As a teacher, one of the most exciting times of the year are the days leading up to your new students arriving for the first day of class. Although you are sure to be excited, you don't want to sit back and let these days pass you by. Instead, you must make sure your classroom is set up well in advance.
Get Organized
Above all else, make sure your classroom is organized down to every last detail. This includes classroom supplies, desks, book shelves, and anything else that is being stored in your classroom. Organization is essential to a proper learning environment. Make sure you preach this from day one. You may want to invest in several paper trays, totes and/or cubbies in order to practice that old adage "A place for everything and everything in its place". Also, please be sure that you get a good plan book. This will make all the difference in the world. It is the one place where you will keep everything about your students and their progress throughout the year. Get a good one and really work on keeping it up-to-date.
Decorate the Classroom
This may not be something you do for older students, but elementary age children love a classroom with a theme. Imagine how boring your classroom would be if you left the walls white, without any decorations.
You don't want to overdo it, though. Too many additions can confuse students and make it more difficult to learn. Just have your bulletin board decorated and maybe a welcome banner that you can hang from the ceiling or on one of the walls. There are some fabulous five foot long welcome banners that all of the kids really enjoy. A welcome banner is even good for welcoming the older students. Everyone likes to feel welcomed!
Safety First
It does not matter if you are teaching elementary or high school age students, safety should always come first. Is there anything in your classroom that is a safety risk? If so, it must be removed or taken care of before your students arrive for the first day of school. Also, you should make sure that you know where the fire escape and the first aid supplies are so you are fully prepared in case of any emergency.
Your students trust that they will be safe from the first bell of the day until they are dismissed.
When setting up your classroom for the first day of school, follow the three tips above and you'll be way ahead of the game.
Grace Mckenna writes on a wide range of topics concerning teaching, the school system, and particularly how the internet (aka the World Wide Web) impacts teachers and their interaction with the school, parents and children. More of her articles can be found at http://www.HomeroomTeacher.com
Get Organized
Above all else, make sure your classroom is organized down to every last detail. This includes classroom supplies, desks, book shelves, and anything else that is being stored in your classroom. Organization is essential to a proper learning environment. Make sure you preach this from day one. You may want to invest in several paper trays, totes and/or cubbies in order to practice that old adage "A place for everything and everything in its place". Also, please be sure that you get a good plan book. This will make all the difference in the world. It is the one place where you will keep everything about your students and their progress throughout the year. Get a good one and really work on keeping it up-to-date.
Decorate the Classroom
This may not be something you do for older students, but elementary age children love a classroom with a theme. Imagine how boring your classroom would be if you left the walls white, without any decorations.
You don't want to overdo it, though. Too many additions can confuse students and make it more difficult to learn. Just have your bulletin board decorated and maybe a welcome banner that you can hang from the ceiling or on one of the walls. There are some fabulous five foot long welcome banners that all of the kids really enjoy. A welcome banner is even good for welcoming the older students. Everyone likes to feel welcomed!
Safety First
It does not matter if you are teaching elementary or high school age students, safety should always come first. Is there anything in your classroom that is a safety risk? If so, it must be removed or taken care of before your students arrive for the first day of school. Also, you should make sure that you know where the fire escape and the first aid supplies are so you are fully prepared in case of any emergency.
Your students trust that they will be safe from the first bell of the day until they are dismissed.
When setting up your classroom for the first day of school, follow the three tips above and you'll be way ahead of the game.
Grace Mckenna writes on a wide range of topics concerning teaching, the school system, and particularly how the internet (aka the World Wide Web) impacts teachers and their interaction with the school, parents and children. More of her articles can be found at http://www.HomeroomTeacher.com