New Teacher

[MissJess]

Hi! I'm a new teacher starting this March in a fourth grade classroom. Any suggestions on first day activities so late in the year?

[Chef Dave]

Don't spend a lot of time with introductory activities. The kids already know each other and as you have already noted, you're taking over the class rather late in the year.

After introducing yourself, have the entire class stand up and play a game called, "One thing I'd like you to know about me is ..." Each student will introduce himself/herself and tell you one thing they'd like you to know about themselves.

Be aware that it's going to take you some time to get to know the students. I have always found the use of seating charts to be quite useful. You might also consider having students write their names on adhesive name stickers that they can wear on their clothing. Adhesive name stickers can be found at places like Office Max.

Some elementary teachers also have student names taped to the upper corner of each desk. This might be a useful thing for you to do while getting to know the students. Students could decorate their own name cards. You would need wide adhesive tape to tape the name cards into place.

As a former elementary teacher, I always ate with my kids in the cafeteria. It was a nice way to get to know them and since the cafeteria was an informal setting, I got to see a side of the students that I might not have seen in the classroom.

If you have not already done so, familiarize yourself with the school rules and classroom rules of the teacher you'll be replacing. Learn these rules and the appropriate use of rewards/consequences. Since you're taking over the class so late in the year, I would adopt your predecessor's class rules to minimize confusion with the students.

Prepare an introductory letter to send home with the kids. It is generally a good idea to have the building administrator review the letter before sending it home. Be positive and reassuring.

If time permits, meet with the teacher you're replacing. Learn where the students are in the curriculum. Identify what still needs to be taught. Get an overview on the strengths and weaknesses of each child.

The more you know about your class before stepping into classroom as the new teacher, the easier the transition will be.

Best wishes!

[Boxcar]

Wow. The above post covers everything I was going to suggest! Good advice, Chef_Dave.

Good luck, MissJess. I know this will be a challege.

[MissJess]

Thank you so much for all of your great advice!

[MissJess]

Thank you for responding! = )