50 First Day of School Journal Prompts

September 30, 2024 Clara Penrose

The first day of school is a moment filled with anticipation, excitement, and sometimes a few nerves. It’s a fresh start, a time to meet new friends, learn new things, and step into the unknown.

These 50 first day of school journal prompts are designed to help students capture the emotions, experiences, and hopes that come with this important day.

Whether it’s your first day at a new school or just a new grade, journaling can help you reflect on what you’re feeling and what you’re looking forward to.

Writing about the first day of school can also serve as a great memory keeper for later on.

From meeting your teacher to making new friends, this is a day worth remembering. So grab your pen, and let’s explore your thoughts and experiences about the first day of school!

50 First Day of School Journal Prompts to Reflect on Excitement and Anticipation

What are you most excited about for the first day of school this year? Is it meeting new people, learning new things, or something else entirely?
Describe your first thoughts when you woke up on the first day of school. Were you excited, nervous, or somewhere in between?
What do you think will be the biggest difference between this school year and the previous one? Why do you think that is?
What are your goals for this school year? Write about three things you hope to accomplish academically or personally.
How do you prepare for the first day of school? Do you have a morning routine, or are there specific things you like to do to get ready?
Think about the first person you will meet today. Who do you hope it is, and what kind of first impression do you want to make?
What is one thing you're nervous about on the first day of school? How can you overcome that feeling and turn it into excitement?
What is one new skill you hope to learn this school year? Why is this skill important to you, and how will you work toward mastering it?
If you could make one wish for the first day of school, what would it be? How would it change your experience?
How do you feel about meeting your new teacher or teachers? What are you hoping they’ll be like, and how do you want to connect with them?

Starting a new school year is like opening a fresh book—full of blank pages waiting to be filled with stories, lessons, and new friendships.

Embrace the excitement

The first day of school is a new adventure. Every step you take is a chance to grow, learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the excitement and see where it takes you.

50 First Day of School Journal Prompts to Reflect on New Beginnings

What do you hope your first day of school outfit says about you? Why did you choose it, and how do you feel when you wear it?
What are some things you’re looking forward to learning this year? It could be a subject, a hobby, or even something new about yourself.
How do you feel about meeting new classmates? Are there specific people you hope to get to know better, or are you looking forward to making new friends?
Think about a previous first day of school. What was it like, and how is this one different? How do you think this year will compare?
What’s one thing you’re determined to do differently this school year compared to last year? Why does this change matter to you?
What do you think makes the first day of school special? Is it the new beginnings, the opportunities, or something else entirely?
Reflect on a goal you have for yourself outside of academics. How do you plan to grow as a person this school year?
If you could choose one word to describe your hopes for this school year, what would it be and why? How will this word guide your actions?
How do you think your first day will shape the rest of the year? Are you hoping for it to set a positive tone, and how will you make that happen?
What’s one thing you’re curious about for this new school year? Is it a new class, a new teacher, or something happening at school?

The first day of school is a fresh start, full of new opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on those around you.

New beginnings bring growth

Every new beginning is a chance to grow, learn, and become a better version of yourself. Take each day one step at a time, and let the experiences shape who you are becoming.

50 First Day of School Journal Prompts to Reflect on Friendships

How do you plan to make new friends this year? What are some ways you can reach out to people who might be feeling shy or nervous, too?
What’s one quality you look for in a good friend? How do you hope to find that in the people you meet on the first day of school?
Reflect on a time when you made a new friend on the first day of school. How did that friendship develop over the year, and what made it special?
What’s one way you can make someone else’s first day of school better? How can you help someone feel welcome and included?
Think about a friend you’ve had for a long time. How do you hope your friendship will continue to grow this school year?
How do you think your friendships will change this year? Are there new dynamics, or do you hope to meet new people who challenge you to grow?
Write about someone who you don’t know well yet but would like to get to know better this year. Why do you feel drawn to connect with them?
What is your favorite memory with a friend from last school year? How do you hope to make more memories like that this year?
How do you feel about meeting new classmates? Are you looking forward to learning about their personalities and forming connections?
How do you plan to balance spending time with old friends while also making room for new friendships? What are your strategies for maintaining those bonds?

Friendships are one of the best parts of school. They grow through shared experiences, and each new person you meet can bring something special into your life.

Friendships shape our journey

Friends make the journey more enjoyable. Be open to meeting new people and forming connections that could last a lifetime. Every friendship begins with a simple hello.

50 First Day of School Journal Prompts to Reflect on Learning and Growth

What’s one subject or topic you’re eager to learn more about this year? Why does it interest you, and what do you hope to gain from it?
How do you plan to stay motivated throughout the school year, even when things get tough? What strategies will help you stay focused on your goals?
Write about a teacher or mentor who inspired you in the past. How did they help you grow, and what do you hope to learn from your new teachers this year?
What’s one skill you’d like to develop by the end of the school year? How will you work toward mastering it in and outside of class?
How do you hope your study habits will improve this year? What steps will you take to be more organized, focused, or proactive in your learning?
Think about a subject you struggled with in the past. How do you plan to approach it differently this year so that you can succeed?
What’s one way you want to challenge yourself academically this year? How will you push yourself to reach your full potential?
Reflect on the importance of learning outside of the classroom. What are some ways you plan to grow personally, in addition to academically?
How do you think you’ve changed since last school year? Write about the ways you’ve grown, and how you hope to continue that growth this year.
What’s one lesson you learned last year that you want to carry with you into this year? How did that lesson shape your perspective on learning?

Every day is a new opportunity to learn something new. Keep your curiosity alive and always be willing to challenge yourself to grow.

Learning never stops

Learning is a lifelong journey, and each new school year is another chapter. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and let every lesson help you become the best version of yourself.

50 First Day of School Journal Prompts to Reflect on Overcoming Challenges

What’s one challenge you anticipate facing this year? How do you plan to overcome it, and what support do you need from others?
How do you stay calm when you’re feeling overwhelmed? Write about some strategies that help you manage stress during the school year.
Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation at school. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?
How do you plan to handle moments of failure or disappointment this year? What mindset will help you stay positive and keep going?
What’s one way you can turn a potential challenge into an opportunity for growth? Write about how you’ll shift your perspective when difficulties arise.
Think about a time when you doubted yourself. What gave you the strength to keep moving forward, and how will you apply that lesson this year?
How do you ask for help when you need it? Write about the importance of seeking support from teachers, friends, or family when facing challenges.
Reflect on the concept of perseverance. How can you develop more resilience this year when faced with obstacles in your studies or friendships?
What’s one personal quality you want to strengthen this year to help you overcome challenges? How will you work on that throughout the school year?
Think about a time when you surprised yourself by achieving something difficult. How did it feel, and how will you use that experience to build confidence?

Challenges are part of every journey. They help us grow stronger, and each one you face will bring you closer to your goals.

Strength comes from facing challenges

Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. Believe in yourself, and remember that you’re capable of overcoming anything with determination and support.

The first day of school is just the beginning of a year filled with learning, growth, and new experiences.

These 50 first day of school journal prompts are here to help you capture the emotions, thoughts, and hopes that come with this special day.

As you reflect and write, remember that each day is an opportunity to learn something new, make a friend, or overcome a challenge. Embrace this school year with an open heart, and let your journey unfold!