The final week of summer can bring a mix of excitement and pressure. You may feel like there are still dozens of things left to finish before students arrive, making it tempting to work nonstop until the first day of school. Instead of trying to accomplish everything, focus on what truly matters. Knowing what to prioritize one week before school starts will help you walk into your classroom feeling prepared, organized, and excited instead of rushing to complete tasks that can wait.
One Week Before School Starts, Finalize Your First Week Plans
One of the most important things you can do one week before school starts is finish planning your first week of lessons. After your first day of teaching, you’ll likely be tired, and the last thing you’ll want to do is create lesson plans for the next morning. Giving yourself that gift now allows you to focus completely on your students once the school year begins.
As you finalize your plans, think through your daily schedule and make sure your lessons match your school’s routines. Build in extra activities that you can grab if something finishes earlier than expected. Kindergarten schedules are rarely predictable during the first week, so having a few flexible activities ready can make the day feel much smoother.
Prepare Family Communication Before School Begins
Families should hear from you before students walk through your classroom door. Clear communication helps parents feel confident about the first day while reducing many of the questions that naturally come up during the opening weeks of school.
Think about everything families might wonder before school starts. Arrival procedures, dismissal plans, supplies, lunches, transportation, and classroom expectations are all worth explaining ahead of time. The more information you provide now, the less time you’ll spend answering individual emails later.
Practice Your Classroom Routines
Effective classroom management begins with well-planned routines, and one week before school starts is the perfect time to think through each one carefully. Rather than simply making a list of routines, picture yourself teaching them step by step.
Start with the routines students will need immediately. Arrival, dismissal, bathroom procedures, and coming to the carpet are all priorities because students will use them on the very first day. As you plan, imagine what those routines should look like later in the year when students complete them independently. Then work backward and decide exactly how you’ll teach each step during the first week.
Get Student Materials Ready
The week before school is also a great time to prepare the student materials you’ll need immediately. Communication folders, name tags, and essential classroom supplies are worth organizing before students arrive because they’ll be used right away.
At the same time, remember that not every supply needs to be sitting on student tables on the first day. Introducing materials gradually gives you the opportunity to teach students how to use and care for each item before adding something new. Instead of handing out every pencil, crayon, marker, and colored pencil at once, consider introducing them one at a time as students learn the expectations for each material.
Labels are another small task that makes a big difference. Clearly labeled classroom materials help students become more independent and make cleanup much easier throughout the year.
What Can Wait Until After School Starts?
One of the biggest mistakes teachers make one week before school starts is trying to finish everything. The truth is that many classroom projects simply aren’t urgent.
Extra decorations, additional laminating, organizing seasonal materials, and preparing resources you’ll use months from now can all wait. Those tasks often feel productive, but they don’t necessarily help students have a successful first day. Instead, focus your time on preparing only the materials you’ll actually need during the first week.
Leaving some flexibility in your classroom also allows you to make better decisions after you’ve met your students. As you get to know their personalities, interests, and learning needs, you’ll naturally make adjustments that wouldn’t have been possible if every detail had already been finalized.
Prepare Yourself, Not Just Your Classroom
One week before school starts isn’t only about classroom preparation. It’s also about preparing yourself mentally for the transition back to teaching.
Take time to revisit a favorite professional development book, listen to an education podcast, or review teaching ideas that always inspire you. Sometimes a quick refresher is all you need to shift your thinking back into teacher mode after a relaxing summer.
Just as importantly, make time for the parts of summer you’ve been enjoying. Read the book you’ve been meaning to finish, spend time with family and friends, or simply relax for an evening without feeling guilty. Beginning the school year feeling rested is every bit as valuable as having perfectly organized classroom supplies.
Remember That School Doesn’t Have to Consume Everything
Many teachers feel like life comes to a halt once the school year begins. It’s easy to believe every project around the house must be finished before students arrive because there won’t be time later.
The reality is that while the first few weeks are certainly busy, they don’t last forever. You’ll still have weekends, time with family, and opportunities to work on personal projects throughout the school year. Reminding yourself of that can take away some of the pressure you may feel during the final week of summer.
Instead of trying to accomplish every unfinished task, focus on entering the school year feeling rested, prepared, and excited to meet your students.
Your One Week Before School Starts Checklist
As you enter the final week before students arrive, keep your priorities simple:
- Finalize your first week of lesson plans.
- Prepare family communication.
- Think through your classroom routines.
- Organize essential student materials and labels.
- Skip projects that aren’t needed immediately.
- Make time to rest and enjoy the final days of summer.
When you focus on these priorities one week before school starts, you’ll begin the school year with confidence instead of feeling like you’re constantly trying to catch up.
Start the School Year with Confidence
The week before school starts doesn’t have to be about doing more. It’s about doing the right things. Prepare the lessons and routines your students will need first, communicate clearly with families, organize the essentials, and give yourself permission to leave the rest for later. A thoughtful plan now will help you start the school year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to welcome your new kindergarten class.
Resources:
- Back to School Pack & First Week Lesson Plans
- First Month of School Bundle
- Favorite Professional Development Books
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- Website – www.kindergartencafe.org
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