If you’re looking forward to your first day as a school teacher, you certainly have a lot to consider, from learning your learners’ names to being sure you don’t leave anybody behind on the playground after break.
But, unfortunately, these are not the only things to consider. Here are some more suggestions to ensure your first day of school is a successful one:
• Meet parents and greet them with a smile and a welcome. Some will be reluctant to release their children into your care. Assure them that this will be a great year.
• Take time to introduce yourself and talk about who you are. If you have a difficult name, pronounce it several times for the learners and invite them to repeat it several times.
• Let the learners know about early morning procedures – how attendance will be taken, where to put their coats and book bags, and so on.
• Set up a classroom employment agency for various classroom jobs. Inform learners of the assignments necessary to a well-functioning classroom. These can include botanist (waters plants), sanitation engineer (empties trash can), and interior decorator (manages bulletin board). Invite learners to apply for jobs on a set schedule, and rotate the assignments regularly.
• Take time to talk about rules and procedures. Show the learners a basic set of rules (remember the Rule of Five), and let them know that they will help decide on additional rules as the year progresses.
• Show learners the books they’ll be using and the subjects they’ll be studying. Demonstrate various materials, point out the computer, and highlight the textbooks.
• Wrap up the day. Provide a final whole-class activity that encourages learners to work together and get to know one another. Tie it to part of the curriculum.
• Send the learners home with warm wishes and all the necessary forms to complete. Don’t forget to send a letter home to parents telling them about your plans for the year and your wish to have them actively involved in their children’s education.
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