Being a new student can be very difficult. As teachers, we want to make the transition easy for all students, but sometimes we don’t even know we are getting a new student until he or she shows up at our doorway. We want every child to feel welcome from the very first moment we meet, but that isn’t always easy if we aren’t prepared. So, with a little time investment (I promise….it’s super easy) up front, we can help alleviate that first day awkwardness for those new students and get our student-teacher relationship off to a great start! That’s where these new student welcome packets come into play!
New Student Welcome Packets are super easy to make and will help you feel less stressed the next time a new student shows up unexpectedly at your doorway. It literally will take you about 10 minutes to put together a few bags! So gather your supplies, get your favorite snack, turn on your favorite show, and get started!
How to Make New Student Welcome Packets:
At the beginning of the school year, create 4-5 (or more if you teach in a school district with a high level of student turnover) new student bags. I found just about everything I needed at my local dollar store or in my extra supply closet. The total cost per bag was about $2.50.
For each bag, you will need:
- 1 gallon-sized zip bag
- Colorful composition book
- Box of crayons
- Stickers
- Pencil
- Any other items you’d like to add, such as pencil sharpeners, post-its, kleenex, ruler, etc.
- “Welcome to Our Class” Notecard (Get the FREE download HERE.)
Place all the items in the zip bag. Store the bags. Now, when a new student arrives, they will feel very welcomed and you will be less stressed!
To help you keep this task as simple as possible, I’ve created a FREE set of printable tags that you can use however you wish! You can download them HERE.
Here are some photo examples of the finished student welcome gifts! Once they are done, you are set….simply store on a shelf and when a new student arrives, give them their special gift.
You can download the FREE welcome cards HERE in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. The download also includes free Birthday Tags! Read more about how to create fun birthday gifts for your students here. I hope you enjoy them! Please feel free to leave feedback in my store after you grab your freebie.
Happy teaching, and enjoy the journey!
Looking for More Great Ideas to Start Your Year off Well?
Setting the right atmosphere from the beginning is a big part of creating a welcoming classroom where learning thrives. One where students are excited to try and where its ok to fail. Where students know they are loved and cared for. Here’s some more ideas for creating this kind of classroom.
- New Year’s Goals
- Student Birthday Gifts
- Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Students
- End of the Year Celebrations
- Developing a Growth Mindset