How to Prepare Kids for the First Day of School Activities & Parent Tips

Summer vacation is almost over, and most schools are set to reopen in the first week of June. We hope you and your children had a fun and relaxing break. 

As the new school year begins, many kids will be stepping into kindergarten for the first time, while others will be returning after the holidays. 

This time is filled with excitement for parents and students. Whether it's a new school, a new classroom, a new teacher, or a brand-new school uniform, the first day always feels special.

Back to School with Interval Learning

The first day of school is a significant milestone for children and their parents. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or returning after a long break, the first day can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness. So, how do you make it simple?

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Fun first day of school activities commonly used in Indian classrooms
• Practical parent tips for the first day of school
• A checklist of what to carry on the first day of school

Let’s make this day a positive and memorable one for your child.

What to Bring on First Day of School: Checklist for Parents

Before we move into activities and tips, let’s get the basics right. Packing the right items ensures your child is ready and feels secure.

Not sure what to take on the first day of school? Whether it's your child’s first day of kindergarten or they're moving to a higher class, being well-prepared helps your child feel more confident. These are some helpful parent tips for the first day of school to make sure nothing important is missed.

Checklist to help your child start the school year with confidence:

Essentials:

• School ID card
• Comfortable school bag
• Notebooks and textbooks (as per the timetable)
• Pencil box with pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, and ruler
• Lunch box with a healthy meal
• Water bottle, preferably labelled
• Clean handkerchief or napkin
• Personal hand sanitizer (if the school recommends it)
• Raincoat or umbrella if it’s raining
• Extra clothes (useful for younger children or during monsoon)
• Any required medical items (inhalers, etc.)

Good to carry:

• Small towel
• Pocket tissues
• Emergency contact note inside the bag
• Name labels on all items
• Simple snack or dry fruits (if allowed)

The night before school reopens, go through this checklist together with your child. It also helps calm their nerves and gets them excited for the new school year. 

After school, make time to ask about their first day of school activities. Listening to their experience can make a big difference.

Schools use creative and warm ways to make the first day exciting and stress-free. These first days of school activities help break the ice, build friendships, and ease kids into their new routine.

1. Thanks for the Compliment

Each student wears a blank sheet on their back. Others walk around writing kind words or compliments. At the end, students read what their classmates wrote—it’s a great confidence booster.

2. Find a Friend

Students get a worksheet with questions like “What’s your favorite food?” or “Do you like cricket?”
They must find classmates with similar answers, this sparks conversations and creates bonds.

3. Decorate the Classroom

In groups, students decorate classroom walls using posters, charts, or drawings. It promotes teamwork and helps children feel like the classroom is their own space.

4. Penny Jar Sharing

Pass around a jar of coins. Students pick 2–3 coins and share one fact about themselves for each coin. It encourages sharing and listening.

5. Welcome Bags

Give each child a small welcome kit (with pencil, eraser, sweet treat). Ask them to introduce themselves before collecting their bag. This works well with younger kids.

6. Classroom Hunt

Give students a list of classroom objects or spaces and tell them to find. It helps them get comfortable with their surroundings while working in pairs or small groups.

7. Self-Portrait

Students draw or write about themselves and present their work. This promotes creativity and helps teachers and classmates learn more about each child.

8. Two Truths and a Lie

Older students can share two true statements and one false one about themselves. The class guesses the lie, it’s fun, engaging ,and interactive.

9. Class Time Capsule

Each child writes a note to their future self or brings an item that reflects their personality. The capsule is opened at the end of the year, perfect for reflection.

10. Would You Rather

Ask kids playful “Would you rather…” questions like “Would you rather have a pet elephant or a pet lion?”
Great for sparking laughter and conversation.

11. Badge or Bookmark Craft

Ask students to make a name badge or a bookmark showing what they love or what they want to learn. It sets personal goals and encourages expression.

Want to know how to help your child have a comfortable first day? Here are tried-and-tested parent tips for the first day of school:

1. Talk About School Ahead of Time

Start the conversation early. Explain what happens at school, how teachers are there to help, and what your child might experience. Share your own fun school stories to build excitement.

2. Visit the School

If allowed, visit the school before Day 1. Show your child their classroom, play area, and entrance. Familiar places help reduce anxiety.

3. Start the Routine Early

Begin sleep and wake-up routines a week before school starts. Also, practice the morning drill: getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing the bag.

4. Address Feelings

Let your child share their feelings. It’s okay to be nervous. Reassure them that it’s normal and that you’ll be there at the end of the day.

5. Encourage Friendships

Teach your child simple ways to make friends, smiling, saying “Hi,” or asking to join a game. Role-playing these interactions at home can help.

6. Pack and Label Everything

Make sure all essentials are packed and labeled. Having everything ready reduces stress for both of you.

7. Connect With the Teacher

Briefly introduce yourself and share any important info about your child (e.g., allergies or shyness). Open communication helps the teacher support your child better.

8. Make the Day Special

Start with a favorite breakfast and take a cute photo. Plan a fun activity or treat for after school—it gives your child something to look forward to.

9. Practice the Route

Do a trial run to the school. Whether walking, driving, or taking the bus, make sure your child is comfortable with the route.

10. Stay Calm and Positive

Children pick up on your emotions. If you stay calm and cheerful, they’re more likely to feel confident too.

If your child is moving to a new class or feeling unsure about the subjects, now is the right time to give them the support they need.

At Interval Learning, we offer:

Classroom-based personalised tuition – For students who need one-on-one attention and guided learning in subjects like Maths, Science, English, and others. Our expert tutors are trained to allow every child to get the focus they deserve.

Foundation Programs – Perfect for students who want to build strong basics. Ideal for those in primary and middle school who want to improve understanding and confidence in core subjects.

Bridge Courses – If your child is stepping up to a new class and needs a quick revision of the previous year’s topics, this course will help them catch up and feel ready.

We understand that every child learns differently. That’s why our expert teachers create customized plans that match your child’s pace and level.

Visit Interval Learning website or reach out to us to know how we can support your child’s academic and non-academic journey.

Ready to Make Learning Exciting Beyond Day One?

The first day of school marks the start of a new journey. With the right preparation, fun classroom activities, and supportive parents, kids can step into school with confidence and joy.

Whether you’re packing your child’s bag, planning your morning, or helping them settle into a new class, remember, your support means everything.

Explore engaging learning tools and brain development kits at Interval Learning’s Magic Lamp, designed to make education joyful for young minds.