Do your youngest students look like this on the first day? For 41 years, I have had cryers on the first day (sometimes me, just kidding!).
Not a lot a transitions!
Once they settle down, enjoy the peace! Moving them to a new place (from sitting on the rug to movement around the room, a circle, or even standing up) often starts the crying all over again.
Keep it quiet
The more calm, compassionate and peaceful your voice is, the quicker they will quietly listen.
Something familiar
A soft strum on the ukulele with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star works magic!
Use puppets!
Showing children a puppet friend who is also scared on the first day helps calm children down. My little white mouse Allegro is always so scared and shy, because there’s so many new children to meet. (YES, THIS PUPPET IS BACK IN STOCK!!!)