18 Tips for Back to School Teachers

August is the time to get ready to head back to school. Summer is almost over and we need to focus, organize, and take action. I have 18 tips for teachers, new or established, to use to be prepared this school season.

1. Is the decor set up? Are there things up on bulletin boards? Leave some space to fill with your student's work to add a personal touch to the room.

2. Name tags at your student's desks? Make sure to double check your list of names, spelling, and have extra name tags handy.

3. Music needed for the first day? Decide if you want some soft music to make the kids feel comfortable. The music may help you to relax too.

4. Do you have a sign-in sheet for the parents? Most parents will come with their children the first day of school. A sign-in sheet is a good way to get to know who's child belongs to what parent.

5. Have a "how to get home" sheet? Besides a sign-in sheet, a paper indicating how the child intends to get home from school is extremely important. The first week of school is hectic and you should be sure kids go where they're supposed to go."Losing" someone's child, especially before you've even matched faces to all the names is a tragedy.

6. Do you have activities ready? When the parents drop off their child they will need to sign a few papers. Kids will need some games, puzzles, or books, etc. to keep them entertained.

7. Have you made "very good work" folders? These folders are for coloring pages, games, mazes, blank writing paper, and other fun learning activities to use during quiet times the first week or two of school. Parents love to see their children's work. It also helps to have a few papers on hand to display around the room for parent teacher meetings.

8. Do you have rewards ready? The first few weeks are a good time to promote good behavior with rewards. Candy, stickers, special privileges, etc. are good examples of some positive rewards. Make sure to establish when, what, and how long rewards will be given out.

9. What is the first day's project? Have an assignment is planned that the kids can take home. Parents will be curious to know how the first day went.

10. Is the day planned out? Have books and items ready so a consistent movement is kept through out the day.

11. Do you have a portfolio to send home to parents? A packet of your rules, mission statement, classroom routine and schedule should be included.

12. Personal items in reach? Deodorant, toothbrush and paste, cologne, hand lotion, cosmetics, etc. to freshen up. Antibacterial soap for washing your own hands, and baby wipes for washing the children. A room deodorizer spray for a pleasant smell. Bottled water to keep your throat from drying out. Aspirin or other medication for aches and pains.

13. Do you have your desk properly stocked? A picture of your family or pets can help personify the room. A daily inspirational calendar of some sort can provide a smile. Paper, pens, pencils, hall passes, and referral forms are good to have placed on your desk. A jar of colored markers and your reward jar are also great additions to your desk area.

14. Is your student's desk stocked? Very Good Work folder will get the kids inspired to create. Name tags will help the children get to know each other. Pencils, crayons, eraser, etch. so all of their supplies is at a hand's reach.

15. Is your desk presentable? With all of the items that you have to keep on your desk organization is crucial.

16. Do you have at least 3 copies of your class list? Place one list on a clipboard near the door. This will be used to take outside during Fire Drills. The other two are good to keep and look over.

17. Have you organized the room to provide a welcoming reading or drawing corner? Kids love special places to read, draw, or relax.

18. Do you have a sign-up sheet for parents? Extra help from parents is always nice.

This list is a good start to focusing, organizing, and taking action for back to school. Summer is a fun time and sometimes it's a little hard to concentrate, but with a little planning back to school is a breeze! Don't be left with an F in classroom preparation!

Source: http://www.kinderkorner.com/chklist.html