Will Your First Day of School Be Smooth — or Stressful?

You’ve been dreaming of the moment you finally get the keys to your very own classroom.

You’ve imagined it over and over: Students walk in quietly, your routines run like clockwork, and you sip your coffee while everything runs smoothly. You feel calm, confident, and completely in control.

But let’s be honest… most first days don’t look like that.

They’re chaotic. Rushed. Filled with uncertainty, nonstop questions, and a to-do list you didn’t know existed.

So how do you know if you’re actually ready for the first day of school?

Take this quick 2-minute quiz and find out whether your first day will be smooth—or stressful.

How It Works

This quiz is designed for new and first-year teachers who want to start the year with confidence—not chaos.

• You’ll answer 10 yes-or-no questions
  
  
• Each "yes" = 1 point
  
  
• Each "no" = 0 points
  
  
• Add up your score and check your results at the end!
  
  

Let’s see how ready you really are. 

The First Day Readiness Quiz

1.   Have you already mapped out your first-day procedures (like arrival, dismissal, and transitions)?
   2. Do you have a clear plan for the different zones in your classroom (whole group, centers, materials, etc.) and how students will move between them?
   3. Have you prepped any visuals, slides, or anchor charts to model classroom expectations and routines?
   4. Do you know exactly what students will be doing every minute of the first day—from the moment they walk in until dismissal?
   5. Have you already communicated with families before the first day (email, letter, postcard, etc.)?
   6. Do you have systems in place to organize physical and digital paperwork (turn-in bins, folders, drives)?
   7. Is your classroom setup focused on flow and function—not just cute decor—to prevent distractions and behavior issues?
   8. Have you planned your first three weeks of instruction in advance?
   9. Do you feel confident in your behavior management strategy—without needing to raise your voice or take away recess?
   10. Have you set up a way to build strong communication with families throughout the school year?

Your Results

Total your score (out of 10), then check your result below!

0–3: “We’ve got some work to do”

You’re just getting started—and that’s okay. You don’t have to do it all at once or figure it out alone. The key is to focus on building strong systems so you’re not reinventing the wheel every day.

Next step: Start strong with the Classroom Kickstart Mini-Course. Inside, I’ll walk you through how to set up your entire classroom—without the overwhelm or burnout.

4–7: “You’re on your way”

You’ve laid some really solid foundations—but you’re still missing a few key systems that will make your life easier. With a little extra prep, you can walk into the school year feeling completely confident.

Next step: Save time and stress with the Classroom Setup Bundle. It includes 26+ done-for-you templates that guide you step-by-step through planning, prepping, and organizing your classroom for success.

8–10: “You’re ready to go”

You’ve done the work—and it shows! You’ve built out your systems, prepared your procedures, and focused on function and flow. Now it’s time to start the year calm, confident, and totally in control.

Next step: Grab your FREE Classroom Setup Guide to double-check that you haven’t missed anything—and walk into your first day with total confidence.

No Matter Your Score, I’ve Got You

Whether you’re feeling behind or you’re nearly done prepping—this is your reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone.

You deserve to start the school year feeling supported, prepared, and grounded in systems that actually work.

Here’s how I can help:

Classroom Kickstart Mini-Course – Step-by-step guidance to set up your classroom with intention
Classroom Setup Bundle – 26+ done-for-you templates for procedures, communication, and organization
Free Classroom Setup Guide – A clear roadmap for what to prep (and in what order)

Let’s make this the year you finally feel calm, confident, and in control—starting on day one.

With love and support,
Helena
The Present Teacher