The First Day of School:

The Adventure Begins…

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The first day of school is one full of first impressions:

Students size up the teacher and the

teacher sizes up the students.

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The Teacher as Pack Leader

Like a pack leader who claims territory, the classroom teacher must also “claim” the classroom by being their calmly-asserting authority.

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First to Arrive; Last to Leave

Greet everyone at the door andbe at the door when studentsleave. In essence, this actionsays “I welcome you into MYspace and now I bid you farewell!”

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Benefits of Claiming your Classroom

• Direct students to seats.• Set the tone for the class.• Match faces with names.• Express clear expectations.• Set the day’s goals in motion.

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Be Seated Everyone…

The best advice to rookie teachers is to have an alphabetical seating chart on day 1 and keep it as long as needed (at least, until you know your students’ names and determine personalities). Then decide on a permanent seating chart (if needed). Tape names to desks at lower grades.

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The Face has a Name

Learning student names should be your first major objective. This simple act tells students you respect them. You will also be able to quickly address misbehavior.

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Idle Minds are Trouble! Low expectations and “free time” are invitations

for student misbehavior and allow student imagination to fill in the blanks. Have several activities (based on TEKS) as backups EVERYDAY!

EDTC 3000, PPR

Warming up the Brain Juices

Secondary and middle school students NEED a 5-minute warm-up exercise daily. EC-4 students NEED a warm-up activity like art, or something physical.

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Do as I Say AND Do! Setting the tone means being consistent

with rules and expectations.

Your reputation hinges on this!

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Warning

Do not confuse being friendly with being a student’s friend. Being a student’s “friend” comes after you have established yourself as a good teacher and you have come to know your students well. Even then, you must keep a professional distance.

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1st Day Tasks

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•Learn your students’ names within a week.•Assign seats at least until you know their names.•Clarify/explain classroom rules (about 3 to 5).•Discuss emergency and safety procedures.•Introduce yourself and make yourself interesting.•Assign textbooks if available.•Explain and post your grading system.

More 1st Day Tasks

• Collect student info.• Discuss major projects.• Explain how/where/when students get

extra help.• Explain the “doghouse” ticket plan.

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Clothes Make the Teacher

Dress professionally. No fashion statements please! No dressing up like your students. Nothing too casual or risqué. Check with your school or district’s dress code policy.

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Activity

For Your Toolkit:• Create a 3 to 5 classroom rule chart.• Write a short “introduction” of yourself you

plan to use on your students. • Create a 4 to 5 step “Doghouse Ticket” plan

you want to use in your classes.

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