The First Days
of School
by Harry Wong
Overview & Theoretical
Perspective
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A book to help
teachers start their
year successfully
Addresses grades K-12
Discusses structure,
organization, discipline,
& professionalism
Designed for all
teachers
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First year
Professors
Experienced
Administrators
What are the best ways to
arrange a classroom?
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Floor space
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Students’ desks
Teacher’s desk
Bookcases & filing
cabinets
Activity centers and work
areas
Things to consider
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Movement patterns of
students
The need for students to
obtain materials, texts,
supplies, etc.
The need for students to
see the instructor
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5 keys to good room
arrangement
o Use an arrangement
consistent with your
instructional goals and
activities
o Keep high traffic areas
free of congestion
o Be sure students are
easily seen by the
teacher
o Keep frequently used
teaching materials and
student supplies
accessible
o Be certain students can
see instructional
presentations and
displays
What are effective time
management techniques?
Outside research
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Have instruction
constantly going on
Transition from one
activity to another quickly
and easily
Remind students of time
remaining for a particular
activity
Take time to walk around
and talk to students while
they are working
First Days of School says…
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Do not waste time to take
roll at the beginning of the
day
Have something for
students to do as they
enter the classroom
Have 30 minutes of free
time on Fridays
Have lesson plans ready to
go and practice them
before class
What are good ways to transition
from summer to school?
Teacher Preparation
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First days determine
success for the year
Organization and
structure from the
beginning is key
Teacher education
rarely prepares new
teachers
Effective schools
have programs for
new teachers
Student Transitions
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New classroom brings
change in social and
environmental factors
Lots of adjustment
Studies about school
transitions related to
stress
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Grades 3-4
Improvements during
breaks
What are some community
building exercises?
Outside research
First Days of School says…
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Unity establishes a safe
environment
6 strategies for building
community among
diversity
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Parent visits
Weekly interactive
newsletters
Open houses
Cultural letters
Valentine’s letters
Cultural celebrations
Teacher models practice
of communication
Creating community among
school community, not diverse
learners
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Students
Faculty
Parents
Community members
Neighborhood
Celebrate the first day of
school
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Welcome students
Banner
Announcements
Guides at school
How do you establish rules and
transition into discussing them with
your students?
Outside Research
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Types of rules
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Specific
General
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First Days of School says…
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Writing rules
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New teachers
encouraged to create
their own
Student help is seen more
often
Teacher centered
School-wide plans
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Keep list between 3 and 5
Modeling is key
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Faculty is on the same page
Students experience
consistency
Multiple times a day
Non-examples
Transitioning
o Give list of rules to each
student
o Direct attention to premade poster
What are effective discipline
techniques?
Outside research
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Responses based on
perceived intention
Knowing when to
intercede
Knowing appropriate
response
First Days of School
says…
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“Rules must have
consequences”
Need to be “reasonable
and logical”
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See handout
Don’t interrupt your lesson
Interviewing a Professional
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Amanda Lorenz
Teacher’s Aide at Bloomington Junior High School
What is one classroom management technique
used in your classroom?
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Post-it notes
First time student acts out puts a post-it on desk
If misbehavior continues, puts tallies on post-it
At the end of the day, students with tallies see
teacher
Likes this method because it is subtle and doesn’t
embarrass students in front of their peers
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What is a type of positive reinforcement you use
for classroom management?
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Since you work specifically with students with
behavior disorders, what are some techniques you
use for behavior management?
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Smiley faces on the board next to student names for
on task behavior
Thumbs-up basket
Express concern even when it’s hard
If she needs to scold, takes student into hallway
Silence can be golden
Miss Lorenz’s classroom contract
The Website
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http://www.effectiveteaching.com/
Digital & standard products
Online quiz
Awards
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First Days of School won Education
Bestseller Award
Professional Development
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Implementation guide
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Free
Includes:
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Background information
Activities
Questions
Videos on effective teaching
Our Thoughts