Yippee! We have survived the first week of school. Though I am feeling more tired each day when the alarm rings in the morning, the back-to-school pep hasn’t completely faded.
As a teacher, I appreciate back-to-school for its grand feeling of starting anew. I’m not sure there are many careers that have such a cyclical dynamic. But because school years start over again and again, there is a built in chance every twelve months to approach them differently, better, and energetically. It’s just neat.
I spent some days this summer moving and perking up a new classroom. By the time back to school night arrived, I was all set!
On back-to-school-night, students and families come in to meet teachers and drop off their supplies. On their desks, I always place a 5th grade handbook that outlines expectations, schedules, grading policies, and other basics in addition to a letter introducing myself. A sweet treat for the kiddos is always a must, too!
I chat with each family that comes and always enjoy seeing the students with their loved ones. I also try to include little perks for parents around the room while they are waiting to meet me.
While we are mingling and getting to know one another, the kiddos are unpacking their supplies. They get a kick out of choosing their own desks on this night. I let them sit where they’d like for the first two days. It’s always an eye-opening social study for me! I learn a lot just by watching how they prefer to socialize.
For me, stepping into a new classroom is about warmth and openness. I want students and families to feel welcome and excited to be there. Bulletin boards play into the atmosphere of a room. I know they can be a major teacher stressor, (They take so much time! I have no ideas! That dang butcher paper fades!) but they are impactful. I always try to make my hallway bulletin board fun and light for the beginning of the year. After August, I use that space to display academic work and to post standards, but I am a believer in setting a tone of comfort to start.
Fun tidbit: My husband Jason is a complete genius for brainstorming and executing bulletin boards. He loves puns and visuals and always has good ideas. When I am down and out, he always rises. This year, he suggested I play on the new 5G network coming soon. Since I teach 5th grade and am nicknamed “Mrs. G,” it was perfect.
On the first day of school, my students designed paper iPhones that showed their “life in apps” to add to it. Stay tuned … when they are all complete, I will add a snapshot!
Inside the classroom, I added this bulletin board for good vibes. Besides, it really says the most important things anyway …
Thanks to Grandma for scouring Pinterest and sending me the idea. I love it.
When I say my goodbyes and turn out the classroom light the evening before the first day, I try to have the donations and supplies put away and a good morning message up and ready. I hope for a good night’s sleep, a strong cup of coffee, and a group of optimistic learners geared up and ready to go. And just like that, another year begins.
