It’s the night before the first day of school. Your classroom is (mostly) ready. Your lesson plans are outlined. Your first-day outfit is hanging on the closet door. And yet, your brain is still going a mile a minute. Does this sound familiar? This is me every single year.

I’ve found that no matter how many years i’ve taught, the night before school starts always brings a little extra adrenaline. There’s excitement. There’s anticipation. And if i’m being honest—there’s always a little bit of nerves, too.

So, what should you actually do the night before the big day? I’m not talking about finishing bulletin boards or reviewing your entire pacing guide. I’m talking about the things that really make a difference when you wake up tomorrow morning and greet a room full of new faces.

Here’s are a few things I’ve learned to focus on the night before school starts.

Keep It Simple

If you’re anything like me, your to-do list could spiral into a full-blown classroom overhaul at 9:30 p.m. Don’t do it. The big stuff is already done. The night before school starts is not the time to reorganize your classroom library or start color-coding student folders. Choose calm over chaos. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

Set Out What You Can

Lay out your clothes. Pack your lunch. Set the coffee timer. Place your teacher bag by the door. Think like a parent getting ready for the first day of school—because that’s essentially what we are for 25 kids. Take a few easy steps tonight that will make tomorrow run smoothly before the bell even rings.

Write Yourself a Little Note

One of my favorite rituals is writing a short note to myself and leaving it on my desk. It might be something like, “You’ve got this,” or “Just focus on making them feel seen.” On the first day, it’s easy to get caught up in the logistics. A reminder of your why is a quiet way to refocus your heart before the classroom fills with noise.

Visualize the First 30 Minutes

Instead of rehearsing your entire lesson plan in your head (again), walk through just the first 30 minutes. Think about how you’ll greet students, where they’ll put their things, and what they’ll do when they sit down. The first moments of the day set the tone. If those are clear in your mind, the rest will flow much more naturally.

Do Something That Has Nothing to Do with School

Seriously. Read a chapter of a book just for fun. Watch your favorite comfort show. Take a walk. Paint your nails. Journal. Whatever helps you wind down and reconnect with yourself—do that. The night before school starts shouldn’t be consumed by school alone. You’re a person first, and a rested, calm person makes a better teacher in the morning.

Pray

Before your head hits the pillow, spend a few moments in quiet prayer. Ask God to fill your classroom with peace, patience, and joy. Ask Him to help you see each student the way He sees them—full of purpose and potential.

Let this verse encourage your heart:
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us.” —Psalm 90:17

And this one, especially for the anxious moments:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” —Philippians 4:6

Trust that God goes before you. He has already prepared the hearts of the students you’ll teach and the moments you’ll share. Rest in that.

You won’t get it all perfect tomorrow—and that’s okay. What your students will remember isn’t whether every paper was passed out at the right moment or if your seating chart had to change. They’ll remember how you made them feel. If they felt safe. If they felt seen.

So tonight, let yourself rest in the truth that you are ready enough. You’ve prepared, you’ve planned, and now—it’s time to show up with your whole heart.

What about AFTER the first day?

It is more important now more than ever that teachers take care of themselves throughout the year. You deserve it, and so do your students. As the year gets underway, please make sure to take care of yourself. It will help you be the best version of yourself as you pour into your students. If you’d like some ideas, please make sure to check out Self-Care for Teachers: 20 Ways to Take Care of You This School Year.

Save This Post for Later

If you found any of this information helpful, be sure to save the post to one of your favorite Pinterest boards for back to school teaching ideas. This will make it easy to come back to again when the time is right. We wish you the most wonderful school year ever and are praying for many special moments and that many wonderful memories will be made in your classroom. You’ve got this!