The first week of school is magical—but let's be honest, it can also feel like controlled chaos! Between new faces, unfamiliar routines, and that general buzz of excitement mixed with nerves, even the most confident little learners can feel overwhelmed.
If you've ever watched a kindergartener's bottom lip start to quiver during circle time or seen a second grader's eyes well up when they can't find their cubby, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Those big feelings are completely normal, and having a toolkit of gentle calm-down activities can be an absolute game-changer for creating a peaceful, welcoming classroom environment.
Here are 15 tried-and-true activities that help little hearts settle in during those crucial first days—no special training or expensive materials required!