How do you get ready for the beginning of the year?

Question

This will be my first year teaching so I have to start from scratch. I was wondering if you could give me any advice on what I need to do to get ready for teh beginning of the year. I know I need a place to turn in assignments and write homework... What else? How do you put your studetns' desks? In rows individually? In groups? What about decorations? What should I have posted? What am I missing? What do you do on the first day of class? Do you write a syllabus for middle school? (7th grade L.A.)

Answer 1

Think back to your student teaching.  How were those rooms set up?  What really worked for you and what was awkward?

A lot of the things you mentioned are really personal preference.  When I started teaching, I had my kids in groups, but after my first year I realized I would rather have them facing me instead of each other.  Some teachers really like the students interacting and desks in groups are good for their teaching style.  That is really up to you.

First day/ week is about expectations.  Big expectations should be posted.  I find that the more stuff there is on the walls, the more distracted the kids are.  If it is stuff you want them to know, then at least they are distracted by something that is worth while :)

It is so crucial to establish good routines right off the bat.  A syllabus for middle school wouldn't be a bad idea.  It lets the students know your expectations for the year and it keeps you on track.  

Show and practice how you want the kids to enter the room, turn in their work, raise their hands before talking, get up to sharpen pencils or to get a tissue.  I know it seems a little silly, but in late November, you will be really glad your kids know that they know exactly what you want.  If you haven't read Harry Wong's "The First Days of School,"  I highly recommend you get that book and read it over the summer.

Best of luck to you.  The first year is a little scary and teaching really is a learning process.  Check out the website below.  It is a great forum to talk to really good teachers.  I don't think I could have survived without it my first year!

Answer 2

My first teaching job was 6th grade science. My classroom was nicely decorated because that's a personal passion on mine. If you have a decorated and inviting room, students will want to come in and learn. This also teaches students to respect your belongs by keeping your classroom clean. On the first day of class, I did have a syllabus stating my rules, procedures, and expected assignments. After going over your procedures, please have a little review packet for the students to begin working on. As much as people say not to come ing tough... with middle school you have to especially if you're young. (I was 23) I would start off in rows until you get to know your students and decide who works well enough together for groups. I had my seats labeled and I stood at the door to greet my students. I would ask their name and give them a clothes pin with the same number labeled on the desk. This was just a different way of assigning seats, and it worked well. I agree with the post above about thinking about your student teaching experience and the things you liked and the things you didn't like. Now is your time to take the things you like and personalized them! Good Luck and start off meaning business!!!

Answer 3

A syllabus or some form of a course outline is always a good idea.  

Decorating for middle school is not always easy (or important).  I taught 6th grade and used current event newspaper clippings to decorate. Be sure to clip the article any time one of your students makes the local paper.   It's educational and not "baby like".

Be sure your materials are organized and in order for day 1.  Have work waiting for the students the moment they arrive. When my students first arrive there is a packet of worksheets and a pencil waiting on their desk.  Make it simple ...don't give them any work they can't do.  This way you have set a standard for your classroom and they are occupied while you handle things like the roll and school supplies.

Answer 4

Start off simple.  Perhaps an interview type of project for getting kids to share thoughts on various topics.  (school memories, recent events, etc)  On the second day, go over simple review from the topics of the previous year.

You do not want to dive head first and give them a major project off the bat because if you school is like ours, you will have students coming and going for about 2-3 weeks.  It is difficult to get them into the mix with big projects.

As far as your room set up, it depends on how your room is designed and how comfortable you are.  (You will discover this as you progress)  I personally prefer the traditional rows.  See if you can find out who the "talkers" are and seat them accordingly.  Posters with positive messages are always good.  ( Succeessories pictures are cool)  Change them every so often to keep the room fresh.  

Good luck and welcome to the profession.  We don't just need teachers...we need good ones!

Answer 5

On the first day, I have my students create a time capsule that includes a writing sample of something enjoyable that they did over the summer, along with a picture of themselves, a measurement of their height, tracing of their hand, and completed questionnaire of their favorite things, like song, color, food, etc.  Then you have your plans done for the last day of school when you open the time capsule and make comparisons!  It's so much fun to see how they grow through the year.

Answer 6

Harry Wong.

I too teach 7th in LA - welcome!

desks - keep it so you can switch it up whenever you feel like it - I usually start in groups of six.

decorations - not much before the students get there - I like to keep alot of space for their work to be displayed.

posted  - rules.

first day - I usually give an overview of where I want them to be by the end of 7th grade - and a fun tour of the stuff we'll do - I save quick discussion of rules and a personal inventory (getting to know you activity) for day 2

syllabus - I do not write one.

good luck to you!