The Ultimate First Week of School Checklist for New Teachers
Starting your first year as a teacher is exciting, but it can also feel like you're being pulled in a dozen directions at once. Between setting up your classroom, learning school procedures, planning lessons, and building relationships, it’s easy to feel like something important is falling through the cracks.
This first week checklist is designed to help new elementary teachers stay focused on what matters most: building strong routines, establishing expectations, and creating a safe, supportive classroom community.
Here’s a practical breakdown of what to focus on in your first week of school.
Classroom Setup Must-Dos
Arrange desks or tables in a way that supports your teaching style
Label student cubbies, mailboxes, or supply bins
Post your class rules, daily schedule, and key visuals around the room
Set up a calm-down corner or quiet space if you plan to use one
Prep essential supplies like sharpened pencils, folders, whiteboards, and tissues
Tip: Don’t overdecorate. Start with what your students need to feel safe, seen, and successful.
Plan and Practice Key Procedures
You’ll want to teach routines the same way you teach academics — step by step with modeling and practice.
Morning arrival and unpacking
Bathroom and water procedures
Transitioning between subjects
What to do when work is finished
Asking for help or leaving the room
Turning in assignments and getting materials
Packing up and dismissing
If you want a ready-to-use guide that helps you plan and teach these procedures, I created an Editable Routines and Procedures Checklist that walks you through every key system in the classroom.
👉 Grab it here on Teachers Pay Teachers
Set Up Your Tech and Teacher Tools
Log into your teacher devices and check access to key platforms
Bookmark your grade-level curriculum sites and portals
Print login cards for student accounts if needed
Test your projector, document camera, and classroom speakers
Organize your digital files and lesson plan templates
Having your tech and tools ready makes everything smoother during that hectic first week.
Build Relationships and Community
Greet students at the door each day
Learn names as quickly as possible
Share about yourself and your “why” as a teacher
Incorporate community-building games or partner activities
Start morning meetings or daily check-ins to build trust
One easy way to establish a respectful, inclusive tone is by teaching listening expectations early. These Whole Body Listening Posters are a great visual resource to reinforce what active listening looks and sounds like.
👉 Check them out here on Teachers Pay Teachers
Connect With Your Team and School Staff
Meet your grade-level teammates and ask about shared routines
Introduce yourself to the front office staff
Walk the campus and find the key locations (nurse, copier, cafeteria)
Schedule a check-in with your mentor teacher or admin
Clarify expectations for communication, schedules, and parent contact
Knowing who to go to and where to find things makes a big difference in how supported you feel.
Take Care of Yourself Too
Pick out comfortable outfits for the week
Pack snacks, water, and anything that keeps you going
Set boundaries with time — you won’t finish everything, and that’s okay
Journal or reflect each night on what went well
Give yourself permission to learn and grow, not to have it all figured out
Your first week in the classroom is a learning curve, but it’s also a chance to build something amazing. Start with strong routines, lean on your community, and give yourself grace as you go.
Want a tool to help you stay organized and consistent?
👉 Grab the Routines and Procedures Checklist here to plan and teach expectations with ease.
👉 Use these Whole Body Listening Posters to reinforce listening habits that support your classroom community.
You’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it alone.
