Your+First+Week+of+School

Here are some suggestions for your first week of school. TIP: You may have several drop/add situations the first week so keep in mind what ever you do may have to be repeated by the 2nd week.

Before class starts checklist example

Orientation is always a good way to start Introductions, ice breakers, games that get them to know one another, engaging activity that allows you to watch and observe how each one interacts with the other.

Introduce yourself. Share three or four things about: 1) why you decided to become a career/technical teacher; 2) where you have worked and what you have done in your career; 3) where you are from; 4) something about your family; 5) something you love to do outside of school; or 6) maybe something they would be surprised to know about you. Share something about your hopes and expectations, “At the end of the year, I hope that you will be able to say three things…”

Ice Breakers[|student icebreakers]

Example of a scavenger hunt...this can help students get to know the school and resources/people available to help hem This can be used to get to know the students in the class This activity "about me"can allow students to be creative if you have computers or even if you don't they could make posters or a collage about themselves. Or you can just have them fill out the form, its not as fun but is a really good first step in building a relationship with the students.

This is also a good reminder to share with your students also remind them how important it is to graduate

The first week checklist helped the student know what needed to be done. Each item was assigned a point value which was in the LMS used. Another form of the checklist is attached as well

These are my notes to make sure I covered important items at the beginning of school

Examples of orientation items, you may need to check with your school to see if there are specific documents to use.

You may also want to go over your syllabus, grade sheet and I had a handbook I went over as well. DON'T forget about your classroom rules, I found that students are more likely to accept and adhere to the rules when they help create them

Forms that may help with students and parents This form allows parents to let you know the best method of contact for them, I LOVE this because you don't just have to contact a parent when something is wrong but when something great happens sometime students need help keeping up with tasks or assignment, one form is just a todolist for the week the other however is what I used to give students an ethics grade/daily grade but also allowed them to document what they were working on and what needs to be done, kind of like a mini journal

One way to help you get to know your students is to find out their learning style and know their personality

Prior to the first day of school I sent out a welcome letter and questionnaire (usually in June or July) The questionnaire really gave me insight on the student prior to their arrival

Student organizations are a big part of Career Tech, I have personally seen many of my students grow personally and professionally by participating in the many activities provided them when they pay their dues. I strongly encourage you and your students to be involved.



Teresa Piper, Instructor TV Production, Tulsa Technology Center does a really neat assignment during the first weeks of class, below are her resources