How do you greet students and start them off the first day of school?

Question

I'm starting my first year of teaching in two weeks and don't know how to start things off--what do I say to them? Any tips/advice?How do I structure time that first day? I'll be teaching 6th grade Language Arts.

Answer 1

Well you can start by not giving them work on the first day... You shouldn't be too strict or too kind.... Just be your self..... ^^

Hope this helps!!!

Answer 2

Greet them with a directive and an assignment. The first day sets the tone. (Hello, take a seat. Begin your assignment on the board.) This could be a paragraph on what they would like to learn this year and what their responsibility will be in accomplishing those things.

Answer 3

  Greet them and introduce yourself..,some backgrounds.Then after that let them introduce themselves to you.Then initiate a game in the class to let them enjoy their first day with you.Thats it!

Answer 4

Just be yourself and don't come off to strong. Don't be to strict or mean on the first day

Answer 5

Stand out side  the door and greet them... Find a fun way to get them to introduce themselves to you... Such as having them make their own name plate with 5 things about them... for example mine would have a cat, my son and husband, a chalkboard, bike and a pizza... Then I would stand and explain why I drew each... then have them bring it to class for the rest of the week...  

Answer 6

Congratulations!!!

I want to be a 6th grade Language Arts teacher once I'm older =)

I'm still in school, and as long as I remember, my teachers have always used that first day to introduce themselves and get us to open up to one another in the classroom.

I think that you should just tell them your name, and a few things you like. Like... your favorite color or favorite book and such. And then go around the room to get them to share at least one thing about them so that they all get to know each other a little bit more. You could ask them what school they're coming from.

I don't know, I hope I was of some help =/

Congratulations again! =]

Just hang on there and try to stay firm but fair.  

Answer 7

congratulations - you are going to love it - yes you'll also be stressed and feel overworked - but itll all be worth it.

Here is my plan for day 1 - (I enjoy reading other answers as I like to switch things up yearly)

seating: ill have them assigned prior to their entering if possible

Overview of what we plan to do for the year. I'll talk a bit about what curriculum we'll cover, projects they will work on. I have a powerpoint I'll use to give an overview of the large ideas of the course. Since there are a few large projects, I like to mention them on day one so they know its coming.

paperwork: I have to pass out and sign a few things - so ill have a quick get to know you write for them - gives me a chance to see their writing.

procedures; ill explain some procedures theyll need to use on the first few days. procedures for students during direct instruction, work time and leaving the classroom (three things that will happen on day one - possibly also pencil sharpening)

homework: ill mention it - but not assign any until a few days from the first. ill also let them know that academic work starts tomorrow.

That should be plenty to fill up the first block.

Good luck to you!

Answer 8

Just be what kind of teacher you are.

Sure kids are going to like a "Let loose" teacher  but if you become strict the next that'll just confuse them.

However, I do think you should cut students some slack the first day. If you want them to like you [not be BFF's but not hate you] don't be mean.

Also, try to be different. It is so boring doing the same thing over and over again the first day. I'm in highschool and we STILL complain about it.

The students will remember something that varied from the rest of the day, and will enjoy it as long as it's not to weird haha :D

Just take the time to introduce yourself. Then tell them to introduce themselves. Then ask if they have questions for you. Pass out any forms they need at the beginning of the block [when they walk in the door?], so you don't break the stride of any "fun time".

Good luck!

6th Grade Language Arts was my favorite :D

Answer 9

You should say good morning class and have them fill out a sheet about themselves and you can introduce yourself and learn everyones name and try to get use to them observe them and see what kind a person they are that is what my teacher did last year and don't give them any homework on the first day.

Answer 10

I could write a book about the structure.

But the greeting is easy - you smile and approach them with respect.

But you are in charge - and that age you need to remember they do not like to be called out in front of their friends.  So if you ever have an issue, try to deal with it privately.

I ALWAYS ask the kids to do what I want them to do by asking them like they are doing me a favor rather then ordering them to do something,

For instance  - Brian could you do me a favor and get in your place in line?  Rather than ordering him to do it.

THE FIRST DAY SETS THE STAGE!!!!!

Lay down the law and be consistent.

Let them know what your rules are, what you expect, and what the awards and/or consequences are.

YOU MUST BE CONSISTENT!!!!

I have my email open and am available if you ever need anything!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Answer 11

Just be open to them like not too bubbly but not to strict. The first couple of days with the teacher is the chance to really figure out whether or not you'll like your class.

Hope this helped! (:

Answer 12

Give some fun facts about yourself too. This way they are able to learn a little bit about you and feel comfortable as well. Remember to keep it a trusting, fun, and safe environment. Write down a few multiple choice questions and see if they can guess the answers. For example, if you have a dog have them try to guess your dogs name, or your favorite food, or favorite thing to do for fun, or book?

Answer 13

Well. If I were a 6th grader (which i will be VERY soon), I'd want to be greeted with kindness.

I wouldn't want my teacher being all "HAY GIRLFRIEND" seeing as that would be creepy.

and I also wouldn't want to be greeted like "Hi! >:O SIT DOWN!!!!"

I'd be scared.

I'd want to be greeted like "Hi. I'm Mrs. name goes here"

and then I'd want to be told where to sit, But if you're talking to the whole class you just say "Hi. I'm Mrs. NAME GOES HERE"  Students are as nervous as you are on the first day. Maybe even more. Keep that in mind.  

Answer 14

Get a copy of "The Responsive Classroom" book called "The first six weeks of school".  It will help you to create a warm and supportive classroom environment.  You spend the first few weeks of school getting to know the kids, helping them to know each other, helping them to formulate goals for themselves as individuals and as a group.

Good luck!!