The first day of school can bring fear and apprehension for students. But educators can help students make the transition more easily and with success. By providing a safe, warm, and kind environment, teachers can ease the stress students often feel. If you are wondering how to help your students on their first day this year, try these tips.
Act confident. Notice I did not say be confident. If you are, great. If you are not, pretend. It is one of the things students look for on the first day. They will decide then and there whether or not to take your class seriously.
Be prepared, but relax. Things may not go as planned. Again, your students will watch the way you handle mistakes and unexpected issues.
Have a seating chart or some way to learn their names. Make sure to look each one in the eye and greet them. Let each student feel you know they are there and are happy to see them.
Demonstrate and explain class procedures on day one. Let them know how you expect them to behave. If you want to be respected, you must model respect. If you want them to treat you and classmates well, you must do so first. Remember, students cannot give you what they have never received.
Teach them something cool on the first day. They should leave your classroom looking forward to coming back.
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