By Megan Colburn The start of a new school year is an exciting time, especially for young children starting pre-school or elementary school. Whether ... Read more The post 6 Fun and Easy Ways to Help Kids Get Ready for the New School Year appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.
By Megan Colburn
The start of a new school year is an exciting time, especially for young children starting pre-school or elementary school. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for school or a teacher welcoming students to your classroom, creating a smooth transition sets the stage for a successful year.
To help, we’ve rounded up six fun, simple, and educational ways to get kids ready for school, featuring free resources from the Khan Academy Kids app and printable worksheets from our Help Center. These back-to-school activities are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary students.
1. Start a Back-to-School Countdown Calendar
Creating a countdown calendar builds anticipation and helps kids emotionally prepare for school. Use our First Day of School printable or make your own with stickers and drawings.
Watch “Circle Time” videos in the Khan Academy Kids app > Library > Videos to introduce daily routines in a fun, familiar way.
2. Practice Early Learning Skills with Educational Games
Ease into academic routines with short, playful learning sessions using the Khan Academy Kids app. Kids can build core skills in:
- Letters and phonics > Library > Reading
- Numbers and counting > Library > Math
- Tracing and writing > Create tab
Try our free printable ABC tracing worksheets and early math activities for extra practice at home or school.
3. Practice Morning Routines for a Smooth Start
Morning routines help children feel secure and confident. Use pretend play or a visual schedule to practice dressing, brushing teeth, and packing a backpack.
In the Khan Kids app, explore the routines-based activities like “This Way,” Put on Shoes,” and “Bath Song.” You can find these in Library > Logic + > Physical Development > Healthy Habits.
4. Build Emotional Readiness with Executive Functioning Activities
Preparing for a new environment can bring up big feelings. Support emotional development with these activities in the Khan Academy Kids app:
- Play Emotional Functioning Games > Library > Logic+
- Read “Starting School” > Library > Stories with Lessons
- Play “Name that Feeling” > Library > Videos > Early Feelings
5. Encourage Reading with a Cozy Book Nook
Create a calm, inviting space for reading at home or in the classroom. Explore the Library > Books section in Khan Academy Kids, or view our Circle Time playlist on YouTube with favorite books read by the Khan Academy team and friends.
Use our Printable Reading Log to build reading habits and celebrate progress.
6. Celebrate Back-to-School with Creative Crafts
Crafts help kids get excited and express themselves. Try coloring Khan Kids character sheets or drawing a picture of what they think school will be like.
Inside the app, visit the Create tab for digital drawing and storytelling fun.
Support a Confident Start with Khan Academy Kids
Whether your child is starting preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary school, small steps can make a big difference. The Khan Academy Kids app offers a safe, joyful space to explore reading, math, executive functioning, and creativity—100% free, with no ads or subscriptions.
Download Khan Academy Kids Browse free printable worksheets and activities
Families, share the Khan Academy Kids app with your child’s teacher
Here’s to a bright, confident start to the school year!
The post 6 Fun and Easy Ways to Help Kids Get Ready for the New School Year appeared first on Khan Academy Blog.
