Text gems from Wong & Wong’s The First Days of School Question: What do I need to do to set my class up for success the first few days of school? Text gems from Wong & Wong’s The First Days of School
Classroom Organization Do not decorate TOO much Desks in rows facing the front Name cards on desks Plan areas for student belongings Assignment to complete immediately
Install Procedures & Routines “A smooth running class is the responsibility of the teacher, and it is the result of the teacher’s ability to teach procedures.”
Essential Procedures Start of the day Dismissal Transitions Quieting the class Seeking help Movement of students and papers
Procedures answer what to do when… The bell rings The pencil breaks You hear an emergency alert signal You finish your work early You have a question You have to go to the bathroom
Explain, Rehearse, Reinforce Define the procedure step by step and then demonstrate it Practice the procedure until it becomes routine Praise the students when the rehearsal is acceptable
Classroom Displays Rules (no more than 3-5) Consequences AND rewards Morning routine Action items when work is completed Proper paper heading
Jamie’s Gems Morning work is key Do not take roll as a class Manage with a quiet voice Have a consistent place for homework Apply for classroom jobs LOVE THE KIDS!