Education

Teaching Resources To Start Your School Year Off Right

These initial weeks are not just about introducing curriculum; they're about setting the stage for a year of successful learning and positive interactions.

Photo by Iga Palacz / Unsplash

At the beginning of the school year it's important to teach and practice classroom expectations right from the start. These initial weeks are not just about introducing curriculum; they're about setting the stage for a year of successful learning and positive interactions.

Clear, well-communicated expectations create a framework for student behavior and academic engagement. This doesn't mean simply posting rules on a wall and moving on. Instead, take the time to discuss each expectation, demonstrate what it looks like in practice, and give students opportunities to practice these behaviors themselves.

For instance, if one of your expectations is active listening during class discussions, model this behavior yourself and then have students practice it in small group settings. If you expect students to come prepared for class, walk them through your definition of "prepared" and perhaps even do a mock "ready-for-class" check together. Remember, the effort you put into establishing and reinforcing these expectations in the first few weeks can pay dividends throughout the entire school year.

But creating a successful classroom goes beyond just setting rules. It's equally important to invest time in getting to know your students and allowing them to know you. Strong relationships are the bedrock of effective classroom management. When students feel connected and understood, they're more likely to engage positively with you and their peers.