DVC Essay #1

 Read the following six examples of suggestions for the first day of school  Discuss the six unique approaches  Decide for yourself the approach that you feel is the best way to begin  Write the essay  Attach/share it with me by Friday, October 2, before the end of class.

 Often teachers use the first day for filling out forms, assigning lockers, and essential but boring “administrivia.” Such a day can set a tone for the students that this is going to be just like all the other years, like all the other classes. On the other hand, students will be fresh from the summer, carrying renewed expectations that this year may be different. Capitalizing on this attitude with a really interesting lesson will create important momentum for your class. You can catch up on the forms and other items later in the week.

 Although a good lesson is most important, getting classroom management under control cannot be stressed too much. On the first day, at least, let you students know you plan to have an orderly classroom with rules that foster respect and a healthy work environment. We do not imply that you lay down the law but that you let your students know that any group needs to have clear rules and you are open to their suggestions or even co-determination of the rules.

 As soon as you receive your class lists or rosters, start familiarizing yourself with the students’ names. Once you meet your students, start matching name with faces and, whenever possible, use their names. Nothing signals your interest in them and being on top of the situation like using their names on day 1.

 Often the insecurities of new teachers get the best of them. They vacillate between being Mr. or Ms. Nice Guy and Attilla the Disciplinarian. The beginning teacher’s early commitment to a friendly but task-oriented atmosphere is the key to its realization.

 Students want to succeed. Even the ones with a history of difficulty with other teachers want the new school year to be better. Don’t tell them how hard they are going to work. Tell them how much they are going to know at the end of the year and what they can do with this new knowledge.

 You need parental support, and students want to know whether you’ll contact parents about both good and bad events. Tell them you see their parents as your partners, as your co-teachers.

 Using a modified Socratic Method, turn and talk with your group.  State which you like the best by referring to the text and state why you would start this way?  Others will speak in turn agreeing with you or suggesting a different method than the one that you chose.

Teach a great lesson Establish Class Rules Use Students’ Names Friendly, but businesslike Share your vision of the year Establish parent communications

 Choose the suggestion you feel is most important to you.  In a three paragraph essay discuss why you think this suggestion is important.  Begin by explaining which one you are choosing based on our class conversation, then how you would implement it and then why you think it will work.  Do this in Google Drive and share it with me when you are done ~

 Due date  Tuesday/Wednesday  March 13-14, 2012

 Sit in teaching teams  Gather materials  Begin prep work  Pay attention to bell schedule  Complete name tags/certificates  Read your lessons/curriculum  Discuss who will bring snacks/what will they be ▪ Drinks ~ healthy snacks ~ treats (can be healthy too)  Put materials away before the end of class