Did you know that the single most important factor that governs student learning is classroom management? An article from Educational Leadership found 28 factors that influence student learning, and classroom management was #1. That is why the first days are so important. If expectations are not set in the first week, students will not change months from now when the teacher realizes that something isn't working- perhaps the students aren't learning and the teacher has no control of their classroom.
Harry Wong, author of The First Days of School, believes what is most important and needs to be established on the first days of school is: Consistency. Students want to know exactly what they will be getting and what will be happening. This prevents the never-ending, "What are we doing today?" questions. Teachers need to spend time organizing and structuring the classroom so the students know what their role is in the classroom. Teachers also need to teach procedures that create consistency. They should then go over those procedures many times in the first weeks so the students understand.
Some tips that I found helpful from the First Days of School book are specifically for Day 1:
- Stand at the classroom door and greet students with a smile.
- Have your room ready, with all materials, and seating chart. (Ex: Have names on place cards at their desks.)
- Have the first assignment ready. The assignment should be short, interesting, and easy to complete. Bell-ringers or ice-breakers are great assignments for the first day.
Ice-breakers & Bell-Ringers
- I found some great first-day activities, (geared more toward the elementary classroom, but could be useful for any age group) including ice-breakers, in the link below: http://www.cbv.ns.ca/sstudies/activities/1rstday/1rst.html
- More useful activities for first day are in the link below: http://www.proteacher.com/030005.shtml
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