K-2 Teachers - Seeking advice for the beginning of the year!

I’m teaching Grade 1 this year after teaching mostly in the junior grades (I haven't been in primary since my practicum placements, and am feeling a bit rusty!).

I’m starting to think about the first week and am wondering if any of you primary teachers would be willing to share your favourite activities, lessons, read-alouds, routines, or games for getting the year started.

I'm thinking of activities that help with getting to know each other, setting up our classroom community, practising routines/expectations, formative assessment, or anything else just for fun.

I’m also realizing I’ve forgotten a lot of the little songs, games, movement activities, etc. that are so useful with younger kids. With my juniors, we would often play Heads-Up Seven-Up, Wordle, Globle, etc. when we had 10 minutes to fill or everyone needed a break - do you have any go-tos for the littles? Favourite games or songs?

Any advice at all about lessons, activities, classroom set-up, or resources would be so appreciated!

Posted Aug 8, 2026, 5:22 PM UTC

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