A Royal First Day of Kindergarten: Activities and Printable Crowns
The first day of kindergarten should feel exciting, joyful, and just a little bit magical! One of my favorite first-day traditions is reading The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes. This sweet story helps children feel confident and ready to begin their own kindergarten adventure.
After reading, we make crowns and celebrate every new member of our classroom kingdom! You can find the free printable HERE!
Here are a few more easy activities to pair with the story:
- I Am Ready!” class chart: Children complete the sentence, “I am ready to ___ in kindergarten.” Write their responses on a crown-shaped chart.
- Royal self-portraits: Have students draw themselves wearing their crowns. Add the frame: “King/Queen/Royalty ___ is ready for kindergarten!”
- Our Classroom Kingdom tour: Walk around the room and introduce important “kingdom locations,” such as the library, supply area, cubbies, and meeting rug. Students can practice how to use each area.
- Find the crown: Hide a few paper crowns around the classroom. Each crown has a simple direction, such as “Find the classroom library” or “Show where backpacks belong.”
- Royal greetings: Teach several ways to greet classmates—a wave, fist bump, smile, or “Good morning.” Let children choose one as they mingle.
- Kindergarten confidence pose: Students stand tall in their crowns and practice saying, “I am kind. I am brave. I am ready for kindergarten!”
- Royal decree: Create one simple class promise together, such as: “In our classroom kingdom, we help everyone feel safe, happy, and welcome.” Each child can add a fingerprint or crown sticker.
And don’t forget to read The Queen of Kindergarten, too! Here’s to a magical first day filled with happy hearts, confident little learners, and a classroom full of kindergarten royalty!
