The first day of school for a new teacher brings a mix of emotions and tasks. Students are meeting their new teacher for the first time and a new teacher is meeting her first classroom of students for the first time. Here are a few things that will help a new teacher successfully get through that first day of school.
Greeting the Students on the First Day of School
First, it is vital that a teacher be at the classroom door to greet her new students on the first day of school. She needs to greet them with a smile and be excited that they are her students! A warm, welcoming tone will allow the first day of school to go smoothly and set up a positive atmosphere for the whole year
Students may have already come to back to school night and found out where they would be sitting, but this seating arrangement may have changed last minute or students may not have been able to come, so the teacher should ensure that each student finds his or her desk quickly.
It is also important that teachers not show fear or nervousness. If a new teacher must fake confidence, that is better than allowing the students to sense that she is nervous, as this can lead to behavior problems. Looking confident includes holding the head high, making eye contact, making deliberate movements and statements and smiling, which shows relaxation.
Communicating with Students on the First Day of School
When communicating with students on the first day of school, a new teacher must remember that listening is as important as being listened to. Teachers should make a point of asking lots of questions of the students that first day, and set a precedent of listening carefully to each answer. This sets the standard for the students that when someone is talking, everyone else is listening.
It is also vital that the teacher communicate the standard of success to the students on the first day of school. Students are more likely to preform well if they are held to high standards and know that their teacher believes in them. Starting with the first day of school students should learn that they will be required to work hard and that they will succeed.
In summary, a new teacher needs to do the following things on the first day of school:
- Greet students at the door
- Greet students with a smile
- Be excited!
- Help students find their place in the classroom
- Be confident!
- Listen to students
- Ask lots of questions
- Communicate a standard of success
- Require students to work hard
- Believe in the students
For more tips on surviving the first day of school and beyond check out tips for new teachers.
More Related Articles:
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Preparing for the First Day of School - Learn what preparations need to be made prior to school starting including lesson planning.
Classroom Management for New Teachers - Find out what things need to happen to keep your students focused on learning.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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