If you are a new teacher, welcome! This is post was written just for you!
I have been teaching for five years, which is long enough to pick up some tips and tricks, but not so long that I forgot what it was like my first year teaching. Also, I changed schools and grade levels last year, so I got a little reminder of all the things to remember when you are preparing for those kids to show up the first day.
Here are some organization tips for the first day of school. A little planning goes a long way!
1. Not all students will bring all supplies. Find out what the norm is at your school and be prepared with extras. You don't want to be labeling things the first day when half of your class has nothing. The Back 2 School sales are a great time to stock up and if you're lucky, you may have some money from the school to get basic supplies.
2. Go through the supply list your school/ district/ grade level uses and figure out what exactly your plan is for each item. If you plan to collect glue bottles, then make sure you have a basket to hold all of it nearby.
3. Have something on the children's desk to do when they arrive. An easy About Me page, word search, or coloring page (make sure to have crayons available) are a good way to get started. You can make a packet that you can have the kiddos work on while you take care of housekeeping needs.
4. Make First Day Bags. I use gallon bags and include EVERYTHING they will need for organizing and labeling that day.
In the bag: sharpened pencil with cap eraser, notebook and folder labels, bookmark, nametag, folders that I'm providing, classroom procedures page, welcome letter for parents, word search/coloring packet, and supply checklist
{I wrote about my Welcome Baggies on my blog last year.}
5. I make about 5 extra First Day Bags for students who come in later in the year. It is VERY helpful. While we are labeling and setting up folders and notebooks, I make extras for the bags. Most of the time, I haven't had students bring supplies when starting school mid-year, so this way it's ready and they can get started with the class. :)
If you have any advice for new teachers, PLEASE comment below.
If you new teachers have any questions, PLEASE ask! :)
