Episode 3: First Month Tips
The first month of school sets the tone for routines, expectations, and the overall learning environment. It all starts with how the classroom is organized. A well-organized space helps students feel secure and ready to learn. Begin by color-coding electronics and class materials like binders and notebooks by subject or class to create visual structure. Label key areas of the room clearly, including shelves, storage bins, and learning center. Consider covering open shelving with fabric or paper to reduce visual clutter. Designate a dedicated space for learning targets and a daily schedule. Your small group table should be inviting and functional, with enough room for students to write and use manipulatives. This space models the organization we want students to replicate at their own desks, and it supports the developmental need for a shared table when writing or engaging in hands-on tasks. On the very first day, have an area for school supplies, especially for shared community items, to set a tone of care, structure, and collaboration.
Strong classroom management begins with clear expectations and intentional planning. Establishing student jobs early on gives learners ownership of the space while building responsibility. Using a number order system can streamline tasks like locating missing assignments, assigning electronics, and quickly pairing students for partner work. While it’s helpful to have a flexible seating chart to meet student needs, it’s equally important to have structured substitute plans ready to go.
The key to routine is practice, practice, practice. Teach, model, and rehearse routines until they’re automatic. Be consistent and firm. Plan how students will transition. Think about how students will get around the classroom, line up, or walking through the school. Be sure to narrate positive behaviors aloud to reinforce expectations. Over plan your first few days with engaging, low-stakes activities. Practice entering the classroom and set the tone right away. A question of the day related to the learning can be a great way to start the morning. Consider a classroom scavenger hunt to help students locate supplies, learning tools, and workspaces so they feel comfortable and confident from the start!
Before diving into academics, take the time to truly understand who your students are as learners and individuals. Carefully review all IEPs, 504 plans, ALPs, and language support documentation to ensure every student’s needs are met from day one. Be mindful when speaking with previous teacher. While their insight can be helpful, every student deserves a fresh start. Collaborate with your grade-level or professional learning community teams to plan intentionally and support all learners. Make it a priority to pronounce students' names correctly. Record them if needed and use student surveys to learn about their interests, goals, and learning preferences. Building relationships is essential, and it starts with simple things: having conversations, sharing laughs, doing get-to-know-you activities, and showing you care. Keep families in the loop with a quick email or snapshots from the first week. Families appreciate seeing their child engaged and happy! Finally, use those first few weeks to collect baseline data so you can begin planning meaningful, differentiated instruction that meets your students where they are.
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