Peek at our First Day of Kindergarten

Last Thursday was our first day of school. We had a great day and I am so excited another school year has begun. When you teach Kindergarten, you typically spend the first couple of days of school going over rules and procedures and getting to know each other. I thought I would share with you my first day plans. I'm linking up with Mrs. Wills Kindergarten to share with you my first day plans!

My morning on the first day consists of meeting parents and helping the kiddos get familiar with the room and each other. When students enter on the first day, I have play-doh on each student's desk. This is something that doesn't need directions and they can sit down and play quietly while I mingle with parents. I also have Sesame Street playing on the Smart Board. I chose Sesame Street because it's quiet and familiar to the little ones. I also feel like the play-doh is kind of a stress reliever, if they are feeling a little nervous. After all the mommies and daddies are gone, I read a story and we all go to breakfast. 

When we return from breakfast I read Pete the Cat Rocking in my School Shoes. We listen to the audio version that you can find on Harper Collins website (just google pete the cat song). The kids love it and usually start dancing to the music. 

After the story I take the kiddos on a tour of the school and then of our classroom I show them where they can find all of our supplies, etc. 

When we finish taking the tour I have a little Pete the Cat first day coloring page, which you can find in my Rocking in my School Shoes bundle. 

We then sit in a circle and pass Pete the Cat around. I usually start by telling my name and couple of fun facts about myself, then pass Pete to the next kiddo to do the same. 

After that we go over bathroom rules and lunch rules. Then it's off to lunch. Wow the day's already gone by so fast! 

After lunch, It's time for Math Workshop, normally.. Today is less math more rules and procedures!

I introduce Calendar time. I then read Clark the Shark and establish classroom rules. If you would like to purchase my rules you can find them in my TPT store. Just click the picture below. 

After rules I introduce them to the Math Tubs and that I use in my Math Workshop. I am just letting them play with the manipulatives. 

And then I introduce GoNoodle! I pick a GoNoodle leader and tell them about how each day we will have a new GoNoodle leader. The GoNoodle leader gets to wear a fun GoNoodle sweatband and choose the GoNoodle video. I got that idea from Elizabeth Hall, Kickin' it in Kindergarten. 

After GoNoodle we go to Recess/P.E. and then have snacks. I did the typical "You are o-fish-ally a Kindergartener" snack. Last year I bagged the goldfish crackers up myself. This year I saved some time and bought the prepackaged goldfish. It was still cute but saved some time. 

Then we move onto the Kissing Hand (Everyones favorite first day book)

We read the story and then I give them a very cute Kissing Hand snack. 

I made a recipe that's easy to follow in case you'd like to make some Kissing Hand treats as well. 

We then do a little Kissing Hand craft. They're so cute! 

Before we end our day I pass out these cute Kindergarten certificates and the kiddos make a headband. I found this from Freebilicous Blog. Just click on the pic below

Also, a little unrelated bit of info.. I recently found out I'm having a little girl. Meet Spencer Claire 

I hope everyone has a great first day of school!