~Tips~
1.) Introduction: Start your day with a morning meeting. I always greet each student with a good morning at the door. I let them have a chance to get their backpacks away, chairs out and greet their peers. Then when the noise level and commotion starts to slow down I say a formal good morning to all the students together and introduce myself, let them know something about me for instance I love to Figure Skate, or my favourite colour is turquoise. I also give a little background about my job. I usually say that I have the fantastic job as a teacher where I get to travel around to different schools across the district, meet new students daily, and teach different grades. Some days I teach kindergarten, other days its grade 7, and I have taught may grades just like yours. I tell them that although their teacher wont be present today we are going to have an awesome day of learning together, and that today is going to be a great day. I let them know that I have the same expectations for them as their teacher does. Next I take attendance. I usually put out a morning question, allowing me to get to know the students a bit better, whether its a favourite colour, 1 about me fact to share etc. Even though this takes a bit longer it pays off throughout the day because I have something to strike up conversation with, or refer to, use during a teachable moment, and above all it helps me remember names better.
2.) Positive and meaningful praise, you can really build quick relationships by praising students in the room about work, attitude, thoughtfulness, supporting classroom community, responsibility etc. Let them know that their teacher would be proud of them, you can even tell them that you will leave a note of praise or mention to the principal what a great group they are. Don't forget to give meaningful praise to little things too.
3.) Brainbreaks- Recognize when the students need a break, have a few trusted brainbreak activities with you or quick game like or thinking activities. By giving them a chance to do something new to them find goes miles in making students cheery and the day go smooth. Some students may need more breaks than others, classroom jobs, small errands, or a quick story work well to help students who are frustrated or need a quick break.
4.) Rules/Read Aloud- if you have a younger group that needs rules reiterated a book that has Social Emotional Learning concepts in it or Self Regulation topics works well, I like Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale for Self-Regulation and following rules within the classroom (K-4) and Do Unto Otters for Manners (gr.1-4). For older students needing a refresher on rules a class meeting works well, make sure to discuss what needs improvement and what is going well.
5.) Say Goodbye- Always leave enough time at the end of the day to say goodbye, thank them for sharing their classroom, learning with them. A bit of reflection on the day, teachable moments, and checkout remarks as well as go over any reminders.
6.) Notices- Put those suckers where you'll remember them, seriously! Tape them to the door if you have to :) Really....... I give you permission.
