The first week of school is exciting but also scary at the same time. It doesn’t follow the same format as “normal” school days and there’s so much that teachers need to do to make sure the school year is successful.
#1 Be Prepared
The best thing you can do is to set up as much as you can before the first day of school. Have all your copies ready. Make sure students have what they need to start morning work independently. Pull any books and materials you will be using so it’s all at your fingertips.
#2 Don’t Stress Over the Classroom
Your classroom walls do not have to be 100% finished. Just cover your bulletin boards with fabric or paper and put up your borders. If you know or have time then add the titles, but leave them empty. This takes one less thing off your plate but also leaves space for your students to add their work.
#3 Over Plan the First Week
One of the scary things about a new school year is not knowing your students yet. You don’t know how long things will take them, so it’s best to over plan and have way more activities and lessons to do…just in case!
#4 Expect Things to Take Longer
However, you should also expect things to take longer than you anticipate. If you are strategically teaching your students how to do things, it will naturally take you longer to do. Planning
#5 Have a Variety of Activities
Teaching procedures are the most important part of the first week of school. If you’re interested in how to teach procedures, check out this post here. But just teaching a bunch of procedures is BORING! Mix teaching procedures with different first week activities and books!
#6 Take Care of Yourself
The first week of school is busy! So get to school early so you have time to make sure everything is ready and ultimately you’ll feel calm. Don’t skip breakfast this week. You will already feel nervous, so don’t add an upset stomach on top of that. Wear comfortable shoes and have plenty of water to drink because you will be on your feet and talking A LOT this week!
# 7 Enjoy Yourself and Your Students
There is nothing like a fresh start! Enjoy getting to know your students and their personality. Let your students see your personality and be excited that you are their teacher!
