Starting school can be an exciting milestone, but for many children, it also comes with a case of the first-day jitters. As a parent or family member, you can ease their worries and set them up for a confident, positive start. Here are six simple strategies to make your child feel more comfortable and ready for the big day.

Prepare in advance

Helping your child get familiar with the idea of school before the first day can make a big difference. Reading books about school is a great way to start conversations, address fears, and show them what to expect. You can also rehearse the morning routine together a few times, from waking up and getting dressed to having breakfast and heading out the door. A visual schedule or checklist can show your child what will happen next, giving them a greater sense of control and readiness.

Pack something for comfort 

A small comfort item can help ease separation anxiety and offer reassurance during the school day. Slip a handwritten note into their lunchbox or backpack, or let them bring a small trinket or keychain to hold if they start feeling nervous.

Encourage independence

Giving your child small responsibilities at home can boost their confidence in the classroom. Invite them to pack their lunch, choose their first-day outfit, or gather supplies they’ll need. These little acts of independence allow them to feel capable and prepared for new routines.

Teacher-parent communication

Strong communication between you and your child’s teacher can help make the transition smoother. If you have concerns about your child’s anxiety, let the teacher know ahead of time so they can offer extra support. After the first day, check in with the teacher or ask your child how things went so you can address any issues quickly and keep the lines of communication open.

Attend back to school events 

Take advantage of meet-the-teacher days, open houses, or orientation events. Visiting the classroom, seeing where they’ll store their belongings, and finding important places like the bathroom or cafeteria can help reduce first-day nerves. Meeting their teacher ahead of time also creates a familiar, friendly face for that first-morning drop-off.

Check in on their feelings

Take a few minutes each day to ask your child how they’re feeling. Talking about emotions helps kids feel understood and supported, and it gives you a chance to address any worries early on. Social-emotional worksheets like Emotions in Art and Understanding Feelings can be a fun way for children to identify and express their emotions while building self-awareness.

Looking for more social-emotional resources? Check out the Education.com Learning Library of more than 500 worksheets, activities, and lesson plans!

The first week of school is a great opportunity to set a welcoming tone, build connections, and help students feel comfortable in their new classroom. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned pro, these printable icebreakers for PreK through 8th grade make it easy to facilitate student interaction and create an inclusive learning environment from day one.

1. Template: A Year of Birthdays 

Celebrate each student throughout the year by creating a class birthday calendar! This idea helps kids find birthday buddies, recognize special days, and feel a sense of belonging. It’s ideal for preschool through eighth grade and adds a colorful touch to your classroom.

2. Math All About Me

This math-themed worksheet invites young learners to share a little about themselves through numbers! Designed for kindergarten to second grade, it helps children make personal connections while reinforcing basic math skills.

3. Get to Know You: This or That?

Spark connections with a playful activity where students express their preferences. With questions like “books or movies?” and “sweet or salty?” learners can find common ground and discover shared interests.

4. Back to School: Would You Rather?

Encourage children to share their thoughts on school-related topics by choosing between options like working in groups or independently. With 15 thoughtful prompts, this interactive resource promotes self-expression, fosters meaningful discussions, and helps you get to know your incoming class. Plus, there’s a Science Edition designed to jumpstart conversations about science topics!

5. Get-to-Know-You Bingo

Get students moving and mingling with a fun twist on a classic game. Learners will interact with classmates by finding peers who match different prompts, which makes it an energizing way to build relationships and strengthen classroom bonds right from the start.

Looking for more resources? Check out the Education.com Learning Library of more than 38,000 worksheets, lesson plans, and games!