Compose a simple letter introducing yourself to your students and send it out a week or so before school. Remember it's often the fear of the unknown that causes children (and adults) the most anxiety. You can type the main letter, and then add a handwritten note using the student's name at the close of your letter to add a personal touch. Including a scanned picture of you would be better You may want to follow up with a phone call a day or two before the first day of school.
Open house nights are often so filled up with important information about academics, classroom, homework procedures, which you give to parents, there's little time left to really get to know the families of your students. It may take a bit more organization, but perhaps an informal get together to meet your students and families such as a picnic, gathering at a local restaurant, ice cream social in a local park, is a nice relaxing way to meet your students and their parents.
You may want to enclose in your letter a simple run-off coloring and/or writing sheet-depending upon the age of your students-that is a simple "about me" sheet. It doesn't have to be anything complicated, and they would bring on the first day of school as a part of an "introducing me" activity. It can be something as simple as pre-made nametags that you make and send to them to decorate with things they like. For older students, a writing assignment could be a simple introductory bio, along with pictures from a summer experience. Doing an activity like this in the comfort of their homes may allow them a bit more creative freedom.
First Day Of School Activities
Have a short, fun, and easy assignment ready for students as soon as they walk in.
Nameplates - Give students short pieces of white paper and instruct them to create a nameplate. It must be colorful, creative and fill the entire page. The students may use a theme such as favorite things or family. Have the instructions written on the board or overhead. (Have crayons and paper ready on the table/desk.) This is a great colorful way of decorating the classroom. Hang them up as students finish or laminate them to hang up the next day.
Journal topic-Write a fun and interesting journal topic on the board or overhead and have students write and illustrate.
Birthday Bags--Give each student a plain brown paper sack and have them decorate it for a celebration or birthday, but instruct them not put their name on the bag. Later, take up the birthday bags. You can choose one at random each time a birthday comes up. Fill the bag with positive messages from each student and a few goodies from yourself. Give the birthday student the bag right before lunch. It makes a fun treat to open at lunch time!
A welcome packet which could include a student information sheet, a puzzle, a fun story to read and a page to color.
Be sure to alternate class time between get-to-know activities, going over expectations, team building activities, and classroom procedures. This helps break the monotony of students listening to the teacher for hours on end.
Use a firm but pleasant tone of voice when addressing your students. Practice giving your spiel about classroom expectations and tape record your voice. Then play it back to see how you sound. Is your voice timid and soft? Keep practicing until you get a firmer tone of voice. A firm tone of voice projects authority and does not need to be loud.
Your expectations should also include life-skills such as personal best, cooperation, friendship, integrity, honesty, etc. Impress the importance of these skills upon your students from the first day.
