Let's face it, whether you've been a teacher for ten years or for ten minutes, the beginning of the school year is stressful. There is so much that needs to be done before the students arrive and once they do, your to do list grows exponentially. As educators, we feel that beginning of the year crunch in August because in education, September is our "busy season".
As you move through your busy season this year, I'd like to suggest that instead of focusing on the big picture--testing, observations, standards--take a moment to think about all the little details that make your teaching and your classroom so special....
Greetings and Salutations
Each day your students arrive into your classroom from all walks of life, having had different mornings and different experiences with their family before arriving at your door. Take a moment to greet your students by name each day and personalize their arrival with a comment or a warm smile. This will instantly lighten their mood and connect them to you. Talk to them about a book you are reading or ask how the big game was last night. Something that let's them know you are interested in their life outside of your classroom.
Before your students leave, consider adding a wrap up to your day. Don't always focus on the homework and what is due the next time you see them. This they can tune out (and often do, as you already know). Engage them in the last 2-3 minutes about a hot topic. Ask them about some great new movie that you heard about. Have a discussion about if the local football team will win this Sunday. Talk about their opinions or their day.
Over time this will build a positive classroom culture, one that your students look forward to being a part of on a daily basis because they are active members of it. You, as their teacher, will understand more about their world and have a deeper connection to their life and their happenings. They will feel that its not all about school all the time in your room and that you care about them and their life.
Staking Their Claim
Allow your students to claim their space. Now, this doesn't mean , let them pick their seat because we all know how that can work out. Instead give your students the opportunity to contribute their ideas/vision to an area of your classroom during the year. Some ideas: decorate the door or bulletin board according to their design. Plan the room layout (from a list of options that you provide them). Name their group and create a poster for it. Create a class name or logo. These little details help your students feel like your classroom is their space, too (because it is, isn't it?).
Freedom of Choice
At the the beginning of the year, many of us provide our students with a list of required materials for our class. This list often includes tools that are meant to help them organize and keep track of the work they will be doing in your room. Well, what if this year, you allowed your students to choose this list? Instead of requiring them to to use a three-ring binder or a marble notebook, let each student pick which one works best for them. Now this can be a scary thought for some of us, but why not try it? If a student can't handle the freedom or is disorganized because of this choice, then we can step in and provide them with some guidelines and support. On the flip side, if they can handle it, you've just empowered them to learn something about their learning preferences and gave them choice in your room..
A Little Laughter
The school year is serious business and who would understand that better than you, but don't forget to take a moment to laugh with your students. Enjoy the silly moments and each other's company while you are learning. There is no rule that says that these things can't go hand-in-hand.
While sitting down to plan your next unit or the following week's lesson plans, take a moment to think about the details in your room. The details are what set you apart from all of the other teachers and educational experiences your students had before they got to you.
Remember, "it's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
~John Wooden, UCLA head basketball coach~
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