Have the children find items around the room to familiarize themselves. First have the children find their seat, cubby and coat hook these are the things they'll use every day. Next, have the children find the art supplies, craft area, music area and where they will sit for circle time. Then give them a list of items to find such as a fish aquarium, book shelf, teachers desk, sink and chalkboard. Let the children explore their new surroundings and ask them questions about everything they touch or see.
Invite the children to come and sit for a special story during kindergarten opening. The book, "The Night Before Kindergarten" by Natasha Wing and Julie Durrell allows children to build excitement for their new school. Once the book is finished have each child draw a picture relating to the story or what he thinks will be his favorite part of kindergarten. Hang the pictures on the wall so the kids have something familiar about school when they come for their first day.
Lay a large, white roll of paper on the ground and have each new kindergartner lay on the paper and have the parents trace their body. While the parents are talking with the new teacher have the children add faces, hair and clothing to their paper people. Give the children crayons, markers, and stickers to decorate. Once they are finished, have the children show the teacher their person and let them explain why they decorated their person the way they did. This will help the teacher learn a little more about each child - their favorite color, toy or article of clothing.
When the children come to the classroom, the teacher should hand them a circle eight inches in diameter. Give the children markers so they can color in their circle or draw a picture. Once the children are finished with their circles compile the circles together in a caterpillar form above the chalkboard. Talk with each child about their circle and their excitement or fear of kindergarten. When finished, read the book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.