too late at all. Sometimes they don’t work because we didn’t practice enough or I didn’t pour on the reward and recognition enough. If they don’t work try the. “Some of us are doing a great job of participating in the attention getters-good job. But I think we can do even better. So we’re going to practice because this is going to be something we are going to use for the rest of the year and I want everybody to be participating. I know we can do it because my class always has the smartest and most well behaved and respectful class in the school. Other teachers always ask “why is your class so amazing? You always have time to do fun learning in your class.” And I tell them it’s because my kids are smart and know how to follow routines like attention getters quickly. So let’s practice this again because I want you guys to have a ton of fun this year and we really can’t do it unless everybody is following this routine. “ Then I’d practice again and I would pile on the recognition and reward. And at the end of the first day say. “Wow we have 5 extra minutes because we can follow routines quickly. I think tomorrow we’ll do even better. “ So try that first. Some times it takes a few days of very high intensity and intentions on your part to make it work.

[@laurendarr3982]

Hi, this is so helpful. I just started teaching kinder and the classroom has a bathroom in it- with one private stall. I'm trying to figure out a procedure for using it because right now the kids go whenever they need to and it can be distracting during group time and other times. Do you have any suggestions? I have 17 students that sit at 5 tables. Thank you!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I do. It’s called a bathroom buddy. Basically it’s a larger stuffed animal that sits on a table at the front of the room when it is not in use. If a student needs to use the restroom they go and get “bathroom buddy “ and place it at their spot. They go use the restroom and then get bathroom buddy and put him back at the front of the room in his spot. Then kids can easily see if the restroom is in use and you can see who is using the restroom. One time I had a fire drill and someone was in the restroom. Lucky I was using the bathroom buddy system because I knew who was in the restroom. Just a heads up. When you first introduced bathroom buddy EVERYONE is going to want to use the bathroom. Just go through the process and use it as modeling and practice. So bathroom buddy will lose it’s novelty but still allow kids to use the restroom when they need to and not have to ask you. And you will get a real feel of who’s always in the restroom and for how long with a simple glance across your room. (Ps I’m typing this on my phone and should go back and fix grammar and sentences errors but… meh I’m not). Hope that helps. I’ll do a video on this because it’s a really good question. 👍👍

[@rashaabdellatef4280]

Thank you really

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I am so glad you found it helpful.

[@gracepriyadarshini8118]

Would the 'Class class- Yes yes' work with a Pre-K (4.3 years old) age group? I'm teaching in a school setting for the first time ever and want to start off well! Thank you!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

It would probably work. But… I would direct you to Dr Jean. She has so many fun and engaging attention getters for that age group. She has a great KZbin channel. 🙂

[@gracepriyadarshini8118]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun Thank you so much! I'm going through all your videos one by one and taking notes and it's been so helpful. I'm so grateful and it's been building my confidence!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

@@gracepriyadarshini8118 if you have any questions let me know and I’ll see if I can answer them for you… or find someone like dr Jean that can help.

[@dorapolin4560]

Awesome video thanks

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad they are helping you.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad they are helping you.

[@szewaikimmylau5102]

Very useful❤

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Great. I’m happy you found it useful. 🙂

[@perihanwajdi9515]

love it thanks

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

You are very welcome. I’m glad you liked it.

[@angelawilliams5724]

This really helped me

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Yahoo. I’m so glad.

[@temitopeoshokoya4906]

The first day of school today, it's 3am and not sleeping..lol

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Big hugs. Totally normal.

[@stephanieschumaker299]

LOVE the M-m, mm, mm YES GIRL!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Glad you found it helpful. So many ways to build relationships with kids and keep it joyful.

[@aunnahr8833]

What about Teacher: mouths open, flies fly in Kids: mouths closed, lets begin I just came up with this one. I'm about to use it this year!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

They will love it. 🤣

[@sheilarankin7835]

What, besides class class~yes yes, did you love from whole brain teaching? It seems a bit overwhelming.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Yah. I didn’t ever get formal training on it so I would watch a video and then try it. I did “super improver board “ and I probably wouldn’t do it again. Again it might have been my lack of training but I found it super time consuming and honestly my busy teacher brain had the hardest time remembering to give points etc. I did to the scoreboard and modified it to fit my needs. I also used turn and a talk and gestures. I got better at routine when I started watching and analyzing the videos. So it definitely helped me.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I think as teachers if we see something that fits our personality we should use it and modify it to fit us.

[@brandiarmstrong2902]

@@sheilarankin7835 I remember one of the middle school teachers at my current school uses, "hocus pocus," "everybody focus!"

[@brandiarmstrong2902]

I remember one of the middle school teachers at my current school uses "hocus pocus," "everybody focus!"

[@jenniferfletcher66]

Took too long

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Ok. Thanks for letting me know.

[@MaioMoru]

Much talking

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

💕