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

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

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!