first week of school activity
Back to School Scavenger Hunt
preschool-kindergarten
The first day of school can feel like a whirlwind of tiny backpacks, teary goodbyes, and “Where do I put my crayons?” questions.
Whether you’re welcoming brand-new preschoolers or a crew of excited kindergartners, helping your students feel safe and settled is the top priority.
That’s why a Back to School Scavenger Hunt is one of my absolute favorite ways to kick off the year.
It turns classroom routines into a hands-on adventure, eases first-day jitters, and gives kids the chance to explore their new space with confidence.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use a classroom scavenger hunt during the first week of school-and share my go-to printable scavenger hunt that’s teacher-tested and kid-approved.
Whether you’re planning your first day of preschool or mapping out your kindergarten classroom tour…
this fun and flexible activity is about to become your new go to for starting the year strong!
How to Set Up a Back to School Scavenger Hunt in Your Classroom
Think about the areas of your classroom and school you want students to become familiar with on day one. A few great starting points:
The cubby area or backpack hooks
The Library
The Playground
The Office
Where you eat lunch
The bathrooms
Aim for 6–10 stops-just enough to keep it engaging without overwhelming your littles.
If you’re DIY-ing your scavenger hunt, jot down simple clues or visuals that will lead students from one area to the next.
For example:
“I’m the place where stories are told,
Find the books with covers bold!”
Want to save yourself the prep time? I’ve got a print-and-go version with pre-written clues along with lots of other goodies to make your students feel safe, seen, and excited to explore their new classroom.
It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect, just a few simple, thoughtful items to wrap up the adventure on a joyful note.
You might include things like:
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Stickers or stamps
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mini sensory toys
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A welcome note (“You’re going to shine this year!”)
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Fun pencils or markers
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Crowns for your Scavenger Hunt Superstars
Tuck the first clue inside a favorite back to school–themed read-aloud, a fun surprise your students will discover right after storytime.
Then, hide the rest of the clues around the classroom/school in their matching spots, and don’t forget to stash your treasure basket at the final stop. A little prep now = a whole lot of engagement later!
Read your favorite back to school book… and surprise!
As you turn the final page, your students discover something exciting-a clue tucked inside!
It’s the perfect way to transition into your classroom scavenger hunt with a little storytelling magic.
Once your read-aloud is done, let the adventure begin!
Follow the clues with your students until you find the hidden treasure.
Book Suggestions
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg (Silly twist ending that gets everyone laughing)
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney (Great for preschoolers navigating separation)
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex (Told from the perspective of the school building-relatable and fun)
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate (Alphabet-based and great for transitions)
If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff (Whimsical and perfect for sparking curiosity)
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin (Great for building confidence and class community)
The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing (Use this as a calming lead-in to your scavenger hunt adventure)
Once the scavenger hunt is over, gather your students in a circle and talk through what they found.
Ask:
“What was your favorite stop?”
“Where do you go to wash your hands?”
“Where can you find a quiet spot if you need a break?”
This reflection reinforces what they learned and builds community from the start.
Want to Save Time with a Ready-to-Use Scavenger Hunt?
You can absolutely create your own clues with paper, markers, and a little creativity- but if you’re racing to set up your classroom, prep name tags, and figure out how to get 20 kids to lunch on time… you might just need something done for you.
That’s where my printable Back to School Scavenger Hunt comes in!
It includes:
Whether you use it on the first day or sometime during the first week, this activity will have your students giggling, learning, and feeling right at home.
You get the full printable version right here in my TPT store.
