The First Week of School

Day 1: Forming Relationships

• Grade Level Questions Worksheet (Or Questions Bank)  

• Guided Slides Template 

• Syllabus Example and List of Things to Include

  • Topics covered 

  • What to do if absent 

  • How do things get graded

  • What gets graded

  • Late work policy 

• Community Building Activities Bank

Day 2: Establishing Expectations

• Instructor Reflection Handout

  • What expectations will be unique to your site?

    • Discuss expectations with administration/listen closely at back to school institute day/first staff meeting

  • What are things that bother you? 

  • What are your general expectations in your classroom? 

    • Why do you care about them?

  • Where will you be displaying these expectations in your classroom?

• Guided Worksheet for Students: Behavior Guidelines

  • Space for brainstorming 

  • Space for 3 guidelines formed with group one 

  • Space to determine which guideline meets each of numbered situations 

  • Final group guidelines. 

• Situations Handout for students

• Exit Slip for Students: Three final guidelines, actions to meet guidelines, support needed from instructor to meet guidelines. 

Day 3: Establish Routines

• Instructor Reflection Handout: 

  • Part One: Starting each class right. 

    • What do you need when students enter class? 

    • What expectations are you held to? 

    • What can you expect from your students to meet these needs? 

  • Part Two: Quick Ideas for Classroom Management 

    • Take a minute in your student’s seat. 

      • What obstacles are in the way of their success? (Distractions, materials, visability, etc.) 

      • What can you do to solve those problems before they start?

    • What materials will your students need to be successful in class? 

      • What materials do your students need for your class? 

      • How will they be expected to use them? 

      • How do you intend to distribute materials? 

      • How are materials stored and who is responsible for their upkeep?

      • What website log-ins or other tech resources will students need in your class?

    • When students leave the classroom.

      • Under what circumstances would they need to leave your classroom? (bathroom etc) 

      • What would be the easiest way for you to manage absences?

  • Part Three: Extension and Reflection Activities 

    • What are some standing activities can students work on if they finish early?

    • When is it okay for a student to move on from an activity and how do you want to communicate this with them?

    • How will you remind students of the standing activities they can work on throughout the year?

    • If a lesson runs short, what is a directed activity you can do with your students to mind the time?

      
      

• Templates and Examples

  • Starting Class 

    • First Things First Template and Example 

    • Journal Question Template and Example 

    • Comprehension Questions Template and Example 

    • Skills Practice Template and Example 

  • Ideas for Quick Classroom Management 

    • Hand signs

    • When and how to move

    • Bathroom pass sign out

  • Extension and Reflection Activities  

    • Independent working time template and example

    • Extension activities template and example

    • Mindfulness activities template and example

    • Independent choice board template and example

Implementation and Closing

• Do now: Guided Planning Worksheet for First Three Days 

• Revisiting: Continuing to review rules/expectations/etc throughout the year

  • Reference Sheet

  • Handouts

  • Journal prompts

  • Classroom Posters

• Repeat some activities when coming back from a long break