Going Back to School - post

Returning to school evokes a complex mix of anticipation and anxiety—for children and families, and particularly for early childhood educators. Planning learning environments, establishing routines, and preparing materials requires careful prioritization when staffing, time, and budgets are constrained. Because preschool settings demand developmentally appropriate practices, targeted professional development can provide immediately applicable strategies; consider short modules such as Lesson Planning for Preschoolers Buy Now $24.00 and DAP for Preschool Buy Now $24.00 to establish routines, transitions, and engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences before the term begins.

How can I teach classroom routines to preschoolers?

Many children entering preschool have limited experience with shared, adult-directed routines. Begin by observing each child’s current self-regulation and independence; use that information to scaffold expectations rather than imposing a single rule for the whole group. Modeling, consistent verbal cues, and embodied practice (walking the line, practicing bathroom routines, etc.) reduce anxiety and build procedural memory.

Three practical strategies that scale from small groups to a full class:

1. Model and narrate: Demonstrate a routine step-by-step while naming actions and expectations; ask children to mimic and then narrate their own actions.
2. Use concrete cues and placement: Footprint markers, a rope with ribbons, or individualized picture cards reduce cognitive load and make spatial expectations explicit.
3. Practice with low-stakes repetition: Schedule short (1–3 minute) rehearsal moments across the day—transition rehearsals cement routines faster than verbal reminders alone.

For more on foundational skills that support these routines, see What skills do preschoolers need to be ready for school?, which explains how self-help, communication, and social skills scaffold classroom independence.

Tip #1 How to School 

At the beginning of school, the most important thing to remember is that we must teach our children how to do school before we can teach them any skills or content. Think about your school day and make a list of all the routines the children will need to know to keep things running smoothly in the classroom.

A common hardship for many preschoolers is the concept of standing in a line. Some things teachers can do is use a jump rope with different colored ribbons attached to have the children hold on to while they walk in the line, or some teachers stick different colored footprint shapes on the floor to show the children where their feet need to be placed while standing in line. 

What activities should I plan for the first week of preschool?

Plan activities that prioritize autonomy, social connection, and brief successes. Early tasks should be predictable, multi-modal, and brief enough to sustain attention while allowing teachers to observe individual learners. Components of a strong first-week plan include low-stakes routines practice, name-recognition and turn-taking games, sensory tables for open-ended exploration, and short guided small-group tasks that reveal each child’s zone of proximal development.

Example mini-schedule for a 3–4 hour morning session:

1. Welcome table (10–15 min): name labels, getting-to-know-you prompts, self-registration activity;
2. Center rotations (3 x 15 min): sensory, art, and block centers with a simple challenge at each station;
3. Snack and scaffolded bathroom routine (15–20 min): model and prompt independence;
4. Circle time (10–12 min): read-aloud and a movement/song that practices standing in line or lining up;
5. One-on-one teacher checks (2–3 min per child across the morning): brief contact to build rapport and assess needs.

For classroom-level strategies that make the transition week smoother, consult How can teachers make back-to-school easier for everyone?.

How do I create and use a visual schedule that supports learning?

A visual schedule reduces uncertainty and supports receptive language and self-regulation. Use photos of the actual classroom, pictograms for routines, and consistent sequencing (arrival > center time > snack > outdoor play > goodbye). During the first days, pair each visual element with an explicit verbal script and a brief rehearsal so children map the image to expectations.

Implementation tips:

1. Make it accessible: place the schedule at child-height and use large, clear images or photos of the children performing the activity.
2. Use it dynamically: update the schedule with photos taken during the week to increase relevance and boost engagement.
3. Individualize where needed: provide laminated mini-schedules for children who need extra predictability or who are learning new vocabulary.

Visual schedules also support language development and comprehension; see How Do Early Language Skills Affect a Child's Success in School? for connections between scheduling, vocabulary growth, and classroom participation.

How can I continue my professional development to support a strong start?

Ongoing professional learning helps teachers design predictable, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Consider short, focused modules on lesson planning, classroom management, and strategies for inclusion that can be applied immediately. If you are returning to formal study or considering certificates, resources for adult learners recommend flexible delivery formats, leveraging prior experience, and staying organized—strategies that apply equally to early childhood professionals managing coursework alongside teaching responsibilities (WGU: 10 Tips for Going Back to School at 30; Northampton: 8 Tips for Going Back to School as an Adult).

Recommended childcareed.com resources for targeted skill-building:

• Lesson Planning for Preschoolers Buy Now $24.00
• Meaningful Lesson Planning for Infants/Toddlers Buy Now $24.00
• DAP for Preschool Buy Now $24.00
• Developing Program Tranquility Buy Now $24.00

For practical role pathways and alternate program models, see How to Become a Montessori Assistant Teacher and for planning program rhythms, see Building a Back-to-School Routine: Balancing Homework, Extracurriculars, and Family Time.

5 Things to Do on the First Day of School

Have a Party!

How exciting is it to go to school for the first time? Exciting enough to have a party to welcome them back! There is no need to wait until the school year is over to throw a party!

Serve baked goods, fresh fruit, and orange or apple juice. Include a circle time where kids can tell stories about their summers and dance away their nerves.

Do Some Read Alouds

Choose quality books that will help them feel less nervous, make them laugh, or boost their self-esteem and build sense of community.

Don't be afraid of the classics with words that are hard to understand. Children can fill in the blanks, which helps them learn new words and understand the story if it is interesting.

The first day of school is a great time to just sit down with your kids and read to them.

Student Gifts

At the end of the day, give each child a gift to say thanks for a great first day. If you have a theme for your classroom, you might want to get a gift that goes with it.

One-On-One Time

Spend a few minutes with each child on their own. Meet them, say hello, make them laugh, and encourage them. It's very important to make a personal connection on the first day.

Ice Breaker Beach Ball

Put questions on a beach ball with a permanent pen. Sit your children in a circle and have them throw the beach ball to each other. When a child catches the ball, they answer any of the questions they can see and then pass it to the next person. You will have to help the children “read” and ask the questions, but what a fun way for the children to get to know you and each other!

Summary: How can you make the return-to-school successful?

Start by teaching routines explicitly, using concrete visual cues, and scheduling brief practice opportunities. Structure the first week so children experience predictability, social connection, and measurable small successes; pair visual schedules with short rehearsals and one-on-one check-ins. Maintain your own professional growth through focused modules or flexible certificate pathways so classroom strategies remain evidence-informed. Put these steps into a one-page plan you can share with families and colleagues.

Core actions to implement this week: 1) Create and practice 3 key routines (arrival, transitions, bathroom); 2) Build a photo-based visual schedule and teach it daily; 3) Schedule brief individual check-ins; 4) Enroll in a focused course to refine lesson planning or inclusion strategies. #routines #visualschedule #preschool #development #training

*Archived from ChildCareEd's Constant Contact Newsletters [8.1.2022]