As much as we all would like summer vacation to go on and on, we cannot deny that the end of summer is rapidly approaching. The start of a new school year is just around the corner. Getting ready for the upcoming school year requires a great deal of planning. Here is a dandy list of tips to help you prepare. Some are more suitable for elementary teachers, others are better for secondary teachers, and some are useful for both levels. Adapted from ThoughtCo. Enjoy!
- Write and mail or email a welcome letter to parents and students
- Create name tags for students and their desks
- Read through student files to help determine placement in groups and activities
- Determine desk arrangement and create seating charts
- Decorate and put up bulletin boards
- Decorate the front door
- Determine the rules and consequences or how you will have the class decide upon the rules
- Organize first-day ice-breakers
- Collect activities and design lessons for the first week of school
- Become familiar with the class computer and other technology needed for the classroom
- Decide how to welcome students and introduce them to the rules and procedures
- Develope a substitute folder
- Create a list of classroom jobs
- Introduce yourself to fellow teachers and staff members
- Set up your classroom calendar
- Organize the classroom library, if you have one
- Make copies of forms and worksheets you want to send home the first week
- Have all systems in order (homework basket, paperwork basket, etc.)
- Create or purchase a lesson plan organizer and calendar
- Gather teacher materials and supplies
- Set up a class web page to communicate with students and parents
- Purchase or acquire any classroom supplies that are needed
- Obtain a copy of the district curriculum standards for your courses
- Prepare a folder for faculty meetings and information
- Make copies of materials for the first couple of weeks
- Post emergency evacuation map and procedures
- Acquire or stock a first aid kit
- Decide how to manage homework
- Decide how to manage using the restroom (bathroom passes, etc.)
