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Just Reed & Play

in Preschool and K

in Uncategorized

Preschool and Kindergarten Back to School Ideas You’ll Use and Love

Ever feel like looking for preschool and kindergarten back to school ideas takes over your entire summer?

Like no matter how early you start, the to-do list somehow grows overnight? You’re printing name tags, labeling cubbies, mapping out centers, and still wondering if you’re missing something big. If you’ve been there, you are not alone. And you do not have to do it all on your own.

After years of teaching Pre-K, I learned that having the right tools can completely change the tone of your entire school year. That’s why I created a mega bundle packed with preschool and kindergarten back to school ideas to help you feel organized, confident, and actually excited about the first day. 

This is the bundle I wish I’d had during all those “what-have-I-forgotten?”  moments. Let me show you what’s included and how it can work for you.

Start with Building a Caring Community during Back to School Season

We all know that routines and rules matter, but relationships are what really make a classroom work. The Bucket Filler Packet in this bundle helps you establish a caring classroom culture from Day 1.

You’ll have read-aloud ideas, student-friendly reflections, and a bulletin board craft that celebrates kindness in action. 

This packet has been used in over 8,000 classrooms and is a teacher favorite for establishing classroom community. My favorite part of this packet is the Bucket Filling and Bucket Dipping anchor chart that I leave up all year long!

bucket fillers and bucket dippers anchor chart for preschool and kindergarten back to school ideas

You can learn more about how I use Bucket Filling on this blog post.

Preschool and Kindergarten Back to School Ideas for Smooth Transitions

One of the biggest challenges in preschool and kindergarten classrooms is managing transitions. The Visual Schedule Card Builder and Morning Greeting Choices included here support your routines while empowering kids with visual cues and independence. 

Use a visual schedule at school to help ease separation anxiety in preschoolers.

I like to use these tools to reduce meltdowns, keep the day predictable for anxious little ones, and support students who struggle with transitions. Your classroom will feel calmer, and you’ll spend less time redirecting and more time teaching.

preschool and kindergarten back to school ideas morning greetings chart

Support Social-Emotional Growth from the Start

The first few weeks of school are full of big feelings. A few years ago I had a student who had regular meltdowns, and I knew I had to create a resource that would equip my students to name and handle their emotions.

preschool calm down corner

The Calm Down Corner Kit has everything you need to create a safe, soothing space where kids can regulate their emotions. I’ve seen students move from tears to deep breaths simply because they had a visual choice board or breathing card to guide them.  If you want more information on my calm down corner, check out this blog post.

Engage Students with Beloved Read-Alouds

Preschool and kindergarten back to school ideas often start with a great book. If you love The Kissing Hand, you’ll adore the companion packet included in this mega bundle.

It offers literacy-rich activities, crafts, and SEL connections to help students gently transition into school life. I let my students make a Chester raccoon headband that they wear home after the first day.  They look so proud leaving the classroom after their first day of “Big Kid School!”

preschool and kindergarten back to school ideas kissing hand crown craft

Make Family Connections with Meaningful Activities

Getting to know your students and their backgrounds is one of the most important things you can do in the first week. The “My Home and Family Glyph” is a meaningful way to share with their classmates something that’s the most important to them–their family.

house and family glyph activity

It’s fun, developmentally appropriate, and makes a sweet display for your hallway or bulletin board.

Preschool and Kindergarten Back to School Ideas That Keep Families in the Loop

Strong communication with families is key, and this bundle takes the guesswork out of that. You’ll find editable newsletters, behavior calendars, a back-to-school flipbook, and a parent handout with the ABCs of Preschool and Kindergarten.

preschool and kindergarten back to school ideas for open house

These tools help you look polished and prepared while making families feel informed and involved. I keep a stack of the flipbooks by my sign-in sheet on Open House night—they always disappear fast!

Create Joyful Moments with Hands-On Activities

From the Friendship Salad activity to the Name of the Day chart, these back-to-school activities are included in this mega bundle because they work.

name of the day chart activities

They’re simple to prep, filled with social-emotional learning, and help turn a group of strangers into a classroom family. Your students will start recognizing names, noticing emotions, and making connections before you even get to the third week of school!

Set Yourself Up for Success Without the Stress

Whether you’re new to preschool or kindergarten or heading into your fifteenth year, this bundle was built for you. The tools inside support developmentally appropriate practice while saving you hours of prep time.

You’ll walk into your classroom with ready-to-go materials, intentional routines, and a warm, welcoming environment. The best part? You won’t have to spend every night scrambling to stay ahead.

Ready to Feel Calm, Prepared, and Excited for Day One?

Check out the full Preschool and Kindergarten Back to School Ideas Mega Bundle here.
It has everything you need to start the year off right!

preschool and kindergarten back to school ideas mega bundle

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