The first day of the semester sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether it’s the beginning of the school year in August or the first day back after winter break, students usually walk in sluggish, unsure, or distracted — and you’re juggling routines and expectations.
That’s why I love starting with activities that are low-prep, collaborative, and meaningful. They get students talking, moving, and thinking again, without overwhelming them with heavy content.
Here are 7 ideas you can use on the very first day of class:
1️⃣ Icebreakers with Purpose
Go beyond “What’s your favorite color?” with icebreakers that connect back to your course.
One of my favorites is the silent birthday lineup: students must line up in order of their birthdays without talking. In a Business Communications class, it’s a natural way to launch a discussion about nonverbal communication skills.
Another option: create a “Find Someone Who” activity with prompts tied to your subject area, like:
- Find someone who can name a Fortune 500 company.
- Find someone who knows what ROI means.
These activities double as community builders and content previews.
2️⃣ Classroom Reset
The start of a semester is a clean slate — perfect for co-creating expectations with students.
Instead of lecturing through rules, involve your class in setting norms for participation, group work, or technology use. Ask questions like:
- What does effective group work look like?
- What helps you feel respected in a discussion?
Post the final list somewhere visible. Students are much more likely to follow expectations they helped build.
3️⃣ This or That Game
This quick-moving game gets students up and out of their seats while connecting to your content. Display prompts with two options, and students walk to the side of the room that matches their choice.
Examples:
- Would you rather manage a restaurant or a sports team?
- Would you rather launch a new product or improve an existing one?
Ask a few volunteers to explain their reasoning before moving on. It’s simple, fun, and sparks discussion.
4️⃣ Brainstorm Challenge
Pick a broad topic related to your course and give students 2 minutes to list as many ideas as possible.
Examples:
- “Apps teens can’t live without” in Marketing.
- “Ways businesses communicate with customers” in Business Communications.
This activity works for individuals, pairs, or small groups — and it gives you a quick snapshot of students’ prior knowledge.
5️⃣ Current Events Connection
Students are naturally more engaged when they can tie learning to the real world.
Have them find a short article or YouTube clip related to your subject area. Then, ask them to summarize the main idea and share why it’s relevant.
This activity makes abstract concepts concrete and helps build the habit of connecting class topics to what’s happening outside school.
6️⃣ Two Truths & a Tall Tale (Business Edition)
Put a business spin on this classic icebreaker. Students share two true facts and one tall tale about a company, entrepreneur, or brand.
Examples:
- “Nike was founded in Oregon.” (true)
- “Apple’s first product was a laptop.” (tall tale)
- “Starbucks’ first store opened in Seattle.” (true)
The class guesses which one is fake, and along the way, they’re learning fun trivia that connects back to your course themes.
7️⃣ Course Preview Bingo
Instead of running through the syllabus line by line, make it interactive.
Create a simple bingo card with units, skills, or terms from your course. As you preview the semester, students check off squares. First to bingo wins a small prize!
This makes the course overview more engaging and helps students start to see the “big picture” of what they’ll be learning.
Ready-to-Use Option
Want something classroom-tested and no-prep? My First Day of Intro to Business & Marketing Activities resource includes:
- A This or That icebreaker
- A Listing Game brainstorm challenge
- An Article Review with reflection prompts
Perfect for the very first day, whether you’re starting in the fall or coming back from winter break.
👉 Grab it here → First Day of Introduction to Business and Marketing Activities
Final Thoughts
The first day of class doesn’t have to feel heavy or overwhelming. A mix of movement, discussion, and real-world connections helps students re-engage while keeping things simple for you.
With a few purposeful activities, you’ll set the tone for an energetic, collaborative, and productive semester.
Business Girl Education 