Having new students often has its unique challenges, but I’ve found having a routine when starting class will set us up for success. Now, don’t get me wrong, some days are absolutely chaotic, but I like to think starting the day on the right foot helps.
Before I do anything, I pull up my slides so that they can see and hear what our plan is. Multi-modal information presentation? Yes, please!
First, I greet them and ask how they are doing today. It isn’t often that they are immediately forthcoming with their life stories. Next, they usually ask where I’m from, seeing as my Aussie accent hasn’t yet developed. I like to make them guess, because it’s interesting to see what they think my (alleged) accent’s locale is. My go-to line is “you may have noticed, I’m not your regular teacher,” which usually results in a few smiles.
Next up, we review expectations to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Each school is different, but the underlying principle is the same: be respectful, responsible, and safe. I include the information that has been drilled into me since I was in Kindergarten: keep our hands and feet and objects to self, worry about yourself, and use our indoor voices. I usually end up apologizing (how Canadian, eh?) for the repetitiveness, but it’s important for us all to know what is okay and what isn’t during our time together.
After we cover expectations, I pull up the teacher’s game plan for the students. Often, there is instructions that I don’t fully understand but the students get the gist of it. I ask if they have any questions, comments, or concerns (thanks Maddy for that line!) before we get started. The last thing I want to have to do is answer the same question repeatedly, and this usually helps.
Before we start officially learning, we do attendance. I apologize in advance for mispronunciations on my part, before I get to a name that is challenging, and make sure to tell them to correct me! I want to make the effort to make sure everyone feels they belong in the room, and saying their name properly is a first step.
After they have settled in, I’ll ask again if they have any questions because I know I often don’t realize what I don’t know until I start working on a task.
I’m sure I’ll hone this down even more, but it works for now!
– Kate
You sound a fabulous teacher. As someone with a particularly hard to pronounce name I appreciate it highly when people check they’ve pronounced it correctly. And regular checks about anymore questions is very reassuring. I’d love it of all my kids’ teachers had been like you.
Thank you! There are some days that are days but it’s a good time! I love being able to help the kids learn to problem solve, as often I am not well-trained in the subjects they are learning so we have to do it together.
You don’t have an Australian accent yet? I’m sure you will soon. I like that you put up a visual for the students of the day’s learning plan. That makes it a little more straight forward for everyone.
I’m working on it! My vocabulary is definitely expanding 😛
Oh wow! You sound organized!😊 Having a mother as a teacher I am sure helps. Sounds like you’re having a fab time. Love reading your posts
Jeanette
I try to be! My mom taught me well 🙂 I’m glad you like the posts – it’s nice to have the creative outlet and to be able to document my experiences as they come.