10 First Week of School Activities to Empower Girls

The first week of school is a critical time for setting the tone for the entire year. For girls, it’s an opportunity to build confidence, establish new friendships, and start the school year on a positive, empowered note. As educators, mentors, or parents, you can help make this first week impactful by incorporating activities that empower girls, boost their self-esteem, and encourage them to embrace their potential. Here are 10 activities to kick off the school year with confidence and empowerment.

1. Create Empowerment Journals

Empowerment journals are a wonderful tool for self-reflection and growth. On the first day, provide each girl with a journal where she can write down her thoughts, goals, and aspirations for the year.

• Activity Idea: Start with a prompt like, “What does being empowered mean to you?” or “What are three things you love about yourself?” Encourage the girls to write or draw their responses.

2. Vision Board Creation

A vision board allows girls to visualize their goals and dreams. It’s a creative and fun activity that helps them focus on what they want to achieve.

• Activity Idea: Provide magazines, scissors, glue, and poster boards. Have the girls cut out images and words that represent their goals and aspirations for the school year. Encourage them to include empowering words and affirmations.

3. Team-Building Games

Team-building games are great for fostering collaboration, communication, and trust among the girls. These activities help create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.

• Activity Idea: Play a game like “Human Knot” where the girls stand in a circle, hold hands with someone across from them, and then work together to untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands. It’s a fun way to build teamwork and problem-solving skills.

4. Positive Affirmation Exchange

Positive affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and create a positive atmosphere. This activity encourages girls to uplift each other with kind words.

• Activity Idea: Have the girls write positive affirmations or compliments about each other on sticky notes. Then, let them exchange these notes anonymously or place them on each other’s desks. This simple act of kindness can set a supportive tone for the year.

5. Goal-Setting Workshop

Help girls start the school year with clear intentions by guiding them through a goal-setting workshop. Setting achievable goals empowers them to take charge of their own success.

• Activity Idea: Teach the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and have the girls set one academic and one personal goal for the school year. Discuss steps they can take to achieve these goals and how to track their progress.

6. Role Model Introductions

Introduce the girls to inspiring female role models who have made significant contributions to society. This can motivate them to pursue their passions and believe in their potential.

• Activity Idea: Share stories or short videos about women in various fields (e.g., STEM, arts, sports) and discuss the challenges these women overcame to succeed. Follow up with a discussion on how the girls can draw inspiration from these role models in their own lives.

7. Self-Esteem Building Activity

Building self-esteem is crucial, especially during the formative school years. This activity helps girls recognize and celebrate their unique qualities.

• Activity Idea: Have each girl create a “Strengths Shield” by drawing a shield on a piece of paper and dividing it into sections. In each section, they write or draw something they are good at, a positive trait, or an accomplishment they’re proud of. Display the shields in the classroom as a reminder of their strengths.

8. Mindfulness and Relaxation Session

Starting the school year with mindfulness activities can help girls manage stress and develop a sense of calm and focus.

• Activity Idea: Lead a short guided meditation or breathing exercise to help the girls relax and center themselves. Follow this with a discussion on how mindfulness can help them handle challenges throughout the school year.

9. Empowerment Circle

An empowerment circle is a supportive space where girls can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It fosters a sense of community and belonging.

• Activity Idea: Gather the girls in a circle and ask them to share something they’re excited about and something they’re nervous about for the school year. Encourage them to offer support and advice to each other, reinforcing that they are not alone in their experiences.

10. Leadership Challenge

Encourage girls to take on leadership roles early in the school year with a leadership challenge. This activity empowers them to step up and lead by example.

• Activity Idea: Create small groups and assign each group a simple project, such as planning a class event, organizing a service project, or leading a discussion. Rotate leadership roles within the groups, giving each girl the chance to experience leading and collaborating.

Final Thoughts

The first week of school is a powerful opportunity to set the stage for a year of growth, confidence, and empowerment. By incorporating these activities into your first week, you can help girls start the school year feeling strong, supported, and ready to take on whatever comes their way.

Remember, empowerment is an ongoing process. Continue to encourage, support, and challenge the girls throughout the year, and watch as they grow into confident, resilient young women who believe in their ability to achieve great things.

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