6 Back to School Activities to Try Your First Week

Back to school is a magical time. There is something so special about walking into a classroom that is ready for a new year, meeting your students for the first time, and wondering about all the learning, laughter, and memories the year will bring.

Those first few days are about so much more than getting settled into routines. They are a chance to get to know your students, start building your classroom community, and have some fun together.

Here are six of my favourite activities to help make those first days of school a little more fun and memorable.

1. Save Fred

Save Fred is a classic STEM challenge that is always a hit.

Give each small group a gummy worm named Fred, a cup of water, and a handful of paper clips. The challenge? Rescue Fred using only the paper clips without touching him or tipping the cup over.

It is amazing how quickly students begin communicating, problem-solving, and encouraging one another. Within minutes, you will start noticing emerging leaders, creative thinkers, and students who naturally support their teammates.

It builds teamwork while giving you an authentic glimpse into your new class.

2. Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are one of the easiest ways to help students become comfortable in their new space.

Include practical stops like the classroom library, supply area, and turn-in bins, but do not stop there.

Add a few fun prompts too, like finding something that makes them curious or someone who shares their favourite colour.

Before long, students are not just learning where everything is. They are learning about one another.

You will love it because it builds confidence while encouraging conversations and new friendships.

3. Back to School Games

One of the quickest ways to build classroom community is through simple, interactive games. During the first week, I like to mix in a few get-to-know-you activities that get everyone talking, laughing, and working together.

Whether students are finding classmates with similar interests, sharing fun facts, or completing team challenges, these games help break the ice and create connections that carry into the rest of the school year.

They are also perfect for those little pockets of time when you want students engaged but are not quite ready to introduce a new lesson.

Perfect for back to school as these games and activities are no-prep, encourage participation, and help students feel like they belong from day one.

4. Stacking Cups STEM Challenge

Sometimes the simplest materials create the biggest engagement.

Stacking Cups STEM Challenge is a fun activity for the first week of school. Give each group a stack of cups and challenge them to build the tallest tower or the widest stable structure before time runs out.

As students work, you will quickly notice each student’s unique strengths. Some students naturally become planners, others are problem-solvers, and some are the biggest encouragers in the room.

Best of all, students are having so much fun they do not even realize they are practicing collaboration skills.

5. All About Me Math

There is no reason to wait until the second week to start math.

All About Me Math task cards help students explore numbers through information about themselves, including favourite numbers, birthdays, family members, pets, and more.

Place the math task cards around the room for students to solve and record on their sheet. While students are engaged, you are quietly gathering valuable information about their mathematical thinking while introducing classroom math routines in a relaxed, low-pressure way.

I love it because it combines community building with meaningful math practice.

6. Ready to Print Activity Booklet

There are always those little pockets of time during the first week. Early finishers, indoor recess, or the few minutes before dismissal all seem to need one more activity.

That is exactly why I created this free printable activity booklet.

Inside, you will find eight ready-to-use activities that students can complete independently with little to no preparation from you.

If you would like a copy, simply sign up for my newsletter and I will send it straight to your inbox, ready to print before the first day of school.

The first week does not have to be packed with academics every minute of the day.

Some of the most meaningful learning happens while students are laughing over a STEM challenge, working together to solve a problem, or simply getting to know one another.

Take your time getting to know your students. Those relationships will become the foundation for everything you accomplish together this year.

I hope these activities help make your first week a little easier and a lot more fun.