My sons commented that even though it was a hot and muggy day, typical for Indiana in August, they said it just felt like fall. I think August rolls around and we know autumn is imminent which also means I must be ready soon for my students. With less than two weeks away from classes starting I've been brainstorming ideas on how I can start the year off right with all my students. Each year I like to plan different activities so if I have had a student previously, they are not repeating the same activity. I always like to do something fun on the first day, an ice breaker of sorts. Distributing books, passwords, and rules or expectations the moment you meet your class DOES NOT send a good message to these kids. Engage them, ease them from the transition of summer into the early days of school. I don't give homework the first week (and in my class homework is relevant, not just busy work for a grade). Converse with them, try to get to know and understand each of them individually. Connect with your students. These efforts will go a long way towards building a mutually respectful and trusting relationship with your students. What do you do on the first day of school? Please share ideas in the comment section.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
First Day Back
Yesterday I took my oldest and youngest sons school shopping. Unfortunately, due to two a day tennis practices, my middle son was not able to join us. It's amazing how much they change and grow over the very short summer and outgrow shoes that fit them just weeks ago.
My sons commented that even though it was a hot and muggy day, typical for Indiana in August, they said it just felt like fall. I think August rolls around and we know autumn is imminent which also means I must be ready soon for my students. With less than two weeks away from classes starting I've been brainstorming ideas on how I can start the year off right with all my students. Each year I like to plan different activities so if I have had a student previously, they are not repeating the same activity. I always like to do something fun on the first day, an ice breaker of sorts. Distributing books, passwords, and rules or expectations the moment you meet your class DOES NOT send a good message to these kids. Engage them, ease them from the transition of summer into the early days of school. I don't give homework the first week (and in my class homework is relevant, not just busy work for a grade). Converse with them, try to get to know and understand each of them individually. Connect with your students. These efforts will go a long way towards building a mutually respectful and trusting relationship with your students. What do you do on the first day of school? Please share ideas in the comment section.
My sons commented that even though it was a hot and muggy day, typical for Indiana in August, they said it just felt like fall. I think August rolls around and we know autumn is imminent which also means I must be ready soon for my students. With less than two weeks away from classes starting I've been brainstorming ideas on how I can start the year off right with all my students. Each year I like to plan different activities so if I have had a student previously, they are not repeating the same activity. I always like to do something fun on the first day, an ice breaker of sorts. Distributing books, passwords, and rules or expectations the moment you meet your class DOES NOT send a good message to these kids. Engage them, ease them from the transition of summer into the early days of school. I don't give homework the first week (and in my class homework is relevant, not just busy work for a grade). Converse with them, try to get to know and understand each of them individually. Connect with your students. These efforts will go a long way towards building a mutually respectful and trusting relationship with your students. What do you do on the first day of school? Please share ideas in the comment section.
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Jen- I just read through the ice breakers. I like the toilet paper one. I think that high school students would get a kick out of this. I also like the one where you employ everyone in your class. I think I might use these! Have you decided what ice breaker you are using?
ReplyDeleteJamie