What To Do On The First Day Of School
We have all been there…thinking about what to do on the first day of school – I mean, while we are at it, what about the whole first week?!
Heading back into the classroom after summer can be HARD. After months of little structure, lots of sun, and (hopefully) tons of relaxing moments, heading back to rules, routines, meetings, and recess duty can be…well…a bummer.
But, heading back to the classroom is also magical. Setting up your new classroom decor, preparing for a fresh group of students, and laying the foundation for new and exciting additions to your classroom is so.much.fun.
Here are three things that I do every single year in order to set my classroom up for success!
3 Essential Back-to-School Activities
1. Really get to know your students – this one goes without saying and it’s obviously top of every teachers’ list of things to do during those first few weeks. However, it really does make all the difference in making the transition smooth for your students. Try switching it up a bit this year – use games, writing activities, surveys for both parents and students, and letters in order to ensure that you get a well-rounded view of the children in your class. This will foster a positive classroom environment and students will begin to open up.
2. Set goals – having students set goals during the first week of school is a great way to start the year off on the right foot. Students immediately get the impression that in this classroom, we reach for the stars, we work hard, and we celebrate our victories (both big and small). I like to have students create academic goals after brainstorming. Check out these goals sheets!
3. Set the tone – rules and routines are top of mind when we set foot in the classroom on that first day. It is incredibly important that, from the get go, students know that while we are going to have fun and learn a TON, in order to do that we need each part of our day to flow smoothly. One of the activities that I do every year in order to create rules and routines that will last is a classroom constitution. It makes for a great group activity that is both useful and effective. Having students take ownership in the rules and routines really creates a drive for them to then follow through.
So that’s it! Three effective ways to engage students, set up classroom routines that will last, and ensure that your students are ready to succeed from day one.
Happy Teaching!
