Ten Things to Remember the First Day of School

Teachers Set the Tone for the Year with These Simple Tips

Jul 2, 2009

There are so many things that new teachers must remember, these tips need to be at the top of the list for the first day of school.

The first day of school brings a mix of emotions. Students are meeting their new teacher for the first time, and a new teacher is meeting her first classroom of students for the first time. Here are a few things that will help a new teacher successfully get through that first day of school.

Greeting the Students on the First Day of School

First, it is vital that a teacher be at the classroom door to greet her new students on the first day of school. She needs to greet them with a smile and be excited that they are her students! This will help set the tone in the classroom. A warm, welcoming tone will allow the first day of school to go smoothly.

Students may have already come to a back to school night and found out where they would be sitting, but this seating arrangement may have changed last minute or students may not have been able to come, so the teacher should ensure that each student finds his or her desk quickly.

It is also important that teachers not show fear or nervousness. If a new teacher must fake confidence, that is better than allowing the students to sense that she is nervous, as this can lead to behavior problems. Making decisions on the spot is part of what being a teacher is all about, so using this talent will help the first day to ensure the students meet a friendly but confident teacher.

Communicating with Students on the First Day of School

When communicating with students on the first day of school, a new teacher must remember that listening is as important as being listened to. Teachers should make a point of asking lots of questions of the students that first day, and set a precedent of listening carefully to each answer. This sets the standard for the students that when someone is talking, everyone else is listening.

It is also vital that the teacher communicate the standard of success to the students on the first day of school. Students are more likely to preform well if they are held to high standards and know that their teacher believes in them. Starting with the first day of school students should learn that they will be required to work hard and that they will succeed.

In summary, a new teacher needs to do the following things on the first day of school:

For more tips on surviving the first day of school and beyond check out tips for new teachers.

The copyright of the article Ten Things to Remember the First Day of School in New Teacher Support is owned by Jennifer Wagaman. Permission to republish Ten Things to Remember the First Day of School in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.