First Day of School Preparation Checklist

First Day of School Preparation Checklist

School Checklists
100 Items
Essential first day of school checklist covering supplies, registration, morning routine, and social readiness for a confident school start.

First Day of School Readiness & Preparation Guide

Start the school year smoothly with this complete back-to-school preparation guide. Organize school supplies, review registration details, plan a healthy morning routine, label belongings, and discuss classroom expectations. Help your child feel confident, calm, and socially ready for an exciting and successful first day of school.

1. Registration, Logistics & Forms

1Confirm that registration / enrollment is completed before the first day
2Note the school start time, class schedule, and arrival / dismissal procedures
3Submit required health forms, emergency contact information, allergy / medical disclosure forms
4If medication is needed during school hours, ensure proper permissions and paperwork are in place
5Ensure you have transportation arrangements (bus, carpool, walking route)
6Know after-school plans / pickup arrangements, and communicate them
7Confirm which supplies are needed (and supply list) for the grade/class
8Label personal items (backpack, lunchbox, clothing, stationery) with name
9Pack lunch, snacks, water bottle (refillable) as needed
10Review school dress code or uniform requirements and prepare appropriate clothing

2. Night Before Preparations

1Lay out clothes and ensure they are clean and ready
2Pack backpack with all school supplies, books, folders
3Pack lunch, snacks, and refill water bottle
4Set alarm(s) sufficiently early to avoid rushing in the morning
5Review the morning routine (wake up time, breakfast, getting ready) with the student
6Double check transportation / pickup plans are known
7Include any forms or paperwork that need to be handed in
8Charge any devices (tablet, laptop) if needed
9Place shoes by the door so they're easy to find
10Get a good night's sleep — aim for early bedtime

3. Morning of First Day

1Wake up with enough buffer time (no rushing)
2Dress in the outfit laid out or uniform
3Eat a nutritious breakfast
4Do a final check of backpack — supplies, lunch, water bottle, homework
5Ensure mobile phone, if allowed, is charged / functional
6Leave home with extra time in hand for unexpected delays
7Greet the day positively — encouragement, calm mindset
8Review school map or route to classroom (if unfamiliar)
9Meet / say goodbye to parents / guardian with reassurance
10Arrive at school a little early to settle in

4. At School — Arrival & First Impressions

1Locate classroom, teacher, or staff for direction
2Introduce yourself to teacher(s) and classmates
3Hang up backpack, coats, and personal items in designated area
4Listen to orientation / announcements (class rules, schedule)
5Understand emergency procedures (fire drill, lockdown)
6Get assigned seating or find where to sit
7Note the daily schedule, class timings, breaks, lunch
8Familiarize yourself with important spaces: restroom, cafeteria, library, nurse
9Ask questions if unsure (where to go, when to move, supplies)
10Keep a friendly, open attitude — greet peers, observe setting

5. Classroom Setup & Routines

1Arrange supplies in your desk / personal area
2Review class rules, expectations, routines demonstrated by teacher
3Practice transitions (moving from class to class, breaks, dismissal)
4Learn how to submit assignments, turn in homework
5Understand how supplies are shared / managed
6Observe policies about restroom, water breaks, and asking for help
7Know how the teacher handles attendance, tardy, absences
8Mark important days (holidays, parent meetings) from calendar
9Understand technology or device usage rules
10Get clarifications on any unclear class procedures

6. Supplies & Materials Management

1Ensure you have all required school supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, folders)
2Organize your materials neatly in backpack / binder
3Label anything not yet labeled
4Check that textbooks / workbooks are correct and belong to your class
5Receive any classroom handouts / packets
6Ask about supply sharing or communal resources
7Confirm whether supplies stay in class or go home daily
8Keep extra stationery / backup items in a small pouch
9Check if art / gym / special classes need additional materials
10Store electronic chargers, cords, or accessories as required

7. Lunch & Breaks

1Know your lunch schedule (time, duration, location)
2Understand whether lunch is provided or needs to be packed
3Ensure you have a lunchbox with appropriate food and containers
4Include a reusable water bottle (refillable)
5Pack healthy snacks (if allowed)
6Know where the cafeteria / eating area is
7Understand any lunch policies (recess, lining up, cleanup)
8Bring utensils, napkins, containers for leftovers
9Be aware of food allergies / restrictions if relevant
10Clean up after yourself, dispose waste properly

8. Social & Emotional Readiness

1Talk about "what to expect" socially (meeting new friends, class interactions)
2Encourage introductions and friendly conversations with classmates
3Ask about recess, activities, clubs after school
4Plan icebreaker or "getting to know you" dialogues
5Bring a small comfort or motivational item (if allowed)
6Normalize nerves; reassure that it's okay to feel anxious
7Identify an adult / buddy in class who can help if needed
8Practice positive affirmations or coping strategies
9Be open to new friendships and conversations
10Stay observant of classmates who may seem shy and include them

9. After School & Debriefing

1Arrive home and talk through how the first day went
2Encourage sharing of highlights and challenges
3Check for notes from the teacher or forms to be returned
4Review homework / assignments given (if any)
5Organize supplies / bag for next day
6Set clothes / pack things for next morning
7Write in a journal or reflection: "What I liked / What I'm nervous about"
8Rest and unwind — avoid overscheduling
9Get to bed early to prepare for Day 2
10Thank supportive adults (parents, caregivers, teachers) for help

10. Follow-Up & Ongoing Readiness

1Keep weekly track of assignments, tests, and projects
2Maintain organized study area at home
3Meet teacher during office hours / parent meeting if necessary
4Stay consistent with sleep, nutrition, and routine
5Monitor school communications (emails, notices, school app)
6Refill supplies when they get low
7Stay socially engaged — join clubs, lunch groups, study buddies
8Practice habits of punctuality, preparedness, and organization
9Reflect monthly on how things are going and adjust routine
10Celebrate small wins — first test, new friendship, completed assignments
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