New classroom, new teacher, new classmates: it’s normal for students to feel nervous at the start of a school year. Naming those feelings, and hearing that others share them, helps children settle in and feel safe.
Why a read-aloud helps
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg is a popular back-to-school read-aloud about a character who is worried about the first day at a new school. Its surprise ending gets students laughing and sets up a natural conversation: even grown-ups can feel jittery about new beginnings.
Questions to ask after reading
- How did the character feel at the beginning of the story? How do you know?
- What was the surprise at the end?
- Have you ever felt nervous about something new? What helped?
- What could we do to help a new classmate feel welcome?
Activities for the first week
- Feelings check-in: Students choose a word or face that matches how they feel today.
- Jitters and joys chart: List worries and things students are excited about, side by side.
- Advice letters: Students write or draw advice for someone starting at a new school.
- Getting-to-know-you games: Short partner games build connections quickly.
Keep it supportive
- Model your own feelings: “I felt a little nervous this morning too.”
- Share the plan for the day with a visual schedule.
- Check in privately with students who seem worried.
Share with families
Suggest that families ask their child about the story at home. It’s an easy way to keep the conversation about feelings going.
Companion activities for the read-aloud
For ready-to-use companion activities, our First Day Jitters Activities: Back-to-School Read-Aloud Worksheets and Games are available on Teachers Pay Teachers.
