back to school
5 ways to create a warm welcome for students
preschool-kindergarten
The first day of school sets the tone for the entire year-and for our youngest learners in preschool and kindergarten, those first impressions matter so much.
Creating a warm, welcoming classroom helps ease separation anxiety, build trust, and spark excitement for learning from day one.
As a former preschool teacher, I know those first moments set the tone for the entire year.
Over time, I learned that small, intentional touches-sometimes wonderfully simple-can turn your classroom into a welcoming space that builds trust and connection from day one.
Here are 5 teacher-approved, big impact ways to create a warm welcome for preschool and kindergarten students that are easy to prep, purposeful, and full of heart.
How to Make Students feel comfortable on the first day of school.
1. Create an “Our Artwork” Wall
Give students a sense of pride, ownership and belonging in their new classroom starting day one by dedicating a wall to display their work.
Clip their creations to twine with clothespins or tack them to a bright bulletin board. Above the display, add a fun title like:
Look What We Made
Masterpiece Makers
Proud of Our Work
Make sure each child has a labeled space with their name so they can beam with pride every time they add a new piece.
Add cozy touches around the area-like plants, pillows, or a bookshelf-so it feels like an inviting gallery they’ll want to visit again and again.
This artwork wall becomes more than just decoration-it’s a visual reminder that what they create truly matters and that this is their space.
2. Add Family Photos to Cubbies or around the classroom
For preschoolers and kindergarteners, seeing a familiar face during the day can bring huge comfort.
Ask families to send in a small photo of their child with loved ones and tape it to their cubby.
It’s a small detail, but it turns that cubby into “their” special space-reminding them they’re safe, cared for, and connected even when away from home.
Bonus: it’s a great conversation starter for classmates (“That’s my dog!”) and helps teachers learn more about each child’s family life.
It’s also a wonderful way to promote a family atmosphere in your classroom-a visual cue that everyone is seen and welcome!
That little glimpse of home can be a powerful emotional anchor throughout the day.
3. Send a First-Day Take-Home Note
Before the first day even arrives, you can start building connections that calm nerves and spark excitement.
One of my favorite back-to-school traditions was sending each student a “Meet Your Teacher” postcard in the mail.
I’d cozy up at my desk with a cup of coffee, a rainbow of pens, and a stack of cheerful blank cards ready to fill each one with a personal note.
Inside, I’d share a photo of myself, a fun fact (“I love gummy bears!”), a quick peek at something exciting we’d do that year (“Get ready for pumpkin volcanoes!”), and a warm welcome that made my students feel like they already belonged in our classroom.
Quick Tip: What to Include in Your “Meet Your Teacher” Postcard
A friendly greeting using the child’s name
One fun fact about you (favorite snack, hobby, or pet)
A quick preview of something exciting you’ll do this year
A sentence that says, “I can’t wait to meet you!”
A photo of yourself
Your name in large, cheerful handwriting
And that is one simple way to turn a nervous hello into an excited “I can’t wait!”
4. Take a Classroom Tour with a Scavenger Hunt
Walking into a brand-new classroom can feel overwhelming for little learners.
Turn that “Where am I?” feeling into an exciting adventure with a back-to-school scavenger hunt!
Students can search for familiar areas like the reading nook, cubbies and library -learning the layout of their new space while having fun.
You can guide them in small groups or as a whole class, using playful rhymes or picture clues to help them along.
By the end, they’ll feel confident knowing where things are and excited to explore on their own.
You can create a Classroom Scavenger Hunt or an Around the School Scavenger Hunt.
Want to save yourself the prep time? I’ve got a print-and-go scavenger hunt with pre-written clues, editable options, and fun extras ready for you in my Back to School Bundle.
5. Welcome Them at the Door
There’s nothing quite like being greeted with a big smile, a high-five, or a cheerful “Good morning!” right at the classroom door.
Meeting your students personally sends the message, “I see you. I’m glad you’re here.”
It’s also a great way to begin learning names quickly and start forming those all-important relationships.
You can make it extra fun by adding a colorful welcome mat, seasonal door décor, or even a morning greeting choice board where students can choose a wave, hug, or high-five.
This tiny moment of connection creates a big sense of belonging.
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat...
without reinventing the wheel!
Creating a warm welcome for your preschool or kindergarten students isn’t about big budgets or over-the-top décor…
It’s about the little things that make children feel seen, safe, and excited to be at school.
Whether it’s a handwritten postcard, a cozy art wall, or a joyful greeting at the door, these small acts set the stage for a year full of learning, laughter, and connection.
Here’s to turning those first-day jitters into first-day joy!
