The first day of school is important for both the teacher and the students. Some may believe that the first day is not important because it's generally used for summarizing the semester's goals. However, as a teacher, it's the most important day. The first day allows the teacher to set the pace for the rest of the semester. How the teacher conducts the first day will show the students what kind of teacher they are and what the students can and cannot do.
There are many tips for teachers that will help them have a successful first day at school. As a new teacher, it's important to meet staff, learn about the school, and be prepared for lesson planning and teaching. Understanding the schools rules and regulations are crucial to successful teaching practices. Teachers should know where things are located and who they need to talk to if a situation arises.
The first day in the classroom, teachers should have an agenda on the board so that students know what is going to be happening and what they are going to cover during the class period. Having an ice breaker activity allows students to get to know one another as well as the teacher getting to know the students. Understanding students interests and extra curricular activities also allows the students to gear lessons toward the students interests. Taking care of house cleaning items on the first day is beneficial because students then know the classrooms rules and policies.
It may seem overwhelming but the most important aspect to remember on the first day of school is to have a positive attitude and to be excited about teaching!
http://712educators.about.com/cs/backtoschool/a/teacherstrats.htm
http://www.suite101.com/content/preparing-for-the-first-day-of-school-important-for-new-teachers-a234153
My first day of student teaching was the first day of the semester, so it was essentially the first day of school with these teachers for the students as well.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right in posting the agenda for the day. I did not see that in my classes until day 2, and it would have been helpful for the first day as well. Thanks for the reminder.
You also make a great point that as a teacher, we need to know the students and their interests. I think this is important because that is a way we can engage the students in the lesson. If we relate the topic to something students have a strong interest in, there is a good chance that they will get it.
Keeping a positive attitude is an excelling tip! The right mindset can help the inexperienced teacher get through even the most stressful days. It is also important to note that students look to the teacher as a role model. If students see that the teacher is able to stay positive when things aren’t going so well, they might adopt that same attitude –always looking up and pushing through. Additionally, if things do crumble and you can’t keep that smile on your face, look to your colleagues for advice. They are members of your extended family and will help and support your any way they can.
ReplyDeletePositive attitudes and the excitement to teach are extremely important for teachers. Excitement expressed from teachers can help students want to learn. I remember the teachers I liked best in high school were the ones who were excited about teaching. That helped make me, and i know others, want to listen to everything the teacher was saying. Think of the opposite, the teachers who were boring and complained. No one wanted to be in those classes.
ReplyDeleteStudents can learn and duplicate positive attitudes from teachers. All students encounter problems from time to time, but with a positive attitude they can overcome some of their problems with a positive attitude. I agree we should have positive attitudes and always be excited about teaching.
Not only is the first day of school important for the teacher, it is very important for the students as well.
ReplyDelete