Getting Ready for a Successful First Week of School

I think that the first day of school is something I anticipate all summer! I even have nightmares about it! Once I dreamt that I showed up on the first day with no shoes. Another time, I dreamt that I woke up late, showed up late 2 hours late for work and that the principal had to take my class.

Luckily, none of my nightmares have ever come true...but that doesn't mean that first year teachers or even veteran teachers aren't nervous about the first week of school.

During the first week of school one of things I focus on is creating an environment where students feel cared for and that they are part of a community. I like to create a environment where students know that they are important and that they matter. I tell them it almost every day too. And I encourage them to speak to each other in uplifting ways.

Building a community of respect doesn't happens right away. With time, students will begin to trust each other and feel comfortable with each other.

The first weeks of school, I like to keep things light. I want the students to start to get to know each other. Figuring what are some common interests that students might have? For example: who plays on a soccer team? Who does dance? etc.


I created these fun Back to School: Cootie Catchers with helping students to get to know each other in mind.

 

Students use the cootie catchers to ask each other fun questions!

• This or That
• My Future
• Would You Rather?
• Real Adventures
• Dinner Time
• Ninja Moves
• Junk Food Galore

I've included directions on how to fold them and how the students can question each other.

Would you like to try them out in your classroom?

Leave a comment below with your email and I will pick one winner!

Check out other fun tips for your first week of school.

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