The start of a new school year always feels like it should be exciting (and it is), but it also comes with a to-do list that seems to grow every time you look at it. Lesson planning, classroom prep, learning thirty new names, figuring out who sits where.  

Whether this is your first term as an ECT, a move into a new year group, or just another September, having the right back-to-school resources to hand makes those first few weeks more manageable, organised and enjoyable.Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog Resources brings together a hand-picked collection of classroom-tested back-to-school teaching resources made by teachers, for teachers. Here's how it can help.Ìý

1. Save valuable preparation time 

The weeks before term starts, and the first few weeks in, are some of the busiest and most exciting for both pupils and teachers alike.  Preparing your classroom, planning those first few days of lessons and creating amazing resources for your pupils to enjoy is fun but time consuming.Ìý

Rather than building everything from scratch, ÌÇÐÄVlog Resources gives you access to a range of ready-to-use back-to-school lessons, activities, worksheets and templates created by teachers, for teachers. Whether you're looking for a classroom display, a fun icebreaker game or a quick lesson starter, it's there. Less time spent creating resources, more time for the pupils actually in front of you.Ìý

2. Feel ready for the new school year 

Feeling organised early tends to set the tone for everything after it.Ìý

Having classroom display resources, planning templates and All About Me activities ready to go means the first week feels manageable instead of like you're improvising. It's a small thing, but it makes a real difference to how the term starts.Ìý

Gemma, a ÌÇÐÄVlog author and former museum and wildlife educator who’s worked with hundreds of children across the primary age range, knows what makes an activity stick. Her All About Me Folding Worksheet is print-and-go, with all the benefits of a classic All About Me but with a hands-on twist.  

3. Access resources created by real teachers 

ÌÇÐÄVlog Resources provides teachers the space to share their tried and tested classroom resources. Having access to classroom materials made by teachers is the difference between a resource that looks good on paper and one that's actually survived a Friday afternoon.  

Catherine Tuck, one of our authors, started making resources because nothing out there quite fit what she needed: 

"I started making teaching resources after I found there was nothing out there that fit my very specific need for organisation. I kept going because I found I really enjoyed being creative and having the freedom to do so." 

Try her Daily PowerPoint Slides.Ìý

With both free and premium options across every subject and key stage, you'll find lesson ideas, behaviour tools and assessment resources built with actual classrooms in mind.Ìý

4. Build positive classroom connections 

Before delving into autumn term topics, pupils need to feel like they belong in the room. Our Back-to-school activities collection is designed to help every pupil feel welcome, valued and part of the classroom community from day one. With resources including All About Me worksheets and team building icebreakers, pupils are sure to settle into their new class.  

Rich Miles, a ÌÇÐÄVlog author with 17 years in the classroom, put it well: 

"I've built a deep well of experience in what works and what doesn't when it comes to engaging children. I'm passionate about sparking creativity, building connection, and helping each child step into the very best version of themselves." 

Ìý±á¾±²õ Get to Know You Bingo is a good one for the first week.Ìý

5. Set your class up for success 

Setting expectations and routines from day one helps build strong foundations and create a positive learning environment.Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog has back-to-school resources for setting expectations, routines and behaviour management, built to help you get structure in place from lesson one. Tim Tuck's Classroom Rights, Responsibilities and Rules resource is a good example. Drawing on his 40+ years in the classroom, it helps you involve pupils directly in shaping the rules they'll be following, rather than just handing them a list on the first day.Ìý

Once that's sorted, the Teacher essentials collection covers what comes after: starters and plenaries, behaviour management, assessment for learning, marking and feedback, and the everyday resources that gets you through the rest of the year.Ìý

It's not the most exciting part of September, but it's usually the part that pays off the most.Ìý

6. Adapt resources to meet your pupils' needs 

No two classes are the same, so a resource that worked perfectly last year might need a few tweaks for this one. Most of the resources found on ÌÇÐÄVlog are built with that in mind: editable, adjustable and easy to make your own.Ìý

Whether you’re differentiating for ability, adapting for a different age group or tailoring something to fit your specific pupils, you're not starting from scratch, but you're not stuck with someone else's version either.Ìý

Amy, a ÌÇÐÄVlog author, primary teacher and SENCO, knows how much that flexibility matters: 

"I enjoy developing activities that help pupils feel confident, valued and part of a supportive classroom community - resources that make learning engaging, accessible and inclusive for all." 

Her Would You Rather icebreaker is built to bridge communication gaps and get the whole room talking and laughing.Ìý

Start the school year strong with ÌÇÐÄVlog Resources 

Whatever you're focused on right now - lessons, your classroom, your pupils, or just getting through the first week, the Back-to-school collection and Teacher essentials are there when you need it.Ìý