Introduce yourself and the other children to each other with games. One way to learn new names is with a silly name game. Create a circle with the class and have each child choose a word that rhymes or starts with the same letter as their first name to link it with. Each child says their silly names and the ones that came before. For example, a student would say, "I'm Hilarious Hudson; he is Soccer Sam and she is Penny Jenny."
Pretend the first day of school is New Year's Day and offer activities just like January first. Immediately pass out paper hats as the children enter the classroom. Create an atmosphere of a a brand new year by asking students what their New Year's resolutions and goals are. Blow soap bubbles in the classroom to help with the children's anxiety. Provide special snacks for the first day, such as crackers and cheese, fresh cut fruit and apple juice mixed with sparkling water.
Welcome back to school projects help create an atmosphere of friendship and community. Create welcome bags for each student. Place an eraser in it to show it is okay to make mistakes, a heart to show everyone cares, a plastic gem because each student is special and a pack of Smarties candies because every student has her own type of smarts. Go through each item to explain what they signify.
Celebrate the end of the first day of school for first-graders with a time capsule. At the end of the day, ask each student to write down things they hope for, things they have already accomplished and things they will accomplish in school. First-graders may need some help writing down these ideas. Add these notes and other items from the first day of school, such as artwork or paper hats from the day. On the last day of school, the class will open up the time capsule.