The first week of school is always a whirlwind—between the long to-do list, learning new names, and helping your little learners settle in, it can feel like organized chaos. But what if you could take one HUGE thing off your plate before summer even starts? This box is the most crucial thing you’ll pack for your future self during this end of year classroom prep time. Let’s make your August self super thankful by prepping now, while your routines are fresh and your classroom is still intact!
End of Year Classroom Prep – Create a “First Week of School” Box
Imagine it’s the week before school starts, and instead of scrambling to remember where you stashed everything back in May, you simply pull out one clearly labeled bin—and boom, you’re ready. No digging. No stress.
I do this every year now, and it has saved me hours and so much stress. I use a large Sterilite or tote bin, label it “First Week of School Kit,” and pack it with everything I’ll need to start the year strong.
Take a look at what goes inside my first week of school box:
Books for Classroom Routines + Building Connections
Think warm, welcoming stories that help kids feel seen and safe. I choose books that build classroom community, teach expectations, and kick off our routines with meaning. (Want a peek at my favorites? I share them HERE!)
Anchor Chart Materials + Companion Activities
I pre-cut and prepped all anchor chart labels and any coordinating student activities that help bring our first week read-alouds to life. Check out my hack for perfect anchor charts every time HERE!
5 Full Days of Detailed Lesson Plans
Start your year with confidence! These five ready-to-go lesson plans are designed to ease you and your students into the school year with structure, purpose, and flexibility. Everything is mapped out so you can focus on connection—not last-minute planning. Plus there are also editable templates to tailor lessons to your needs. A complete win – win! Such a great thing to prep during end of the school year when we’re still in work mode.
Community Building + Teamwork
Lay the foundation for a strong classroom community from day one. These engaging activities help students get to know each other, build trust, and learn how to work together as a team—all while having fun! You can even ask your current students to rank their favorite community building activities. Use that information to tailor your first week box even more ahead during this end of the year classroom prep.
All About Me Bags are another great way to get to know students while involving their families. Students collect a few small items from home and put them in their bag. Throughout the week, students take turns sharing the items from their bag so that the class can get to know each other a little better. This activity is also a great time filler during that down time you may have that first week.
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Expectations, Procedures, & Rules
Teach your routines with intention and clarity. These activities walk students through your classroom expectations in an age-appropriate way, setting the tone for a smooth and respectful school year.
Emergency Sub Binder
This gets thrown into the first week kit too because you never know what might happen! If I have a class list before summer, I pop it into the bin so I can update my sub binder during pre-planning. If not, I drop in a sticky note reminder to do it later! Check out even more tips for preparing a substitute teacher HERE!
A Little Surprise for You
Because you’ll deserve a treat when August rolls around. Whether it’s a note of encouragement, a favorite snack, or a cute notepad—future you will appreciate the pick-me-up!
End of the Year Classroom Prep – Why This Box Works
By packing this bin before you walk out in May, you’re giving yourself the gift of peace. It’s one less thing to worry about when the back-to-school chaos hits. Plus, you’ll be way more likely to enjoy your summer knowing the first week is already handled. It’s the ultimate hack for end of the year classroom prep!
So, as you pack up your classroom this year, carve out a little time for your future self. Create your first week of school box—you won’t regret it! And don’t just take my word and experience for it. It’s unquestionably a hit! Here’s what other teachers just like you are saying about this kit!
“Obsessed is an understatement! This is the best resource one could buy! The bonus of the first week tub is AMAZING! I got it all printed and bound and I can’t wait to build and have the best classroom ever!!” -Alexandra
One of my best purchases. It made starting the school year so effortless! – Suzanne
This resource was SO valuable for planning the first weeks back and finding fun, engaging activities to promote community in my classroom. I loved how adaptable the plans were and how simple they were to carry out, and my students really loved the activities (the name STEM activity was so fun and it allowed for a lot of valuable conversation). Thank you thank you thank you. This is my first year in second and the read aloud suggestions and connected activities were perfect. – Molly
Check out this sneak peek video of how to assemble this awesome kit!
So what are you waiting for? NOW is the time. Grab your First Week Kit and make it the BEST YEAR EVER. The best part? Once you prep your kit, you’ll have it FOREVER. I even teach you some simple and easy tricks so that you can save your masters so that all you have to do each year is make your copies and you’re good to go!
More Tips For End of the Year Classroom Prep
Want to learn more tips and tricks for closing out your classroom this year a breeze? Check out some more helpful blogs below!
5 Easy End of the Year Organization Tips to Save You Time
End of the Year Mistakes Teachers Should Avoid
5 Tips to Finish the School Year Strong
I really hope you enjoyed learning about this ultimate hack for your end of year classroom prep! Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list! Not only will you get the most up to date tips, tricks, and classroom projects… and of course more fun FREEBIES including the All About Me Bag FREEBIE! You will also have exclusive access to tons of digital how to videos! If you would like to learn about this and other things happening in my classroom follow me @sweetnsauerfirsties on Instagram.
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