First Days of School Plan How you will start the very first few minutes of the class? Welcome students to the new class * Congratulate them all for their success in the previous grade * Tell them I will be their teacher for Math, (Period #) * Introduce myself to the students * Explain personal educational philosophy, answer any questions * Let them know that I will be picking up supplies and assigning lockers Tell them I am looking forward to an excellent school year in which I know they will all succeed! What will you do in preparation before class? "Even with the best of preparation for the first day of school, not every day will go smoothly for you. Accept that there are some circumstances that truly hinder your success. But being prepared is the best strategy to use to prevent problems." Before class prep * Put name cards (Homeroom Only) and student information sheets on each desk * Turn on overhead projector and place seating chart and daily agenda on it * Create a personal list of first day essentials to be completed (hand-outs, supplies) * Have a clearly marked sign on the door and on the front chalkboard that indicates the name of the class, the teacher, the hour, and the room number. How will you greet them? Greet each student at the door * Welcome each student with a handshake and hello. * Make sure every student is in the right classroom at the right time. * Tell each student the following: 1. They can find their seat by referencing the seating chart on the projection screen. 2. Ask them to leave supplies they brought under their desk. 3. Let them know that there is a fun worksheet to work on about themselves that will help me to get to know them better How will you introduce yourself? Introducing myself * My name * A little about my husband and family * Where I am from and where I live * Education and experience * Personal Goals and Interests * Tell them why I love teaching and why I think I am getting the best students! How will you arrange the classroom? * The teacher desk should be located behind the student desks and placed an accessible distance from the supply table. The main idea is to create an inviting atmosphere, and choosing to remove the desk from the immediate learning environment will prevent distraction. * The supply table will hold all loose paper work, which will prevent my desk from becoming cluttered with work and materials. I hope to have stackable shelves placed on top to assist in organizing handouts, graded homework, and un-graded homework by class period. Students will be able to file their homework when completed. * The student desks are facing the front of the room where the chalkboard is located. The layout is a similar version to the "2-3-2" seating arrangement, only it contains rows of paired desks throughout. I want to be able to walk among the rows freely, and this arrangement provides me with several paths to choose. Also, I believe that cooperative learning is very important in middle school math. By arranging the desks in pairs, it will be easier to partner students up and explore together. * Students will be assigned seats alphabetically as a temporary seating chart will assist in the memorization of names. What procedures will you explain and rehearse on the first day? The effective teacher 1. develops procedures for every possible circumstance, 2. teaches those procedures, 3. practices those procedures, and 4. enforces those procedures. Procedures * Give each student a copy of the procedures to be placed and kept in the first section of their binder * Discuss procedures and teach some of the most commonly used procedures. * Promise the students an organized and efficient classroom. (Quick turn-around) * Explain the importance of following procedures. * Explain the difference between procedures and rules. * Explain and rehearse the following procedures: entering the room, warm-up, turning in assigned work, coming to attention, arriving late, and leaving the classroom. Explain that other procedures will be explained and rehearsed as they become necessary (getting absent work, make-up tests, using the bathroom, getting a detention, getting extra handouts, handing in homework). Entering and leaving the classroom; end of day dismissal * Teach entry procedure (morning supplies organization) * Teach midday moving procedure (lunch, transition times) Teach end of day dismissal/leaving class procedure (chairs stacked, desk empty) What class policies will you present? Class Policies Explanation * Ask the students to reference the Class Policies handout. * Discuss your overall discipline philosophy. * Stress that a student chooses to break a rule. * Explain the short list of simple class rules and ask the students to explain why they are in place. * Stress that the class rules will be consistently enforced. * Explain the detention policy. * Explain the tardy and late arrival policy. * Discuss the importance of academic honesty. * Discuss the attendance requirements. * Explain the late work policy. * Explain the make-up test policy. Ask each student to sign in the space that indicates that they understand and agree to all of the class policies. What is your plan for students who break rules? If YOU CHOOSE to Break a Rule: Punishments will always fit the crime. Of course there are behaviors that will warrant a Dean's Referral immediately. Behaviors that are less severe, but in violation of the basic rules of the class will be dealt with in the manner described below. This format is in no way all inclusive and is subject to change: 1st Incident - Warning and name on the board 2nd Incident -- 30-minute detention, and phone call home 3rd Incident- 60-minute detention, and phone call home 4th Incident -- Dean's referral, phone call home, possible parental conference *Warnings carry over for the entire week. Detentions All detentions will be served before or after school. Written notice will always be given.