First Week Strategies from Two Seasoned Teachers

(Tips and ideas to use your first week with the kiddos!)

It’s the season, fellow educators. Back-to-School season has arrived! As the first week of school approaches, teachers everywhere are busy preparing to set the tone for a successful year. I had the pleasure of interviewing (talking with – we were very laid back) two experienced educators: Mr. Johnson, a 6th-grade science teacher, and Ms. Smith, a 10th-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher. They shared their unique approaches, activities, and strategies for ensuring that the first week of school is engaging, productive, and sets a positive foundation for the year ahead. Let’s get into it!

Mr. Johnson: 6th Grade Science Teacher

The Angry Teacher: Hey, Mr. J. Before we start, could you tell us how long you’ve been an educator? Then, what is your primary goal for the first week of school?

Mr. Johnson: Hey Williams, I’ve been in the system teaching for about 11 years now. And, normally, my main goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and excited about learning. I want to spark their curiosity about science and establish routines that will help us all succeed throughout the year. As much as I want to spark their curiosity though, I want them to feel like they belong.

The Angry Teacher: Awesome. I agree. So what activities do you use to achieve these goals?

Mr. Johnson: I start with icebreakers and team-building activities to help students get to know each other and feel comfortable in the classroom. You know, for them to carry out experiments together, they need to be comfortable around each other. One of my favorites is the “Marshmallow Challenge,” where students work in small groups to build the tallest tower possible using only spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow. It’s not really original, but this activity promotes teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills (he laughs).

The Angry Teacher: I like that. I like that. Do you introduce science concepts in the first week? I know some science teachers wait after the rules of the classroom and lab space.

Mr. Johnson: Yeah. I used to wait, but I have to bait them quickly. I begin with a simple, engaging experiment that students can relate to. For example, we might do a “Floating and Sinking” experiment with various objects. This activity is hands-on and gets students thinking about scientific principles right away and sets the stage for inquiry-based learning. I also try to discuss the scientific method and how we’ll use it throughout the year. I try to start the process early. (He laughs and nods).

The Angry Teacher: Cool beans, Mr. J. So what strategies do you use to establish classroom routines and expectations?

Mr. Johnson: I involve students in creating our classroom rules and expectations. We have a discussion about what makes a classroom environment conducive to learning and agree on a set of guidelines together. These are sixth graders, so I try to get them to stay involved from week one, and this gives students a sense of ownership and responsibility. I also model and practice routines, such as how to enter the classroom, handle materials, moving around a science lab, and transition between activities, so that they become second nature.

The Angry Teacher: Cool beans, Cool beans. Thanks for telling us a little of what you do in the beginning of the school year, Mr. Johnson. Have a good year.

Ms. Smith: 10th Grade ELA Teacher

The Angry Teacher: Hey Ms. Smith! (using my sing-songy voice) (we both laugh). Please tell the readers how long you’ve been a teacher? Then, tell us what is your primary goal for the first week of school?

Ms. Smith: Hey Williams, whew! Wow, it’s been about 15 years now. Wow…time is flying. (We both laugh). Well, my primary goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions. It’s language arts, so their ideas and opinions are an essential part of their learning (and testing) this year. I also aim to ignite their passion for literature and writing right from the start.

The Angry Teacher: Awesome, awesome! What activities do you anticipate using to achieve this goal?

Ms. Smith: Well, usually, I begin with “Getting to Know You” activities (from your TPT store – shameless plug) (we both cackle for a little while) that encourage students to share about themselves and learn about their classmates. One activity I use is the “Human Bingo” game, where students find peers who match various descriptions on a bingo card, such as “has read a book over the summer” or “speaks more than one language.” That seems to get them started and engaged!

The Angry Teacher: Awesome! (fakes a dance move) Cool. And how do you introduce ELA concepts in the first week? Do you though? Introduce ELA concepts in the first week of school?

Ms. Smith: Yeah. Sure, sure. I typically kick off with a short short story or an easy to understand poem that we read and discuss as a class. This allows me to introduce key literary concepts and set the tone for our approach to reading and analysis. I also have students write a personal narrative about a significant event in their lives. This helps me assess their writing skills and learn more about them as individuals.

The Angry Teacher: Sounds nice. And, what strategies do you use to establish classroom routines and expectations?

Ms. Smith: Oh, I set down the law from day one. I clearly let them know my expectations for behavior, participation, and homework from day one. We review the syllabus together and discuss the importance of respect, responsibility, and effort; I do not play. I also use a “Do Now” activity at the beginning of each class to establish a routine and get students focused. Additionally, I provide positive reinforcement and set up a classroom contract that we all sign, committing to uphold our agreed-upon standards.

The Angry Teacher: Ok Ms Smith, I see that you’re ready for this new school year. Thanks for telling us a little of what you do in the beginning. Have a good year.

In the end…

The first week of school is crucial for setting the tone for the entire academic year. Both Mr. Johnson and Ms. Smith emphasize the importance of building a positive, encouraging classroom environment, fostering relationships, and establishing clear routines and expectations.

Yes, we have to do administrative stuff like attendance, insurance forms, clearing the hallway, and such, but if we incorporate engaging activities and setting the stage for academic exploration, our students create a foundation for a successful and enjoyable school year for us all. Whether through science experiments or literary discussions, these teachers show that the first week is all about connection, curiosity, and collaboration.

Let’s give it a try! Enjoy your year, Angry teachers. Good luck to you!

Check out the following resources that may help you to start your year out right!