First Day of School Activities to Build Relationships

Suzanne RogersBlog, Classroom Management, Innovation, Student Engagement

The first day of school is more than just setting expectations and reviewing syllabi—it’s the ideal moment to begin shaping a positive classroom culture. Thoughtfully planned activities that promote connection help students feel safe, seen, and part of a learning community from day one.

When teachers focus on building relationships early, the benefits last all year. These early efforts are foundational, from strengthening peer collaboration to boosting academic engagement. That’s why many educators prioritize first-day-of-school activities designed to foster meaningful and inclusive relationships. As Bobbie French wrote, “We want our school community to feel like they BELONG from that first moment.”

Why Relationship-Building on Day One Matters

Students thrive in environments where they feel a sense of connection and belonging. Positive peer interactions and supportive teacher-student relationships contribute to stronger engagement, higher attendance, and improved academic performance. When students know their classmates and feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to participate and take educational risks.

Activities that encourage interaction and communication are a powerful way to foster a sense of community.

Types of First Day Activities That Build Relationships

Icebreaker Activities

Icebreakers help ease first-day nerves and spark curiosity. These light, low-pressure games enable students to introduce themselves in a fun and approachable manner.

  • Two Truths and a Lie: Students share two facts and one falsehood while others guess the lie.
  • People Bingo: Students move around the room, finding peers who match prompts such as “has a pet” or “plays an instrument.”

These short activities set a welcoming tone and invite laughter, easing students into the social side of the school experience.

 

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Collaborative Group Tasks

Team-based challenges are another effective way to build connections and communication skills.

  • Shark Tank Marble Challenge: Students work in teams to move a marble using only PVC pipes—no hands allowed!
  • Newspaper Fashion Design: Small groups use newspapers to design an outfit and present it to the class.

These kinds of collaborative experiences help students learn to share responsibilities, listen actively, and celebrate each other’s strengths.

Creative and Interactive Projects

Hands-on projects encourage students to work together and express themselves creatively.

  • Outdoor Exploration: A nature walk that ties into science or journaling gives students space to reflect and connect with classmates in a relaxed environment.
  • STEM Challenges: Students collaborate to build cardboard cars, paper bridges, or parachutes—learning through experimentation and teamwork.

These activities add energy and excitement to the school day while strengthening peer relationships.

Benefits of Starting the Year with Relationship-Building

Thoughtfully chosen first day of school activities can lead to a lasting impact, both socially and academically.

  • Peer Connections: Tools like partner interviews or Classmate Bingo help students discover common interests and build familiarity.
  • Inclusion: When activities are designed with all students in mind, they promote equity and help each child feel a sense of belonging.
  • Communication Skills: Small-group sharing and partner discussions offer students opportunities to express themselves in a safe and structured setting.
  • Academic Engagement: Classrooms that begin with strong relationships often experience greater participation, fewer disruptions, and improved academic performance.

Challenges to Be Aware Of

Not every activity works for every student. Here are a few potential pitfalls and how to address them:

  • Social Anxiety: Avoid public speaking right away. Offer options that let students engage at their own pace. 
  • Exclusion in Groups: Watch group dynamics to ensure all students feel included and respected.
  • Inauthentic Interactions: Keep activities genuine—avoid anything that feels overly scripted or forced.
  • Performance Pressure: Opt for activities that emphasize collaboration over competition.
  • Lost Instructional Time: Integrate activities with curricular goals where possible to strike a balance between social-emotional and academic priorities.

Tips for Successful Implementation

To make the most of your relationship-building efforts on the first day:

  • Greet students warmly and introduce classroom norms with a positive attitude.
  • Use a mix of individual, partner, and group activities to meet different comfort levels.
  • Reflect on what works and adjust based on student feedback. If you have taught this group of students before, try “Me in a bag.”
  • Maintain momentum beyond day one by continuing to cultivate connections throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

First-day-of-school activities to build relationships lay the foundation for a positive, engaged classroom. With thoughtful planning and an eye toward inclusion, these activities can transform the start of the school year into something meaningful for you and your students.

Looking for ready-to-use classroom resources? Visit TeachBetter.com for first-day lesson plans, templates, and tools that support relationship-driven teaching from the very beginning.

Need more ideas?

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About Suzanne Rogers

Suzanne M. Rogers is an accomplished, passionate, technology-inspired educator, experienced conference presenter, and yoga enthusiast. She is the Assistant Director of Public Relations at LISA Academy Public Charter Schools. In addition to her 20 years of work in education, Suzanne also serves on the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Educator Advisory Board, the UCA Executive Advisory Board, the UCA MAT Program Advisory Board, and the SAU ERZ Advisory.

Suzanne’s passion for education and her community is evident in her involvement in these organizations, where she works tirelessly to support students and educators. As an #ArmyMom and former #AFbrat, Suzanne brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the sacrifices made by military families. Suzanne exemplifies dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence.