How to build Classroom Community: Week 1

The first week of school isn’t about cranking through curriculum. It’s about building connection. When students feel seen and valued, they show up differently. They participate more, they listen better, and they support each other. That all starts with the tone you set on day one.

Here are five simple activities I use during the first week to build a strong classroom community that lasts.

1. Start Mornings with Intention

The way you begin the day sets the mood for everything that follows. I like to greet students at the door, then roll straight into something light and consistent — like a fun question or a quick game to get them talking and moving.

What I’ve found works really well is using Morning Meeting slides with rotating greetings, questions, and group activities. You can totally make your own, or if you want something done for you, I put together a full year of slides that keep mornings meaningful without extra prep.
👉 Here’s the link to my Morning Meeting Slides

2. Use Icebreakers That Don’t Feel Forced

We’ve all sat through icebreakers that felt awkward. I like activities that let kids connect in quick, low-pressure ways. Stuff like “Find Someone Who…” scavenger hunts, shared favorites, or silly would-you-rathers.

I rotate a different activity each day during the first week to keep it fresh. You can build your own, or if you’re short on time, I’ve bundled up five of my go-to icebreakers that actually work with real kids.
👉 Here’s the First Week Icebreaker Bundle

3. Introduce Yourself and Invite Students to Share Too

I always take a few minutes on day one to tell students a little about myself — what I love, what I was like as a student, and what kind of classroom I’m trying to create. I keep it honest and simple.

I also like to send home a Meet the Teacher letter that gives families a quick overview of who I am and what to expect. If you want to skip making your own from scratch, I’ve got an editable template that’s clean and easy to customize in English and Spanish.
👉 Check out the Meet the Teacher Template

4. Build Class Norms Together

Instead of posting a bunch of rules, I like to create expectations with my students. We talk about how we want to treat each other, what it looks like to be a team, and how we handle tough moments. It builds buy-in and starts conversations that matter.

To help guide that discussion, I use a set of digital slides that walk through common routines and expectations. I’ve even added some memes to lighten the mood and keep kids engaged. If you want to try them, they’re already set up and editable.
👉 Here’s the Digital Routines and Expectations Slide Set

5. Practice What Respectful Listening Looks Like

Building community starts with listening. We model it, we talk about it, and we practice it over and over. I teach students how to show they’re listening with their whole body — eyes, ears, hands, and heart. It helps set the tone for class discussions, partner work, and just being kind humans.

I usually make an anchor chart together or use Whole Body Listening posters to make it more visual. If you want the same ones I use, let me know and I’ll send you the link.

You don’t need to do everything in one week. You just need to do the right things on purpose. These early days shape your classroom culture more than any academic lesson. Take time to build it.

If you want to use any of the resources I mentioned, feel free to grab them above. You can also use them as inspiration and build your own. Whatever works for you.

Just don’t skip the community piece. That’s the part students remember.