So I just created my First Day of School Lesson Plan, based upon the schedule of the 4/5 blend where I usually substitute.
I had a blast doing it. Obviously, when I get to use it (when I get hired - note the positive outlook) I will have to adjust it for the actual schedule, and include specials and stuff. It is amazing the time you have to allow when you haven't set up the expectations for behavior in a classroom yet. And when you don't know the kids (or how many of them there will be).
It was good practice to remember balancing the activities (how long have they been sitting at their desks, at the carpet, have they had a chance to talk independently...) and ensure that by the end of the day, they have a general sense of the classroom, their classmates, and you, the teacher. And do you know which ones get on which bus, which ones walk, and which ones do something different.
I also had to remember to put in notes about the parents that might just be hanging around that first day. (Hey, can you collect all the tissue boxes and put them in this cabinet for me? Thanks so much...) I think I managed to hit all the vital things, but setting expectations will have to be on the second day. I made sure rules were reviewed of course, and included time for discussion and meeting each other. Academics, no, I am afraid not. That has to wait a day. I did get some writing in though... does that count? :)
Anyway, it was good practice. Think I will continue with this for the entire first week of school. Worst case scenario, I will have to use it, and wouldn't that be nice?
Yeah, it sure would.
Cheers to all the teachers out there!
Hey Shyla,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know I am following and think writing out the lesson plans are a great idea. I suggest you post them. After spending the week with new teachers (myself still in that group) any information or ideas are appreciated and reflect what an awesome teacher you are.