10 First Day of Preschool Activity Ideas for Teachers

The first day of preschool- brings excitement, curiosity, and nervousness. It is the beginning of the child’s lifelong learning journey. Attending full-time preschool in Surrey for children can be marked as the first time away from home for an extended period. Therefore, this transition can be difficult for child parents as well as teachers. However, it is the duty of teachers to shape the first impression of a school full of life. There are multiple preschool activity ideas that can help make the first day memorable and meaningful for every child. From warm welcome, fun activities to structured routines, all these can go a long way in building trust and comfort for children and parents as well.   

Through this blog, let’s explore a variety of preschool activities to entertain children on the first day. 

Why the First Day Matters More Than Ever

The post-pandemic era has reshaped how educators approach early childhood learning. Many children are now entering preschool after a prolonged time at home, with limited exposure to peer interaction. That makes the first day more crucial than ever.

Today’s preschools in Surrey BC, and across Canada are focusing more on structured play, sensory development, and personalized care. First impressions matter—and your activities can either spark enthusiasm or anxiety in little learners. That’s why having an intentional plan with proven Preschool Activity Ideas is the key to success.

Various Preschool First Day Activities

The list includes:-

1. Name Tag Decorating Table

Objective: Encourage self-expression and name recognition.

Set up a station with markers, stickers, and colorful craft materials where children can decorate their own name tags. This not only further gives them a sense of ownership but also helps teachers and peers learn each other’s names.

Tip: Laminate the finished name tags for durability. It’s a great way to start building community in your preschool in Surrey classroom.

2. Meet-and-Greet Circle Time

Objective: Build a sense of belonging and ease separation anxiety.

Start the day with a simple circle time where each child introduces themselves with a fun fact, favorite color, or stuffed toy (if you allow one on the first day). Keep it light and informal—just enough to break the ice.

Therefore, this approach is a staple in many full time preschools in Surrey, helping children feel acknowledged and seen.

3. Classroom Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Familiarize kids with their new environment.

Design a kid-friendly scavenger hunt where children can find key areas in the classroom: the reading nook, bathroom, toy shelf, and more. Use pictures or symbols if your students can’t read yet.

Subsequently, this interactive orientation is one of the most effective Preschool Activity Ideas to help children explore confidently and independently.

4. Feelings Chart with Emoji Cards

Objective: Promote emotional awareness.

Set up a “How Are You Feeling Today?” board with Velcro emoji faces. Encourage kids to pick an emoji that represents how they feel and stick it on the chart during morning arrival.

Many preschools in Surrey BC are now incorporating daily emotional check-ins as part of their SEL (Social Emotional Learning) curriculum.

5. All About Me Collage

Objective: Help children express their identity.

Provide pre-cut magazine pictures, paper shapes, and drawing materials. Have children create an “All About Me” collage including things they like, their favorite animals, or how they get to school.

Display these collages on the wall. It not only beautifies the classroom but gives every child a sense of ownership on day one.

6. Storytime with Puppets

Objective: Encourage listening and imagination.

Choose a fun, simple story and bring it to life with puppets. You could even let the kids hold the puppets during the story or act out scenes afterward.

This is a gentle and familiar way to introduce children to your full time preschool in Surrey, especially those who may be shy or hesitant.

7. Sensory Play Stations

Objective: Stimulate tactile learning and calm anxiety.

Set up bins with kinetic sand, water beads, play-dough, or dry pasta. Sensory activities are known to have a calming effect, making them ideal for the first day.

You’ll often see these kinds of sensory play tables in modern preschools in Surrey BC, especially those adopting Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired methods.

8. Music & Movement Session

Objective: Channel energy and build motor skills.

Organize a short session with fun action songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” or “The Wheels on the Bus.” Use scarves, shakers, or ribbons for added fun.

Eventually, not only do these activities help burn some first-day nervous energy, but they also build coordination and cooperation.

9. Classroom Rules Song

Objective: Introduce routines in a friendly way.

Instead of announcing classroom rules, turn them into a song! For example:
  “We raise our hand to talk, not shout,
We help our friends, there’s no doubt…” 

Therefore, this playful method is widely used in many preschools in Surrey, helping students internalize rules through repetition and music.

10. Goodbye Routine with a Visual Chart

Objective: Make the departure smoother and predictable.

Many young learners struggle with separation anxiety at pick-up time too. Create a “Goodbye Routine Chart” with illustrations: Clean-up → Backpack → High-Five → Hug → Door.

Moreover, consistency helps children (and parents!) feel more comfortable. A structured goodbye also sets the tone for smoother drop-offs in the following days.

Bonus Tips for Teachers on Day One

• Be flexible: Every child adjusts differently—leave room in your schedule to go slower or faster. 
• Have backup activities: Always have a couple of low-energy, calming games handy. 
• Communicate with parents: A quick update or message after the first day can go a long way in building trust. 

Local Relevance: What Makes the First Day Different in a Preschool in Surrey?

If you’re running or teaching in a preschool in Surrey, your first day will likely include more multicultural learners, as Surrey is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada. This means your Preschool Activity Ideas should be inclusive and culturally sensitive.

Also, many full time preschools in Surrey are located in urban neighborhoods with working parents. So, creating a structured, engaging, and emotionally safe classroom from day one isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.

Furthermore, parents expect a professional yet warm environment where their children are nurtured and guided into independence. Starting with intentional, well-thought-out activities helps meet those expectations.

Final Thoughts

The first day of preschool is the foundation for the coming school years. Creating a safe, joyful, and engaging space allows children to begin school with positivity. Moreover, the above-mentioned preschool activity ideas will help teachers to create meaningful first-day experiences that children will remember forever and parents will appreciate. 

So, if you’re a parent and searching for a trusted and nurturing preschool in Surrey BC, look no further than Kidzville Learning Center, which emphasizes child-led learning, emotional development, and inclusive practices. Our experience and professional teachers create a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.