If you are asking yourself, “Where do I start?” when it comes to planning for a new school year, you are in the right place. Everything you need to prepare for the first day and week of school + beyond is right here! Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find lesson plans, classroom management ideas, engaging activities, favorite read-alouds, free resources, and classroom-tested tips to help you start the year with confidence.

How do I prepare for back to school?

Discover six simple ways to prepare before students arrive, including organizing birthday treats, planning classroom procedures, creating first-week anchor charts, prepping forms and name tags, and even planning easy teacher lunches. These practical back-to-school tips will help you start the year feeling organized, confident, and ready for a successful first week.

6 Helpful Things to Prep before Back to School

planning for back to school

What do I plan for the first week?

Not sure what to teach during the first week of school? These free, printable lesson plans walk you through each day with relationship-building activities, read-alouds, classroom expectations, routines and procedures, math ideas, and community-building games to help you start the year with confidence.

First Week of School Lesson Plans (FREE download)

back to school lesson plans

What are the best back to school activities for elementary?

Need fresh ideas for the first days of school? Explore my favorite 1st-3rd grade back-to-school activities, including getting-to-know-you games, read-alouds, classroom management ideas, math activities, and free printables that make the first week fun, engaging, and stress-free.

back to school activities

Which books should I read the first week of school?

Choosing the right read-alouds can make classroom management, relationship building, and teaching expectations so much easier. Browse my favorite back-to-school books for elementary students, along with companion activities and discussion ideas that help create a positive classroom community from day one.

Best Back to School Books for Elementary

back to school books

How do I teach expectations at the beginning of the year?

Setting clear expectations early helps prevent behavior problems all year long. Learn simple, engaging ways to teach classroom rules, routines, and procedures through interactive activities, behavior stories, modeling, and repeated practice so students know exactly what success looks like.

How to Teach Classroom Rules, Routines, & Expectations

Back to School Planning Guide

Need everything in one place? This Back-to-School Planning Guide combines lesson plans, schedules, book recommendations, activities, classroom management ideas, and planning checklists into one easy-to-follow resource so you can stop wondering what to do next and start the year with confidence.

Grab your free copy of the Back to School Guide

Shop my Favorite Back to School Resources

Explore my growing collection of classroom organization tips, literacy ideas, morning meeting activities, and seasonal resources to help make your school year your best one yet.

Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and the right resources, you’ll be ready to build classroom community, establish routines, and start the year with confidence. I hope these ideas, lesson plans, and free resources help make this your best school year yet!