When students enter the classroom, they become a family. They help each other learn, cheer each other up when sad, and share. Honestly, it is amazing to see the bonds that develop as students spend time together. However, kindergarten students may need some help since the classroom is new. Thankfully, you can begin your kindergarten year with 10 memorable traditions that build community! Students will love these activities while building community with their classmates.
1. Establish a morning ritual of greeting children at the door
This is so important! You can greet students with a smile, a handshake, or a hug. As you greet students, say each of their names. This is an incredible way to model a warm welcome. As students enter the classroom, teach them to shake hands with their new kindergarten friends. Students will love going home and showing their parents their greetings!
There is nothing sweeter to a child than the sound of their own name.
2. Morning Jobs and Settling-in-Time
Students love to help out! So, develop consistent morning jobs and routines for students as they settle in. You will be amazed at how seriously students take their jobs. For example, children can write messages to friends, and a mail carrier can deliver them! It is so helpful to use anchor charts with photos to help students remember their responsibility. Plus, this makes it quick and easy to rotate jobs.
After finishing morning jobs, students need time to transition. Personally, we are book lovers! So, we get time to choose a book, relax, and prepare our minds and body for learning.
3. Create a joyful sense of belonging.
It is crucial that every student feels welcome when you begin your kindergarten year with 10 memorable traditions that build community. So, it is helpful to come together in the morning to sing and dance. Additionally, play name games that acknowledge each individual child. This routine creates an amazing sense of belonging and excitement among students.
4. Sing Spanish and English Greeting Songs: Hola Mis Amigos
A community is full of different languages and traditions. So, we sing greeting songs in Spanish, English, and American Sign Language (ASL). Personally, we always learn “Hola Mis Amigos/Hello My Friends.” This short greeting song introduces familiar cultural phrases in Spanish and English. The ASL bridges comprehension between languages. Once students learn this song, we begin the “I Can Read” September Poetry Notebook.
5. Take a Class Photo and Choose a Class Name
Kindergarten is a year of so many firsts for students. Just as families take pictures, the classroom needs a picture! Early in the year, have a class photo taken. Then, decide on a class name. For example, you may call yourselves “The Kinder Stars” or “The Busy Bees.” Students will love hearing their classroom name! Be sure to tell lunch and recess monitors because this can be an excellent way for your class to come together quickly!
6. Establish Your Storytelling Traditions
Consistency is key when you begin your kindergarten year with 10 memorable traditions that build community. Students need familiarity. Establishing storytelling traditions is a great way to do this! For example, it can be a special place for the teacher to sit, a storytelling teddy bear, or classical music in preparation for a story. There are so many beautiful ways to build traditions!
7. Bring Your Life Into the Classroom
Teachers work so hard to get to know their students. However, students also want to get to know their teacher! Bring pictures and artifacts showing who you are and what you like to do. Students will love learning who their teacher is outside of being a kindergarten teacher.
8. Bring the Lives of Your Children into the Classroom
Just as students want to get to know you, they also want to learn about your family. So, bring in pictures of your children! Allow your students to see your family. You can even bring in pictures that your kids color. Your classroom family will love this!
9. Introduce Literacy Traditions: Chant “Reading is Fun!”
Kindergarteners learn so much! Developing literacy traditions that set high expectations for excellence will be crucial. For example, the “Reading is Fun!” chant brings the class together while reminding everyone how exciting being a reader is. We even create fun book clubs that showcase excellent books!
10. Let “Kindergarten Kindness” be a year-long theme.
Students need tons of exposure to kindness. They need it modeled each day and time to practice. This is why we embed “Kindergarten Kindness” throughout the day. We always shake hands and say, “Good job!” after playing a game. Additionally, we have a special tradition at the door where students choose an “h.” This includes a handshake, a hug, or a high-five. We also have a special end-of-day ritual that says, “Teacher cares about me.”
A powerful way to end the day involves the Nellie Edge Read and Sing Book™ Goodnight Irene. The smiling faces in your classroom will light up as they hear their names in the song! Honestly, creating a consistent end-of-the-day ritual will be a powerful way to bring closure and send children home with a smile!
When you begin your kindergarten year with 10 memorable traditions that build community, check out these resources!
- Download the FREE eBook: Begin the Year with Social Emotional Learning: Spark Joy All Year Long!
- Visit Nellie Edge on TPT: Social Emotional Learning Kindergarten
Kindergarten is a year full of learning, laughter, and adjustment. By working to begin your kindergarten year with 10 memorable traditions that build community, students will feel welcome and comfortable. It will be amazing to see students support each other all year!
Save these memorable traditions!
Make sure to save these ideas to your favorite back to school Pinterest board. You will be able to come back to this blog when you are ready to build a fantastic learning community.
