Monday, August 31, 2015

How To Start The School Year

Kids:
1.  Wear something you really like on the first day even if it's not new.
2.  Listen better the first week than you ever have before.  It's the key to success in the new classroom.
3.  Know that you can learn from your teacher even if you don't like her.
4.  Figure out where your friends are even if they're not in your class.  Then make at least one new friend per class and try to do so the first week.
5.  Learn where the nearest bathroom is.  Pay attention to your teacher's bathroom rules but know that you can always go if you need to.
6.  Be nice to the lunchroom ladies no matter how much you hate the food.
7.  Keep your i-pod or cell phone OFF and IN YOUR BACKPACK.  Your teacher should never see or hear it.
8.  On your way home, think of a couple of things to tell your parents when they ask how your day was.
9.  Wash your hands really well as soon as you get home.
10. Have a special place to put your backpack. Empty it as soon as you set it down.

Parents:
1.  Make sure your kids have an edible breakfast before they leave.  This is not the time to have them try guava jelly.
2.  Do a quick inspection to make sure there's no toilet paper sticking to their shoes or anything else that might look funny.
3.  Assure them that they'll have a good day even if they think they won't.  That doesn't mean that the whole day has to be good, just some of it.
4.  Remind them to smile at the teacher even if that teacher has whips hanging on the walls.
5.  Tell them not to talk to strangers even if they're seniors in high school.
6.  Ask them if they are carrying any money. If they are, ask how much and what it's for.
7.  Caution them about appropriate use of their i-pods or cell phones at school.
8.  Tell them to be good listeners.
9.  Remind them that going to school is their job.
10. Say "I love you" in a special way every morning.

Teachers:

1.  Make sure your classroom looks good.
2.  Erase and/or obliterate any and every form of the f-word from desks and walls.
3.  Be ready to hear the f-word in the hallway and even in the classroom.
4.  Have an Expectation (rules) handout for every student.  Post one on the wall and go over it soon after class starts.
5.  Word your expectations positively.  For example, say something like, "Save your gum chewing for break and lunch" rather than, "No gum chewing allowed."  Clearly let them know what happens if a rule is broken and follow up on that consequence without fail.
6.  Don't eat in front of students.
7.  Be really, REALLY strict the first week.  You can lighten up later.
8.  Display a seating chart and let the students find their own places first thing.
9.  Have meaningful first day activities.  Do something academic right away rather than play too many ice-breaking games.
10. Remember:  Every day has a 3 o'clock; every week has a Friday; and every school year has a June.

3 comments:

  1. Loved your blog as always! The first week of school is STILL always hard for me, even though I am retired. Regardless of the testing and curriculum issues, I miss the kids and establishing an environment that I know was often the only safe place for many of my students. Teachers make a difference in their student's lives.....and it has nothing to do with state test scores!

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  2. Enjoyed reading these! Some made me laugh out loud! (Guava jelly) Great advice!

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  3. Actually, there are some uses for iPhones in class. Who knew the kids would one day have mini computers in their pockets? So true - start with academics (and building the class) - every day matters. Can't wait to fall in love with my new kiddos tomorrow!

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