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I remember a lot of my first days of school - getting new folders and planners with fun decorations and themes, picking out what to wear and taking a photo before getting into the car. (For Kindergarten, I insisted on wearing my rainbow headband!)
I was too young to remember my very first day of preschool, but without me knowing, it was probably one of the most instrumental days of my life. The first day of preschool, and the first time walking into a classroom sets the stage for a child’s educational journey and perceptions of learning.
A warm and welcoming classroom can go a long way in making this first impression a positive one.
Creating a warm and welcoming classroom environment is crucial in fostering a sense of security and belonging, which are foundational to early childhood growth and development. As Welcoming Schools explains, “A feeling of belonging is critical to every child’s well-being. This is illustrated starting in infancy and throughout early childhood with the drive to attach and form bonds. These bonds help children fulfill their potential in all areas of development—physical, social, emotional and cognitive.”
A nurturing space not only eases the transition from home to school but also, research consistently shows that when children feel safe, secure, and valued in their learning spaces, they are more likely to engage positively with their surroundings, embrace new challenges, develop strong social-emotional skills, and build healthy relationships with the other children, and their teachers.
Simply, a warm and welcoming preschool classroom creates a foundation of trust and comfort that is essential for young children, as it allows them to explore, learn, and grow with confidence.
Speaking with parents or primary carers before the start of school is really helpful in creating a welcoming classroom environment.
First, it’s important to know how to pronounce each child’s name, and what they preferred to be called. It’s unsettling when you're a toddler and someone new greets you and mispronounces your name.
You should also learn a bit more about the child(ren)’s preferences - favorite color, favorite books, favorite toys, interests, etc.
What about their child(ren)’s learning style? What skills are they developing faster than others? Are there any areas they are struggling to grasp?
What has helped their child adjust to changes and transitions before? What doesn’t help?
(By the way, did you know you could directly message each parent through the Famly app? Then, you don’t have to keep track of all the email responses you get – they’ll all be in one place, and it’s super easy to remember which family belongs to which child!)
These interactions will be extremely helpful in the following ways that you can make your classroom inviting and welcoming to all the children.
Now on to preschool classroom ideas that will make your preschool classroom a great learning environment for all the kiddos...
This may seem a bit obvious, but it can be really effective in creating an environment where the children feel welcomed and comfortable. And remember - make sure to say their name correctly!
It’s always more comforting as a parent or family member to know you’re leaving your child in an environment where the teachers and staff are attentive, engaged, caring and personable.
Photos, posters, and any wall decoration, as well as books and any other learning materials should represent a variety of cultures and identities. Simply, “representation matters – especially in early childhood experiences!
Children that see positive representations of themselves in a variety of learning activities, like books or movie characters, they can more easily imagine themselves in the big wide world.
It also enhances their learning experience: “When children see and hear themselves reflected in their classroom environment, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem. They are not only more open to learning, but they are able to shape high expectations for themselves.”
Encourage children and their families to share about their culture and traditions, and see how you can incorporate some of it into your classroom - maybe a specific story book, or snack, or incorporate their traditional music into your movement activities.
(Did you know that Famly can translate all of your communication into over 130 languages? It makes communicating with your multilingual families super easy!)
With the information you get from the families, you can plan engaging activities for the first day of preschool. You can weave in some of their interests and hobbies into activities. Here are some first day activity ideas for inspiration!
While you are probably excited to decorate walls and bulletin boards with the preschool classroom theme you have chosen, remember to leave at least some empty space for children to hang their own work. When children see something they created on the walls, it gives a sense of belonging, and even ownership, of the space. This will make the space feel familiar, and comforting.
This is also a great way to spend the first day – and arts and craft activity that they can hang on the wall.
As a creative, I also get excited about colors, decorations and themes. But, sometimes less really is more. Too bright of colors, too many colors or too many decorations, posters and art can be overwhelming. Keep this in mind as you plan your preschool classroom themes.
And again, having some empty space lets children know that there is room to make the space their own. A blank wall signals, this is your space for your learning journey, and we can’t wait to celebrate you and your milestones - both big and small.
It’s easy to feel a sense of belonging when your name is found in multiple places. Put name tags on cubbies, or on the wall with an empty space for children to add some family photos, or something a bit about themselves (another great first day activity!).
Make sure to plan some one-on-one time with each child on the first day – even if it is just for a couple minutes. Something as simple as reading a book and observing how engaged they are.
Do they flip the book pages? Do they point to the pictures and talk or babble? You can ask them questions about what sticks out to them.
Like I said in the point above, it is easy to feel overwhelmed when almost everything feels unfamiliar. Setting clear rules and expectations is important in creating a routine, and young children thrive in routines.
The rules and expectations will be new on the first day, but if you start off implementing them from the get-go, they will soon become predictable and comforting.
Your preschool classroom layout can also influence how comforting the space feels for the little ones. One area to definitely include is a designated quiet space.
New situations can be challenging for anyone. But imagine being a 2-year-old where almost everything feels like it’s unfamiliar. A new classroom means new people, new smell, new objects, new furniture, and so much more. A quiet space can be really helpful when feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated - even if just for a quick 5 minutes.
As I said above, planning an arts and crafts activity on the first day is great for hanging some child-created wall decorations. But, it is also important to plan activities that encourage socializing and playing together.
This will help you see how each child interacts with others, and handles group situations. But more importantly, friendships can be made, and that will ultimately create a more fun and welcoming environment.
You could also implement a buddy system if you think that makes the most sense for your classroom and your students.
Build in some one-on-one time with each student
Safety first - of course. Most objects and equipment should be out of reach of the children. However, it is also important to have child-friendly and age-appropriate materials and objects that are in their eye-sight and they are able to reach and engage with. This prompted curiosity, exploration and independent play.
It’s essential to continue to maintain a warm, welcoming and positive learning environment - not just at the start of the year.
Here’s a simple way to do just that:
Interests change, and different developmental areas can become easier and harder, and learning styles can adapt. Keep the dialogue open with families and the children.
What are their favorite activities? Which do they not like as much? What types of shows or movies are they watching at home? What type of music are they listening to? Continue to incorporate what you find out into your lesson plans.
And, in your classroom, provide them with new activities so they can explore new possible interests. After all, you are teaching them developmental skills, but you are also encouraging the children to grow into their unique selves filled with interests, preferences, opinions, and personality.
Children and their safety and development are the priority, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about yourself.
It can be hard for anyone to talk about, and be engaged in something that is not interesting to them. So, make sure to find a balance of daily activities and teaching methods that include the children’s interests, but also your own hobbies and passions.
Guidance from the Danish Health Ministry, translated in full to English.
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The full recommendations from a working group of over 70 nursery chains in the UK.
Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.
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