The First Day Of School

It happens every year. The summer comes to a close. It is as inevitable as, well, the seasons. With the end of summer comes a new beginning. School starts anew. The first day of school sets the tone for the year, make it good.

Depending on the grade level or subjects that you teach, you may know all, some or none of your students. If you do not know the students remember, as the old saying goes, you only have one chance to make a good impression. Let the students know who you are, what you like to do, some thing about your family. In other words, make yourself look human. Many of the students already think you spent the summer in your classroom writing lesson plans and grading old papers. Don't confirm their suspicions by jumping straight in to the new year with your rules and expectations.

One of the best things I have done over the years to let the kids get to know me a little bit, and me them, is something I call the "I Believe" list. I have compiled a list of things I believe. These are things I truly believe about many different subjects. They do not have to be things I can prove, such as #31 O.J. Simpson is guilty, just things I believe.

I first got the idea after hearing a clip from the film Bull Durham. Kevin Costner's character rattles off a list of things to Susan Sarandon's character like, "I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. . ., the designated hitter should be banned. . .". I thought that would be a quick and easy way for the kids to understand me a little bit. I then give them a few days to develop their own lists to be turned in for me to read. I don't give grades for it; it is just for my knowledge. Over the years some of the student's lists have been tremendous. Some times the lists are the most thoughtful, intriguing work the student does all year.

Since I teach high school history I also do some activities that focus on the importance of history. I will explain the different kinds of history, big and personal, and have them make a list of their own history and how it corresponds with big events around the world. This helps create an immediate personal connection with the class that can help maintain interest.

Sometimes I give a quick quiz about history or current events to see what the students already know, and to serve as a discussion starter. I ask for their opinions about topics. It is very important that the students understand early that their opinions and beliefs are considered legitimate in class. You would not believe how many times I have been told by students that mine was the only class they have ever had where the teacher actually wanted to know what they thought.

If you have to, just do some corny get to know you games. As hokey as they often are, they work. Do something different, do something fun, do something exciting. Make the first day of school a day that will get the kids excited about your class.