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The first day of class sets the tone for the entire semester. Student achievement is directly tied to how well a teacher establishes and implements classroom procedures, norms, and behaviors. Plan carefully for the first day of class, and implement those plans with energy, kindness, and rigor.
*note: distancing and other precautions required during the COVID19 pandemic may influence how some of these tips look in your face-to-face/hybrid classes
Post a schedule and objectives
- Arrive early to prep the room
- Objectives and agenda give students a sense of direction
Put students to work
- Give students a meaningful task to complete immediately
- Set the tone for productivity to give students purpose
Assign seats
- Place students intentionally so they can function as groups
- Give students a sense of place in the room
Greet students at the door
- Welcome students as they enter, introducing yourself
- Interact personally to give students a sense of belonging
“You will either win or lose your class on the first days of school.” Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (1998). The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher.
The first day is your only shot to define the terms of the class. What is the subject matter? What are the most important ideas? What does a successful student look like? Instill in the students a growth mindset and make it clear to them that they have a voice and they need to use it in class daily.
Review critical procedures
- Set expectations of students, defining their boundaries
- Let students voice their expectations
Teach students how to learn
- Define what learning looks like in your class
- Chart a path for success and give students agency
Focus on ways of being
- Let the first day be about role setting
- Define classroom culture before addressing subject matter
Engage in goal setting
- Show students what they’ll know by semester’s end
- Have students write their goals for the class
Resources