First Day Welcome

Overview

A 60-minute first-day welcome session designed to build rapport, establish classroom rules and routines, introduce the curriculum framework, and engage Year 5 students in a fun icebreaker. This plan aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC), focusing on developing positive relationships, supporting wellbeing, and establishing foundational learning habits in a supportive, inclusive environment.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills, such as respectful listening and taking turns in conversation, aligned with the NZC’s Communication and Interpersonal Competencies (English Learning Area, Years 4-6) .
• Understand and contribute to the development of classroom rules and routines that promote a supportive and inclusive learning environment, as per the NZC’s Key Competencies: Managing Self and Relating to Others.
• Recognise key areas of the Year 5 curriculum and show enthusiasm for learning across different subjects.
• Participate in a collaborative icebreaker activity that encourages sharing and connection.
• Identify personal strengths and interests to support the building of a positive classroom community, supporting the NZC’s focus on learner wellbeing and identity.

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Materials Needed

• Name tags or stickers
• Large chart paper or whiteboard (for rules and routines)
• Markers
• “All About Me” worksheet or template
• Small soft ball or beanbag (for icebreaker)
• Curriculum overview handout or poster simplified for students
• A timer or clock

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Detailed Lesson Plan

1. Warm Welcome & Introduction (10 minutes)

• Greet students warmly at the door to build personal connection and reduce first-day jitters.
• Brief self-introduction by the teacher, sharing something about themselves to model openness.
• Group circle: Students introduce themselves with their name and one thing they enjoyed recently (activates oral language and listening skills) .
• Explain the day’s plan to set clear expectations, supporting the NZC principle of clarity and structure.

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2. Building Rapport Activity: “Getting to Know You Toss” (15 minutes)

• Students sit in a circle.
• Teacher explains the game: Toss the ball to a student, say their name, and share one favourite hobby or interest.
• That student then tosses the ball to another, repeating the process.
• This fosters respectful turn-taking, listening, and speaking skills (Interpersonal Communication competencies) .
• Teacher observes to identify social dynamics and interests.

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3. Establishing Classroom Rules and Routines (15 minutes)

• Pose the question: “What makes a classroom a great place to learn and feel safe?”
• Record students’ ideas on chart paper, guiding discussion to include respect, listening, helping each other.
• Introduce teacher’s suggested routines (e.g., line-up, bathroom breaks, quiet signal).
• Co-create a Classroom Agreement poster with key points written collaboratively.
• Link routines and rules to NZC Key Competencies of Managing Self and Relating to Others.
• Clarify the importance of being kind and respectful to all, reinforcing a supportive environment.

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4. Introducing the Curriculum Overview (10 minutes)

• Show a simplified poster or handout of the Year 5 curriculum key learning areas (e.g., English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Arts, PE).
• Briefly highlight exciting upcoming topics and projects to build enthusiasm.
• Emphasise how different areas help develop skills and knowledge that connect to everyday life.
• Encourage students to share subjects or topics they are interested in learning about this year.
• This introduces students to the curriculum and supports learner agency and engagement aligned with NZC principles 【5:NZ-math-2025-curriculum-draft.pdf】.

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5. “All About Me” Worksheet (10 minutes)

• Hand out a simple “All About Me” worksheet for students to complete. This includes sections like favourite hobby, a goal for the year, and a picture of themselves.
• This activity supports students’ identity, well-being, and belonging.
• Teacher circulates to assist and encourage sharing.
• Completed sheets can be used later to build community and personalise learning.

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6. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gather students back into a circle.
• Ask a few students to share one thing they learned or enjoyed from the day.
• Remind students about the classroom rules agreed upon and the importance of kindness.
• Thank everyone for their participation and enthusiasm.

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Curriculum Alignment Summary

Curriculum Area	Focus/Competency	Reference
English (Oral Language)	Interpersonal communication skills (listening, speaking, turn-taking)
Health & Wellbeing	Managing self, relating to others, wellbeing and belonging	NZC Key Competencies Framework
Social Studies	Developing positive relationships and understanding shared rules	NZC Principles
Mathematics & Statistics	Introductory elements of daily routines and pattern (time management, sequencing activities)	【5: NZ-math-2025-curriculum-draft.pdf】
General Curriculum	Developing learner identity and agency	NZC Vision and Principles

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This welcoming and structured plan is designed to create a positive learning atmosphere on the first day, helping Year 5 students to feel safe, connected, and enthusiastic for the year ahead in line with the New Zealand Curriculum.