The first week of school in a preschool, pre-K, or kindergarten classroom is a beautiful whirlwind of wide eyes, tiny voices, and learning all the things—how to line up, how to hold a crayon, and sometimes how to walk in a straight-ish line. You’ve got a lot to teach in those first few days, and most of it has nothing to do with academics.
The truth is, your first week goals are simple but powerful: help students feel safe, confident, and part of a classroom community. You want them to learn how to “do school”—how to use materials, follow routines, and build independence. That’s exactly what this blog post is here to help you do—with ready-to-use activities straight from the First Week of Preschool, PreK & Kinder Activities – Crowns, Certificates, Signs & More.
Let’s walk through your first week together—with a plan that’s realistic, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate.
Day One: Celebrate and Connect (Not Centers Yet!)
Day one is all about first impressions. Instead of diving into centers, focus on welcoming students and helping them feel safe. Use the First Day Crowns as a calm, guided activity while teaching basic expectations like how to use crayons, sit at a table, and raise your hand for help. Follow it up with a quick photo using the First Day Photo Signs and end the day with a keepsake: the Editable First Day Certificate and First Day Memory Book Page.
The First Day Feelings Activity also makes a wonderful whole group conversation starter or table task to help children identify their emotions. You’re already laying the groundwork for classroom community.
Day Two: Introduce Centers Slowly with Familiar Tasks
By day two, students are a little more comfortable—and you’re ready to begin modeling how center rotations will work. Start with just one or two:
- Pipe Cleaner Bead Center – Students practice fine motor skills while following simple instructions. Perfect for small group modeling.
- Pom Pom Counting Center – Students count and match pom poms to numbers. Visually clear, easy to manage, and builds number sense.
- Art Supply Practice Pages – Let students explore one material at a time (e.g. crayons, glue sticks, dot markers). This also teaches procedures for using supplies correctly!
Rotate students through slowly and use this time to build independence and reinforce clean-up routines.
Day Three: Add Literacy and Math Skill Practice
Now that students have a few routines down, you can begin adding academic-aligned centers:
- Letter Formation Cards – Use with dry-erase markers to introduce name and letter writing.
- Feed the Star Counting Center – Reinforce number recognition and fine motor strength with this interactive, hands-on counting game.
- Color Word Crayon Activity – Tie in colors, matching, and early reading in a simple independent center.
Introduce these activities during whole group or small group and send them to centers with lots of positive reinforcement.
Day Four: Boost Confidence with Simple Independence
At this point, students should start to understand center expectations. This is the perfect time to add:
- Color Words Mini Reader – Great for a reading center or book box starter.
- Shape Playdough Mats – Supports fine motor and shape recognition while offering sensory engagement.
- Visual Discrimination Clip Cards – Teaches attention to detail while building clothespin strength (fine motor win!).
This is also a great day to introduce School Supply Vocabulary Cards in a pocket chart or matching center to build language and support classroom tools.
Day Five: Practice, Reflect, and Celebrate
End the week by revisiting favorite centers and celebrating progress. Let students reflect with the First Day Memory Book Page or revisit the Feelings Activity to compare how they felt on Monday vs. Friday.
You can also turn your Daily Routine visuals into a matching center or sequencing activity to reinforce what they’ve learned.
Why These Centers Work So Well
These centers were made for this exact moment in your year—when students are brand new and everything is unfamiliar. Each activity is:
- Low-prep and teacher-friendly
- Purposeful and skill-based
- Ideal for teaching routines and independence
Instead of creating a bunch of new things from scratch, you can confidently walk into week one with a complete plan.
Final Thoughts
The first week of school is about so much more than academics. It’s about trust, safety, routines, and joy. With the First Week of Preschool, PreK & Kinder Activities resource, your week is already planned with activities that work. No extra stress required.
You’re doing the most important work right now—helping your students feel seen, safe, and excited to come back tomorrow. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
