The First Day of School
After talking with our grandkids recently about their first day of school, they all quickly told us their favorite teachers. The whys echoed the secret that every teacher should know to set a path for smooth sailing ahead! Set the tone!
Smile. Stand at the door and greet your students with a smile. This smile is the first step in creating that important trust that is necessary to build bonds with your students.
Set a Calming Pace. Set the tone or speaking calmly, yet firmly and clearly!
Establish a Routine. New students are generally ready for structure. Tell your students what you expect of them, they want to hear those expectations! But remember to keep your instructions upbeat, positive, nurturing, and exciting.
Tell a Story, Paint a Picture. Your students are anxious to learn about you! tell a story about yourself that is relatable. Let your students have a peak at you that will initiate the spark that your classroom is going to be the favorite time of their day.
Have a Plan. Every productive classroom has rules and consequences. But remember you don’t have to tell them all on the first day. For example, if you have five rules (expectations), tell your students as such and tell them that you will learn one rule (expectation) a day for 5 days. Let your students know that the rules in your classroom are to protect their rights to learn and enjoy school.
Have a Highly Interactive Lesson.
Have a Little Fun. First impressions matter. You want to begin establishing a classroom that is a mix of hard work, friendship, camaraderie, and happiness. Yes, happiness. You want your students to look forward each day to coming into your classroom.
Find out more about the first days here……
