• Many kids have never been ANYWHERE before, so the first week or so teach how to walk in a line, sit on the carpet, sit in a chair, eat within 30 minutes, etc.
   
• Do a "Picture of Me" the first day (have to go through what is on a face, where do eyes, nose, etc. go? What color is your hair? No not, green, etc). Second full day read the Kissing Hand, then trace their hand, let them color it and put a heart sticker inside.
   
• Have something for each student to do at the table when they first arrive on the first day. Crayons and paper are a sure and safe bet for the first day. Put out blank paper and crayons and pre-date all of the papers. This way once they are finished you can collect the papers and put them in their portfolios to show their very first attempts at drawing. Be prepared to have LOTS of paper available as pre-k and kinder students can draw one little scribble on a page and say "I'm done!". If you are brave and put out toys for arrival on the first day be prepared for them to do inappropriate things with them like throw, put in their mouth, or use in ways that they weren't intended to be used. It's best to save the toys for later when you can properly introduce them, you won't have time during arrival on the first day.

Do you have any hints, tips or ideas you would like to share?  If so, please send them to us at: info@kinderhelper.com.