The first week of school sets the tone for the entire year, but let’s be real—no teacher gets it perfect right away. Between meeting new students, juggling lesson plans, and trying to remember everyone’s names, it’s easy to make a few missteps. The good news? Those first-week pitfalls don’t have to derail your year! Here are five common mistakes teachers make in week one—and, more importantly, how to fix them for a smoother, more successful start.
Teacher Mistake #1 – Overloading Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes teachers make the first week is trying to do too much. Between decorating the classroom, prepping lessons, and keeping up with administrative tasks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But burning yourself out in week one isn’t sustainable.
How to fix it: Prioritize what truly matters. Instead of aiming for a Pinterest-perfect classroom, focus on making your space functional and welcoming. Give yourself permission to spread out tasks over the first month, rather than cramming everything into the first few days. Also, lean on automation—use templates for lesson plans and prep materials in advance to save time. Speaking of automation, I have the ULTIMATE resource to help with all of that. This First Week Kit gives you EVERYTHING you could possibly need for the first week of school. The best part is that once you assemble it once, you have it for years to come. Thank me later!
2. Not Establishing Routines and Expectations
Skipping routines in the first week is a teacher mistake that can cause chaos later. If students don’t know what’s expected of them, classroom management becomes an uphill battle.
How to fix it: Start teaching routines on day one. Show students exactly how to enter the classroom, transition between activities, and handle materials. Practice, model, and reinforce these expectations throughout the week. Instead of assuming students will “figure it out,” be explicit and consistent—it will pay off in the long run! I love using these slides to teach classroom procedures and routines to give students consistent reminders of what is expected of them.
Teacher Mistake #3 – Not Leaning Into Community Building
With so much to cover, some teachers dive straight into academics and overlook relationship-building. But skipping this step makes it harder to create a positive classroom culture.
How to fix it: Invest time in getting to know your students and letting them get to know each other. Icebreakers, team-building activities, and simple “get-to-know-you” games help build trust and create a more connected class. Something as simple as a morning check-in or sharing a fun fact each day makes a big difference in fostering a sense of belonging. Check out THIS post for my favorite community building activities to use in the classroom!
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4. Failing to Gauge Prior Knowledge and Skills
Another common mistake teachers make is assuming students are all on the same page academically. Jumping into new material without assessing what students already know can lead to frustration and gaps in understanding.
How to fix it: Before diving into full lessons, take time to assess prior knowledge. Use informal check-ins like discussions, quick exit tickets, or short review activities to see where your students stand. This helps you tailor instruction to their needs rather than teaching material they’ve already mastered—or leaving them lost on day one.
5. Not Using an Effective Behavior Management System
Classroom management can make or break the first week. Some teachers take a relaxed approach, hoping students will naturally follow the rules, while others start off too strict without explaining expectations. Neither extreme works well in the long run.
How to fix it: Have a clear, consistent behavior management plan from day one. Set expectations early, reinforce positive behavior, and use a system that aligns with your teaching style. Whether it’s a classroom economy, a reward system, or a simple praise-and-redirection approach, consistency is key. Students thrive when they know exactly what’s expected and what happens when expectations aren’t met.
The first week of school is exciting, but it’s also a learning curve—for both you and your students. If you’ve made some of these mistakes teachers make in week one, don’t worry! Every day is a fresh start, and small adjustments can have a big impact. Focus on setting a strong foundation with routines, relationships, and clear expectations, and you’ll be setting yourself (and your students) up for a fantastic school year.
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