Surviving the Back to School rush and the rest of your 280+ days to come begins with advanced planning, thorough preparation, and skillful implementation starting well before the very first days of school. But more important than anything else on those first days of school is creating a classroom climate of trust, curiosity, and excitement.
There are many tips that teachers can share about building this classroom community. You can start by clearly establishing the rules and requirements for your class. You can begin by thoroughly examining your class expectations with a syllabus, course outlines, and other class tools. Or, you can begin with activities that immediately show your students that your classroom will be filled with all of those things you desire from the first days of school to the very last!
Break the Ice in the First Days of School
My favorite activities are those that allow students the opportunity to get up and get to know one another on that very first day. Students can use “Find Someone Who…” or “Meet & Greet” activities (many varieties available in my TpT Store), they can create “Summer Newsletters” to share and display, or they can introduce themselves in a number of fun and creative ways.
For a more personal introduction, my FREE First Homework Assignment Identity Bags begin the school year on the right foot by allowing your students to share what is most important to and about themselves! Identity bags engage students, pique interest and curiousity, and explain your classroom expectations.
Don’t use this assignment simply for students introductions. Begin your very first day by presenting your very own Identity Bag to the class! Tie in your classroom expectations and your course outline through your “identity bag items,” as well as sharing personal information that may help you relate to your students and their interests.
By the time you have cleaned out your bag, your students will know who you are, what you expect, and that your class will be one they will enjoy and respect through the year. The items you include will help form a bond with your students from the very beginning!
Happy Teaching!
