Whether you are a new teacher or an experienced pro, even the best teachers need a few reminders of what to do on the first days of school.  Below are a few Do’s that could help turn your classroom from the ordinary into one that is welcoming, encouraging, and admired.

Do smile on your first day of school (and hopefully after too!).  The familiar adage that emphasizes ‘scaring students into submission by being stone-faced and stern for the first six weeks’, just does not work in today’s educational system.  Intimidation alienates students, parents, and colleagues.  As a skilled and competent teacher, you want to be seen as approachable, professional, and confident.  A smile can go a long way.

Do encourage positive rapport in your classroom.  Get to know your students and tell them a little about yourself.  Play a simple game that encourages students to become more comfortable with each other.  I enjoy playing games that promote asking questions.  For instance, have students write down one amazing thing about themselves on a small piece of paper without writing their name anywhere on the sheet.  Limit the amount of writing to one sentence or seven words.

My favorite activity is zip-lining in the mountains.

Put all folded papers into a hat or box, mix well, and distribute one to each child.  Students are then given an opportunity to walk around the classroom to ask each other questions in order to determine whose folded paper they have.

“Hi Maryanne, I’m Bill.  Do you like to zip-line?”

“No Bill, but I just got a black and white cat named Zebra for my birthday.  By the way, is your favorite food lasagna?”

Do communicate clear classroom rules, procedures, guidelines, and consequences to your students.  I usually do this on the second day of school and reserve the first to get to know the students a little better.  Students are more likely to follow classroom expectations if they know that you are consistent with consequences.  I like to post written rules with corresponding cartoon pictures or actual photographs beside each to demonstrate what I expect from each child.

Always Respect Each Other.

I openly discuss classroom expectations with the students, leaving room to write their personal suggestions and clarifications under each of my written rules.

Do spend time effectively organizing your classroom.  An uncluttered, neatly arranged, and thoughtfully designed classroom creates an atmosphere conducive to learning and teaching.  Have students help maintain keeping the classroom neatly organized.  A rotating job board is an easy and fun way to get students involved.

Do plan short-term and long-term goals for your students.  You do not need to create a twenty page goal report, but a simple and straightforward plan of action.  Remember that the goals of students change over time so be willing to create a plan that can be easily modified and adapted to meet the needs of your students.  When planning, keep in mind the expectations and objectives of the established curriculum, administration, parents, and students.

C. Brojon B.A., B.Ed.