First Day Of School

The importance of the first day of school:

For years we have all been accustomed to students coming in and being told the classroom rules and setting boundaries that show the students who is the one in charge in the classroom. But what teachers should understand is that the first day should not be this. 

The first day should be about building relationships. When meeting our students on the first day we are set the tone for the rest of the school year.

 

Reasons why focusing on relationships is better than rules on day 1:

·      when kids know we care, they trust us more

·      when relationships are built, kids want to do well academically and behave better

·      stronger relationships lower the affective filter allowing learning to happen

·      building relationships builds community and empathy 

 

Many students have heard rumors about teacher and will have their own thoughts and questions about the teacher in question. On the first day those questions should be answered. If we want students to value, the learning and have a shared respect for one another then we have to build the relationships amongst each other first. 

 

Now that we have established this what are some activities, we can do with our students that will allow us to build a rapport with them while taking into consideration our current learning situation.

 

Here are 3:

·      Anonymous Responses 

o   In advance make a list of questions and write them on an index card. Explain that they should write down their answers without including their name and assure them that their responses are completely anonymous (but that they will be shared with the group). Depending on the amount of questions gauge how much time you see fit for them to complete. When time is up, instruct students to fold their cards once and place them in a basket or bin at the front of the room.

o   Once everyone has turned in their index cards, read the responses out loud. Many students may be surprised to find out how similar they are to their classmates.

·      Letter to yourself 

o   Allow students to write a letter to their future self. Provide the students with questions and sentence starters to answer questions in complete sentences. Here are a few examples: 

§  I am wearing… 

§  My best friend is… 

§  What I’m looking forward to most this year is… 

§  What is your favorite subject? 

§  What are your favorite songs, TV shows, books, games, or music artists? 

§  What are your hobbies?

§  What is your favorite way to spend your free time?

o   Once the students are done writing their letter have them seal it in an envelope and store in a safe place and return to them at the end of their school year. 

·      Classmate Interviews 

o   Divide students into pairs and give them a list oof what they should be asking. Give general topics ex: Favorite color, favorite food, one cool fact about them? The students should come up with interesting ways to asks these without directly asking them. It is not mandatory that they ask the questions in a unique way, but it is encouraged. Once they are done interviewing, they are going to be responsible in introducing their partner to the class. This activity is an excellent way for students to get to know each other. In addition, many students find it less intimidating to speak to the class about someone else rather than themselves.