First Week Activities in a Special Education Classroom: Build Routines, Relationships & Confidence (+ Freebies!)
The first week of school in a special education classroom can feel overwhelming, even if you've been teaching for years. Every August I hear the same question from teachers:
"What should I actually do during the first week?"
If you've been losing sleep over your plans, you're not alone. The good news is that your goal during the first week is not to dive into rigorous academics.
Your biggest priorities are building routines, helping students feel safe, and getting to know them.
These are the activities I always focused on during the first week in my self-contained special education classroom.
1. Start Your Regular Schedule Right Away
One of the best things you can do is begin using your classroom schedule on the very first day.
Even though the activities are simple, students immediately start learning what to expect throughout the day. That consistency helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence.
I intentionally keep the academic work easy and engaging during the first week. Students are already learning new people, new expectations, and a brand new routine. They do not need difficult academics added on top of everything else.
Keeping activities simple also gives me a chance to observe where each student is academically so I can better plan instruction for the weeks ahead.
2. Take a School Scavenger Hunt
Many students need extra practice learning their new school environment.
A school scavenger hunt is a fun way to introduce important locations such as:
- The cafeteria
- The office
- The gym
- The library
- The nurse
- The playground
- The pool (if your school has one)
One of my coworkers even created a QR code scavenger hunt where students scanned codes in each location to discover where to go next. It was a fun way to practice using technology while learning the school building.
3. Help Students Get to Know Each Other
Even if most of your students were in your classroom last year, spend time talking about summer and helping everyone reconnect.
There is almost always at least one new student, so giving everyone opportunities to share helps build classroom community from day one.
I created a free visual "Get to Know You" activity that allows every student to participate, including students who need visual supports or have limited communication skills.
4. Take Classroom Pictures and Make Class Books
This is one of my favorite first-week activities.
Take pictures of students:
- Sitting at their desks
- Working in centers
- Exploring the classroom
- Participating in routines
Print the pictures and send copies home.
These photos give families an easy way to start conversations about school, especially for students who have difficulty telling parents about their day.
I also display student pictures around the classroom. We even use them for attendance. Small touches like this help students feel that the classroom truly belongs to them.
Another favorite activity is creating a class book together.
If you're thinking, "My students can't write a class book," think again.
Pictures make class books accessible for so many learners. Students love seeing themselves in books they helped create.
This customizable greetings class book is a fun way to build classroom community while practicing greetings at the same time.
5. Teach Classroom Rules and Expectations
The first week is the perfect time to clearly teach classroom expectations.
Keep your rules simple.
Review them often.
Be consistent.
Many students in special education also have individual behavior plans. Remember that different students may need different supports and expectations, and that is completely okay.
I also like creating additional visual reminders for students who benefit from extra support.
You can grab my FREE classroom rules here.
6. Build a Predictable Morning Routine
If you've followed me for very long, you probably know this already.
I absolutely love a strong morning routine.
In fact, I think every special education classroom should have a predictable, student-centered morning routine.
Starting each day the same way helps students know what to expect and creates a calm, successful beginning to the day.
We actually spend very little time doing whole-group activities throughout the day, but those first 15 minutes every morning are some of the most valuable minutes in our classroom.
A consistent morning routine sets the tone for everything that follows.
7. Connect with Families Right Away
The first week isn't only about getting to know your students.
It's also about getting to know their families.
Send home an introduction letter so parents know who you are, and include a parent questionnaire that helps you learn more about their child.
Parents know their children better than anyone else, and their input can be incredibly valuable as you begin planning supports and building relationships.
I use these editable Back to School Forms, and I've shared them with you so you can make your own copy and personalize them with your information.
Your First Week Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
If your first day or even your first week doesn't go exactly as planned, take a deep breath.
That is completely normal.
Teaching special education often means adjusting your plans, thinking on your feet, and learning what each student needs before instruction really takes off.
Focus on building routines, creating relationships, and helping students feel safe.
The academics will come.
You've got this.