Kickoff Lesson Plan Kindergarten Kickoff
A Welcoming First Step into Learning
30 MINUTES
OBJECTIVE
Introduce the teacher and classroom routines through a fun name activity, an engaging read-aloud, and a calming cool-down to help preschoolers feel excited and secure.
AUDIENCE
Preschool Students transitioning to Kindergarten (Tier 1 Support).
APPROACH
Interactive welcome, interactive read-aloud, and guided mindfulness cool-down.
Why This Lesson?
This lesson builds trust, familiarizes students with routines, and eases first-day jitters, laying a positive foundation for learning and social-emotional growth.
Prep Work (10 min)
Print or write each child’s name on a blank Name Tag
Place washable markers and stickers on a tray
Arrange floor cushions in a circle near the reading area
Review the "We're Going to Kindergarten" story
Have the Calm Chime or Soft Bell within easy reach
Materials List
📖 "We're Going to Kindergarten" Reading
🏷️ Name Tags, Markers, & Stickers
🔔 Calm Chime or Soft Bell
🧘 Floor Cushions or Carpet Squares
Instructional Steps
7
Minutes
Welcome & Name Activity
Gather students in a circle on floor cushions.
Hand each child a name tag; invite them to decorate with markers and stickers.
Introduce yourself; encourage each child to say their name and one thing they like.
Display completed name tags on a board or wall.
10
Minutes
We're Going to Kindergarten
Show cover; predict what the book is about.
Read slowly: "What do you see? How might this help us in Kindergarten?"
Interactive moments: name characters, point out classroom items.
Reinforce positive feelings about starting school.
5
Minutes
Introduce Routines
Briefly show visuals or describe: lining up, snack time, tidy-up.
Practice one routine (e.g., lining up behind a chair).
Praise for trying; highlight how routines help everyone feel safe.
8
Minutes
Cool-Down & Closing
Dim lights; sit comfortably. Deep breathing: "Smell flower, blow candle."
Use Calm Chime to guide inhales (1 ring) and exhales (2 rings).
Closing: Ring chime softly; ask each child for one word about how they feel.
Remind them: "I look forward to tomorrow!"
Kindergarten Reading Page Classroom Read-Aloud
We're Going to Kindergarten
A Story About Brave New Beginnings
Summary
This cheerful story follows a group of friends as they head into their very first day of Kindergarten. Along the way, children see familiar classroom items, meet new classmates, and learn that being brave and curious helps them feel at home in their new school.
The sun peeks through the window as Mia takes a deep breath. Today is her first day of Kindergarten!
She holds her backpack tight and skips down the yellow hallway. *Beep! Beep!* goes the bus, and Mia climbs on with a big smile.
At school, she sees cubbies lined up like little houses. Inside each cubby is a name tag with a different friend’s name. Mia finds hers and hangs her jacket neatly.
Cubbies
In the classroom, her teacher, Mr. Lee, welcomes everyone with a gentle wave. He points to the circle of carpet squares. “Let’s sit together and learn!” he says.
Supplies
Mia meets Jayden, who shows her the crayon bin, and Sofia, who shares her favorite green marker. They draw a happy self-portrait and talk about their favorite snacks.
When the bell rings, it’s time to tidy up. Mia takes a deep breath—she did it! Kindergarten can be fun and friendly.
Reading Prompts
1 What do you think Mia feels when she steps onto the bus?
2 Look at the cubbies: what would you put in yours?
3 How many friends does Mia meet? Can you name them?
4 Why do you think tidying up is important at school?
Creative Challenge:
Draw one thing in the classroom that makes you excited.
Cool Down Guide Kindergarten Cool Down
Guided Breathing & Mindfulness
Duration 5 MIN
Purpose
Calm wiggles and settle hearts with guided breathing and gentle movement to transition successfully.
Teacher Tips
Model each breath slowly and softly.
Use a calm, quiet whisper-voice.
Give children a moment of stillness between steps.
Materials
• Calm Chime or Soft Bell
• Flower 🌸 & Candle 🕯️ Visuals
• Balloon 🎈 & Star ⭐️ Visuals
• Carpet Squares
1
Set the Space (1 min)
Dim the lights slightly. Ask students to lie down or sit comfortably. Say: “We’re going to help our bodies feel calm and quiet so we can end our day with a happy heart.”
2
Flower & Candle (2 min)
🌸
SMELL THE FLOWER
Breathe In + 1 Chime Ring
🕯️
BLOW THE CANDLE
Breathe Out + 2 Chime Rings
Repeat 3 times, encouraging soft whispers or silence.
3
Balloon Breathing (1 min)
🎈
Imagine a balloon in your tummy. Inhale to fill it (1 ring). Exhale to let air out (1 ring).
4
Star Tracing (1 min)
⭐️
Trace the star point-to-point with a finger. Breathe in as you go up, breathe out as you go down.
5
Wiggle & Close (1 min)
Whisper: “Wake up tiny muscles.” Wiggle fingers and toes. Softly ring chime 3 times to signal the end.
Kindergarten Kickoff • Classroom Tier 1 Routine
