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First Week of School Lesson Plans for Elementary Teachers

first week of school lesson plans course

Plan your first two weeks with confidence, clarity, and zero last-minute scrambling.

Yes, I Need This!

SOUND FAMILIAR?

If the phrase “back to school” sends your brain into full-blown survival mode, you’re not alone.

Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking:

  • “I don’t even know where to begin.”
  • “What exactly do I teach that first week?“
  • “I can’t plan yet. I still need to get my room ready!“
  • “Why do I have 57 tabs open and no actual plan?“

The truth is that even veteran teachers feel the stress of planning the first week of school.

But you don’t have to stay stuck in overwhelm.

 

IMAGINE THIS…

You walk into your classroom knowing:

  • Exactly what to teach the first two weeks
  • How to introduce routines and expectations in a way that sticks
  • How to build a classroom community right from Day 1
  • That your lesson plans are DONE, so you can focus on your students

That’s what the Kickstart Your School Year Blueprint is here to help you do.

Kickstart your school year blueprint - first week of school lesson plans

WHAT IS IT?

The Kickstart Your School Year Blueprint is a self-paced course that walks 2nd–5th grade teachers step-by-step through planning the first two weeks of school.

Inside the course, you’ll get:

  • Quick, actionable videos
  • A printable workbook that guides you back to school lesson plans
  • Tips on how to teach routines and procedures in an engaging way
  • Bonus: Options to add done-for-you first week lesson plans in Sweet or Adventure themes

By the end, you’ll have your first two weeks planned and ready, without the last-minute stress.

Start Planning Now

WHY THIS WORKS

This blueprint isn’t another Pinterest rabbit hole or a vague to-do list.

This is an actual plan.

Designed for upper elementary teachers, this course will help you:

  • Create meaningful back to school lesson plans
  • Build a calm, structured classroom culture from Day 1
  • Balance classroom management with connection and content
  • Teach classroom routines and expectations without losing your voice (or mind)

 

IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF…

  • You teach elementary grades 2–5
  • You want your classroom to run smoothly from the start
  • You’d rather not stay up until midnight planning the first week of school
  • You love your students, but also love your sanity

THIS COURSE IS NOT FOR YOU IF…

  • You teach middle or high school
  • You like to just “wing it“ the first few days
  • You’re not ready to try a new approach to back to school planning
  • You don’t feel like watching short, helpful videos in exchange for peace of mind

 

MEET RACHEL

Rachel Vincent, 4th grade teacher

Hey there! I’m Rachel Vincent, a 4th grade teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching 2nd–5th grade.

I created this course because I was the teacher crying over her planner the day before school started. I figured out how to make the first two weeks feel structured, effective, and enjoyable, and now I help other teachers do the same.

Got questions? You can reach me anytime at msrachelvincent@gmail.com. I’m always here to help.

 

FAQ

Q: Will this help me plan the first week of school?

Absolutely. That’s the entire goal! This course is specifically designed to walk you through what to teach and how to teach it during those crucial first two weeks.

Q: Is this just for 4th grade teachers?

Nope! It’s perfect for 2nd–5th grade elementary teachers. I’ve taught all those grades and developed this course with flexibility in mind for upper elementary classrooms.

Q: Do I get ready-made back to school lesson plans?

Yes, if you choose the optional upgrade. You can add on a whole week of done-for-you lesson plans in either a Sweet or Adventure theme (includes slides, printables, and activities).

Q: How long do I have access to this?

Forever, as long as the course exists, I will update the planners annually in June, allowing you to use them year after year.

Q: What if I’m unhappy with the course?

No problem. Email me within 14 days of purchase, and I’ll refund you, no questions asked.

 

READY TO DITCH THE STRESS?

You can either keep staring at the blinking cursor, wondering what to teach the first day…

OR

You can use this blueprint to plan your first two weeks of school with confidence and still enjoy your summer.

Let's Do This!

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msrachelvincent

Hey 👋 I’m Rachel. I’m a 4th grade teacher who sha Hey 👋 I’m Rachel.
I’m a 4th grade teacher who shares realistic systems and routines for 3rd–5th grade classrooms.
Think: less chaos, more structure, and nothing that requires a personality transplant to pull off.
If you’re:
• tired of overcomplicated classroom “hacks”
• craving systems that actually work mid-year
• trying to teach well and keep your sanity
You’re in the right place.
I’m stepping back from Instagram for a bit and simplifying where I show up. No drama. Just focus.
👉 Check the next two pinned posts to see where I am sharing and what I recommend starting with.
Instagram isn’t my main hangout anymore. YouTube i Instagram isn’t my main hangout anymore.
YouTube is.
In 2026, that’s where I’m sharing:
• full classroom routines
• behavior and management systems
• realistic walkthroughs you can actually use
• the stuff that doesn’t fit in a 7-second Reel
If you’ve ever wished I could just slow down and explain it, YouTube is where that happens.
🎥 New videos go up there (without the algorithm chaos).
➡️ Subscribe using the link in my bio
➡️ Start with: Simple Classroom Management Tricks That Actually Work!
I’ll see you there.
Short on time? Start here. These are the resource Short on time? Start here.
These are the resources teachers come back for again and again:
• practical classroom systems
• simple routines that stick
• no-prep or low-prep support for real school days
🎁 Grab my free resources (linked in bio) if you teach 3rd–5th grade and want things to feel more manageable.
I may be quieter here, but I’m still sharing:
• on YouTube
• through email
• with resources designed for actual classrooms
Take what you need. Save what helps.
And when you’re ready, I’ll be there.
Coming back after winter break is… a whole vibe. 😅 Coming back after winter break is… a whole vibe. 😅
Half your class forgets how to go to school, the other half is still in pajama-mode, and we’re all pretending we didn’t eat our body weight in holiday cookies.
Here are 5 things that make the first day back so much smoother:
✨ Share & Connect
Start with something low-key and personal. My one-page Welcome Back printer is perfect for quick reflection + giving everyone space to share without losing the whole morning.
✨ Review Routines
Because, yes, you will need to reteach how to line up, transition, and find a pencil. It’s not you. It’s January.
✨ Goal Setting
A new year is the perfect reset. Help students choose simple, doable goals they can actually stick with.
✨ Team Building
Shake the awkward out with partner challenges or quick mixers to rebuild your classroom community.
✨ A Fun Interactive Lesson
End the day with something hands-on: a mini game, a simple STEM challenge, a math activity… anything that gets them excited to be back.
Save this post for your first week in January and grab the Welcome Back printable through the link in my profile so you’re ready to roll.
We’ve got this. Even in January. 😉
✨ New year, fresh start, happy teacher! ✨ If you’r ✨ New year, fresh start, happy teacher! ✨
If you’re looking to kick off January with activities that actually help your students reset, refocus, and ease back into routine, I’ve got you covered!
📝 Welcome Back From Break Pack – low-prep activities to transition smoothly
🌟 One Little Word – help students choose a meaningful word for the year
🎯 Goal Setting Mini-Lessons – teach students how to set goals they’ll actually stick to
🖋️ New Year Poetry Writing Pages – creative + reflective writing to start 2025 strong
These are fun, simple, and perfect for that first week back when everyone’s still getting back into the swing of school. 😅
📲 Grab what you need > links in bio!
#NewYearInTheClassroom #UpperElementary #GoalSettingForKids #OneLittleWord #BackFromBreak #TeacherResources
📚✨ Calling all 3rd-5th grade teachers! I've got a 📚✨ Calling all 3rd-5th grade teachers! I've got a FREE Scope and Sequence just for you! 🎉 It includes pacing guides for math, reading & writing, word study, and grammar to help you stay organized and stress-free all year long. 🙌🏼 Get ready to streamline your planning and keep your classroom on track—grab your freebie now! 📝💡 #TeacherFreebies #ScopeAndSequence #LessonPlanningMadeEasy
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