Getting to know the students

[NewTeacher09]

I am starting my student teaching in a second grade classroom in a week. I want to get to know my students and them to know me on both a personal level and as their teacher. Does anyone have any suggestions on first day activities to help get to know the students?

[Brit]

I suggest getting the book First Day Jitters by julie Daneburg and reading it as an introductory activity. It's a great book to help kids realize that you, the teacher, are human and can get nervous and have feelings, too. Then you can segue into a first day activity. My kids LOVE name swat (get half a pool noodle, and as names are called, the guy in the middle with the pool noodle has to tap feet before that person calls the next person and so on), but if you`re really trying to get to know the kids, something like two truths and a lie might work -- the kids need to tell two things that are true about themselves and one lie, and you and the others need to guess which is the lie. you could do this as a circle activity.

you could also have them do a writing activity where they answer questions you think will help you get to know them, or they could interview each other and do it as a drama and oral language thing.

Another good activity might be for you to lead a discussion around making a top 10 list -- the top ten things you need to know about out class, or the top ten things that every teacher should know...

It all depends on how much time you`re given. Talk to your associate/Master teacher to figure out if you are even allowed to take a leadership role the first day (in my practicums, it was strictly observational for the first day). S/he may even already have something planned for you!

[David]

As a longer term strategy for getting to know the kids I have a Letter Book. Once a week the children write letters to me about any subject they like. They can even ask me questions about my life. The rule is ...if the kids write me 3 lines I write 3 lines back to me.....if they write a page I write a page back. This also develops literacy skills at the same time.

[teacher5]

:cool: Be cool. Your cooperating teacher will introduce you to the class. You need to sit back and observe for a few days. You are a guest in this class. You will need to pick up on the classroom behavior management system/s that are in place. It is not your job to create a new one. It is your job, when you get the reigns to implement what is in place. If you have "teacher sense," you will know when to join a table or work with a group of students. You may even be assigned a group to work with right away. I am glad to hear you are anxious and energetic, but you need to ease into the new situation. Also, remember, you need to be the teacher, not their friend. You need to be a professional. You need to be authoritative, not an authoritarian. You need to be prepared for each lesson, by over planning. You want to avoid hearing "I'm done!" Make sure there are follow up choices that students can work on independently. This is the key factor to having few or no behavior problems. Good luck!

[NewTeacher09]

Wow, not what I was expecting, but maybe you're right. :) I enjoyed reading your comment, I agreed with it and already knew most of what you said, it was just nice to read it again before I start.

I am aware that I'm not there to change anything and I do have sense on fitting into a classroom. I already completed one student teaching placement, and did just fine. I'm a little more nervous about this one, first because it is a different type of class and second because I'm interested in doing well in this one. I want to go about this placement in the best way possible because I am more interested in elementary education than special education (we have a dual certification at the University I attend). I think that after reading this, the best way to do well is to start out slow and ease my way in.

Thanks for the advice :)

[Brianne422]

I think that the first day of school brings out "first day jitters" in the teachers just as much as it does with the students. There is stress on both; although the teacher's stress is different than that of the student's, there is still that stress level. It's overwhelming to start a new year, especially for new teachers. I think that on the first day of class, don't create any overwhelming tension. Don't overload yourself or the student with the agenda for the year, start slowly. Ease into the school year, don't rush. Second, introduce yourself and have the students do the same. Knowing everyone around you makes you and the student feel more at ease, rather than just being in a classroom full of strangers. Third, have some fun activities planned. That usually breaks the ice and allows everyone to feel more comfortable.