ESSAY #1
After reading the article below, respond to the following question:
Which of the suggestions do you feel is most important? Briefly discuss why you think
this suggestion is important.
Your response needs to be a minimum of three paragraphs, five sentences per paragraph minimum, and is worth 10 points. Type your response in a Google Doc, MLA format and share it with me when you are done! You should begin this in class today. I will accept this assignment until the end of this week for full credit, after that you can still turn it in for half credit.
Guide to the First Day of School
ESSAY #1
1. Teach your very best lesson. Often teachers use the first day for filling out forms, assigning lockers, and essential but boring “administrivia.” Such a day can set a tone for the students that this is going to be just like all the other years, like all the other classes. On the other hand, students will be fresh from the summer, carrying renewed expectations that this year may be different. Capitalizing on this attitude with a really interesting lesson will create important momentum for your class. You can catch up on the forms and other items later in the week.
2. Establish class rules and procedures. Although a good lesson is most important, getting classroom management under control cannot be stressed too much. On the first day, at least, let you students know you plan to have an orderly classroom with rules that foster respect and a healthy work environment. We do not imply that you lay down the law but that you let your students know that any group needs to have clear rules and you are open to their suggestions or even codetermination of the rules.
3. Start learning and using students’ names. As soon as you receive your class lists or rosters, start familiarizing yourself with the students’ names. Once you meet your students, start matching name with faces and, whenever possible, use their names. Nothing signals your interest in them and being on top of the situation like using their names on day 1.
4. Be friendly but businesslike. Often the insecurities of new teachers get the best of them. They vacillate between being Mr. or Ms. Nice Guy and Attilla the Disciplinarian. The beginning teacher’s early commitment to a friendly but task-oriented atmosphere is the key to its realization.
5. Share with students your vision for the year ahead. Students want to succeed. Even the ones with a history of difficulty with other teachers want the new school year to be better. Don’t tell them how hard they are going to work. Tell them how much they are going to know at the end of the year and what they can do with this new knowledge.
6. Establish procedures for communicating with parents. You need parental support, and students want to know whether you’ll contact parents about both good and bad events. Tell them you see their parents as your partners, as your co-teachers.