This month’s blog is dedicated to all of the amazing administrators working hard to support their awesome teachers who are busy preparing for the upcoming school year. It is easy to remember all the materials teachers will need in the classroom everyday such as markers, a stapler, or paperclips. Teachers have that covered! But to help reduce stress and last minute touch-ups before the big day, Janelle Cox, M.A.Ed has created a checklist to help teachers stay on track and reduce “back to school” stress. Administrators can use this to help support teachers or simply share it with teaching staff as a resource to kick off the new year.
Design The Classroom Environment
This entails the visual aspects of the classroom. How will desks be arranged? Are there assigned seats? Remember to post the student schedule, calendar, and announcements in a place where students are sure to see them. The posters and decorations teachers include can also have a lot to do with how the classroom makes students feel.
Get a Head Start on Classroom Organization
Efficiency is everything! Any classroom will run more smoothly for both teachers and students when there is a recognizable organization system. Organize files, create an emergency substitute folder, set up the grade book, and create predictable routines. If teachers are efficient, their classroom will be too.
Prepare Classroom Rules and Routines
Teachers should have a clear set of rules and a set of routines for students to follow daily. This type of structure will help the class to be more efficient, making more time for things that are bound to come up unexpectedly. Create and display a list of rules and consequences, the homework policy, and students’ morning/dismissal routines.
Miscellaneous First-Week Prep
The first week of school is bound to be hectic, but if it is well planned, the first week can be a positive experience for teachers and students alike. The following tips can help with unexpected occurrences during the first week: Create a student/parent welcome letter to send home; prepare supplemental activities; ensure that week one materials are ready, and create lessons and activities that overplan for each day of the first week. With these items completed, you should have some more time on your hands for when something unexpected comes up.
Final Day-Before-School Prep
On the last day before students flood the building, only a few last-minute items are left on the final back-to-school checklist. Some of these seem obvious, but they are worth sharing anyway. Review classroom rules, routines, school policies, student names, and activities, set your alarm so you aren’t late, and get a good night’s sleep.
By keeping these ideas in mind, every classroom in your building will be more efficient not just during the first week of school, but throughout the entire school year! Although some of these items may be simple or somewhat easy tasks, ensuring that teachers have attended to them before the first day can make a big difference. Good luck with the new school year! Time ReDesigned is cheering for you in the important work on behalf of students and families!
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