When a new teacher receives her first position as a classroom teacher, excitement runs high. It is time to start preparing for the first day of school now, long before the doors of the school open in the fall. It is important meet the staff, learn about the school and be prepared for lesson planning and teaching.
Staffing and School Preparations for the Start of School
Meet the secretaries, nurse, and any other support staff assigned to your school. Knowing the guidance counselor, for example, before having a problem with a student, can help expedite the process of getting help during the school year.
For an idea of what activities are important to the school and what types of events the year will hold, look at the previous year’s yearbook. For schools with a newspaper, read several editions to get a feel for the school and students.
Lesson Planning and Teaching Preparations
Read through the curriculum. If there are any questions,new teachers should work with the principal and another teacher with more experience before school starts to be sure to understand what needs to be taught. This preparation should give teachers an overview of the entire year as well as a detailed look at the first several weeks of school.
Know where all the materials are kept. Necessary items include the curriculum, text books, and any other supplies that follow along with the lessons. New teachers do not want to find out 3 months into the start of school that books that follow the curriculum are kept in a supply closet down the hall.
Decide on some way to call on students without bias. There are many ways to do this, but having thought it out ahead of time will help prevent a scramble during the first day of school. Writing names on craft sticks is a popular idea and pulling a paper out of a box is a cheap method as well.
Plan a birthday treat for student throughout the year. Some ideas include a homework pass, special pencil, post card, or line leader. Plan this idea before school starts to be sure to have everything in place for the first birthday. Keep a birthday list handy as well so no child is missed.
Preparing for the first day of school is more than writing lesson plans and preparing a get-to-know-you activity. While name tags need to be put on desks and the classroom rules need to be put on the wall, it is important to also know the people in the building, the curriculum and where supplies are kept. A lot of planning goes into the first day of school for a new teacher. It is the first day of an exciting year for both teachers and students!
Related Tips:
Getting Ready to Go Back to School – Tips for teachers to prepare for the first day of school.
10 Things to Remember the First Day of School – From greeting the students to communication, learn what needs to happen the first day of school.
How to Get Ready for the First Day of School – Not sure where to start? Get ready for school with these tips.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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