►THE FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL
They’re back! Tap into their excitement.

In his article, Curtis Chandler challenges the conventional approach to the first days of school, which typically involves setting up routines, discussing rules, and completing mundane tasks. Recognizing that students are excited but often anticipate a dull start to the school year, Chandler suggests that teachers should seize the opportunity to create a memorable and engaging beginning that fosters enthusiasm for learning from day one. He advocates for "hitting the ground running" with activities that are both fun and challenging while still meeting educational goals.

Chandler offers several strategies for achieving this. First, he encourages educators to consider starting the year with high-interest projects or problem-solving activities that engage students’ curiosity and creativity right away. This can set a positive tone for the year and demonstrate that the classroom will be an exciting place for learning. Additionally, incorporating games or challenges that require critical thinking and collaboration can help students bond with their peers and build a sense of community early on.

Complementing Chandler's ideas, other contributors to MiddleWeb offer advice on how to make the first days of school more impactful. Stephanie Farley, for example, emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students from day one. She suggests activities that allow teachers to get to know their students personally, helping to create an environment where all students feel valued and supported.

In a related piece, the "Million Words" activity is highlighted as a tool for strengthening connections with parents. By asking parents to share a “million words or less” about their child, teachers can gain valuable insights that help tailor their approach to each student, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Barbara Blackburn adds to the conversation by sharing ideas for creating an inviting classroom environment that builds strong relationships and encourages a positive atmosphere. Simple gestures, like personalized greetings and student involvement in classroom decoration, can make a big difference.

Lastly, Cheryl Mizerny outlines seven key questions that middle school students typically have on the first day. By addressing these questions directly, teachers can help students feel more comfortable and excited about learning, setting the stage for a successful school year.

Overall, the collective advice from Chandler and other educators suggests that the first days of school should be about more than just laying down the rules. By focusing on engagement, relationships, and creating a positive classroom culture from the start, teachers can make a lasting first impression that inspires students throughout the year.

For more details, you can visit the original articles on MiddleWeb.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com