
The first week of school sets the tone for the entire year, especially in a special education classroom. For students in PreK–2nd grade, those first few days are all about building routines, establishing expectations, and creating a safe and engaging environment. But let’s be honest: planning that first week can feel overwhelming. You want activities that are structured, age-appropriate, and fun, all while addressing IEP goals and building independence.
That’s why I created the First Week of School Special Ed Activities Bundle, a complete, done-for-you resource designed specifically for special education teachers working with early learners. This resource gives you everything you need for a smooth and successful start, so you can focus on building relationships instead of scrambling for lesson plans.
Grab a free prompt hierarchy visual to use for back to school!
Why the First Week Matters in Special Education
For students with disabilities, consistency and structure are everything. The first week is the perfect time to introduce classroom routines, practice transitions, and start building independence through activities that are meaningful and accessible. Instead of jumping straight into heavy academics, the goal should be to create predictability, lower anxiety, and set up systems that will support students all year long.
By using lessons that combine academics with functional life skills and hands-on engagement, you’ll set a strong foundation for success.
What’s Included in the First Week of School Special Ed Activities?

This week-long resource is packed with everything you need to cover academics, social-emotional learning, and classroom routines. Each day is structured with consistent activities, giving students the predictability they need, while still offering enough variety to keep them engaged.
Here’s what you’ll get inside the bundle:
- Paraprofessional Binder
- Substitute Binder
- Baseline Assessment
- IEP Digital Data
- Behavior Digital Data
- Life Skills Digital Data
- Task Cards (60+ sets of task cards)
How To Support IEP Goals
This resource isn’t just about getting through the first week, it’s designed to support IEP goals from the very beginning. Each activity connects to areas commonly addressed in individualized education programs, such as:
- Fine Motor Development (crafts, cutting, gluing, task cards).
- Functional Life Skills (recipes, student schedules, file folders).
- Academic Foundations (math, reading passages, comprehension).
- Independence & Routines (task completion, using schedules, transitions).

By embedding IEP-aligned skills into every part of your week, you’ll be tracking progress and building confidence from day one.
Why Teachers Will Love This Bundle
- Saves Hours of Planning – No more piecing together random activities- everything is done for you.
- Engaging for Students – Hands-on lessons that balance fun with skill-building.
- Structured & Predictable – A consistent routine helps students feel secure and confident.
- Flexible for All Learners – Activities can be adapted for PreK–2nd grade with varying ability levels.
- Perfect for ESY or Back-to-School – Can be used during the first week or even as a refresher after breaks.
Final Thoughts
The first week of school doesn’t have to be stressful. With the Special Ed Activities Bundle, you’ll have lessons ready to go, designed specifically for the needs of special education students in PreK–2nd grade. From morning meeting to independent work systems, you’ll be setting the stage for a year of growth, independence, and success.
👉 Be the first to grab your copy of the Special Ed Activities and start your year with confidence, structure, and engaging lessons your students will love.