ABSTRACT
Ready, set, action. There’s no better time than the first day of school to roll out your management plan. Take time during the first part of the day for a class meeting to introduce it and discuss the following key points:
Class rules. Develop them with the students, phrasing each rule in a positive manner rather than creating a list of “don’ts.” Remember to limit the number or rules and post them in a very visible space.
Consequences. Together with the students, identify consequences for broken rules.
Classroom expectations. Make sure you communicate your expectations regarding classroom culture, respect, and procedures.
Procedures. Introduce the main procedures for daily class operations such as morning routines, bathroom trips, pencil sharpening, dismissal, and specials.
Rehearse. Take time to practice the more complex procedures.
Parents on day one. Because it is the first day of school, parents may have special requests, including changes to their student’s pick-up routine. They may want to pick up their child and a sibling or have a grandparent drive them home. It is extremely important that arrangements are made through the office or by whatever procedure your school has designated. Student safety takes precedence over parent requests. If your school does not require dismissal requests to go through the office, you may want to keep a form to track dismissal changes.