Face reality summer is flying by way too quick, before you know it you'll be heading to school to set up your classroom! Whether you're a veteran teacher, a new teacher or changing grade levels the beginning of school can be very stressful. Here are a few tips and resources for organizing and managing your classroom.
#1 What do you want the class to look like?
- My class is The Byrd's Nest!
- I wanted my classroom to be colorful and cheerful, where there is a lot of interaction and a warm feeling. Once you have a vision you can decide what you want it to look like.
#2 Make a Plan.
- What will you do before school starts? Will you call, send a post card or letter to introduce yourself? Does your school have an Open House? What do parents need to know before school?
#3 First Impressions are lasting, so plan how you will greet students and their parents.
- Be yourself.
- Make the day fun!
- Get to know your students.
- Allow them time to get to know each other.
#4 Decide what your behavior expectations are.
- Read alouds are fun - David Goes to School by David Shannon is good for establishing routines.
- Let students be a part of rule setting.
- The Rules Rap by Dr. Jean is a great song for establishing rules. http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2005/08_Aug/rulesRap.pdf
- Post rules for students to see. Visual ones for young children.
#5 Practice expectations.
- Practice walking in the hall, playground expectations, moving from center to center, cleaning up or changing activities.
- Practice makes perfect and if you don't get this under control during first few weeks of school, it will be a long year!
#6 Be consistent with behavior expectations and consequences.
- Currently I using Class Dojo, it's a website were students can earn points, both negative and positive. It's free to use, you can check it out here: http://www.classdojo.com/
- I have also used a Stoplight pocket chart, with stick for each student.
- Whatever you use, be consistent!
#7 Take a tour
- Take a tour of the classroom and school. Visit the office, cafeteria, playground, bathrooms, etc.
#8 Some favorite websites
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