The back to school season brings new students, routines, and responsibilities. While exciting, it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re trying to set up your classroom, communicate with families, and plan engaging lessons, all at once.
To make things easier, we’ve created a practical Back-to-School Teacher Checklist. It’s designed to help you stay focused, reduce stress, and walk into the first week feeling confident and in control.
1. Classroom Setup & Organization
Creating an efficient, welcoming environment from the start sets the tone for your entire year.
Use this mini-checklist to get started:
- Arrange desks to support both collaboration and smooth traffic flow
- Set up designated areas for supplies, group work, and tech stations
- Post your daily schedule, rules, and routines where all students can see them
- Create a student-centered “Welcome” space to display names or photos
- Prepare your teacher zone with planners, devices, and essentials
2. Supplies & Student Materials
Avoid last-minute chaos by taking stock of your supplies early.
Checklist:
- Inventory classroom basics: pencils, markers, paper, scissors, glue
- Prepare any handouts or worksheets for Week 1
- Label student folders, bins, or cubbies
- Restock cleaning supplies, tissues, and sanitizer
- Create a few extras for students without materials
3. Classroom Decor
Your classroom should reflect your teaching style and make students feel inspired.
Ideas for easy decor wins:
- Bulletin boards with motivational quotes or student goals
- A birthday board or “All About Me” wall to celebrate each child
- Functional posters (e.g., classroom routines, schedule, rules)
- A cozy reading corner or themed learning center
- Personalized name tags or door signs to build connection
4. Parent & Family Communication
Strong communication early on builds trust and sets expectations.
To-do list:
- Draft your welcome letter or email
- Prepare a simple classroom newsletter template
- Set up tech tools (Remind, email lists, folders for notes sent home)
- Create a contact log to track conversations or important updates
- Have important forms and permission slips ready for Day 1
5. Back to School: First Week Planning
Getting your first week planned helps reduce stress and gives you more energy to build classroom culture.
Suggestions:
- Schedule a mix of academic, social-emotional, and team-building activities
- Launch your first Legends of Learning assignment or Awakening quest to introduce routines and get students excited
- Choose fun, educational games to boost student engagement, like:
- Angry Birds and the Multiplication Portal: Help the birds protect the eggs with the power of a multiplication portal!
- Robot Chef: Build your dream robot restaurant while practicing key science concepts!
- or Video Lessons
- Plant vs. Animals Cells – A clear, student-friendly comparison of cell structures
- Frozen Facts: Ice Cream and Mass Magics – Learn how things change by making some ice cream!
- Use our free printable “All About Me” sheet to get to know your students
- Introduce classroom expectations in a way that feels positive and supportive
💡 Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Yourself
The start of the year is intense. Make space to take care of you.
Try this:
- Build in breaks for coffee, deep breaths, or movement
- Don’t aim for perfection—progress is the real goal
- Keep a few uplifting notes from students/families nearby for tough days
Download Your Printable Checklist
Want all these steps in one simple, ready-to-use format?
Grab your free printable Back-to-School Teacher Checklist here:
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean burnout. With a little planning and the right tools, you can start the year feeling prepared, inspired, and excited for what’s ahead.
Need support with engaging, curriculum-aligned activities that students love?
🎮 Create your first Legends of Learning assignment today and bring your classroom to life!
