Chapter 4b

The most important days of school year happen during the first week. This is the time when students are unfamiliar with the classroom, teacher(s), and perhaps even their peers and need to be guided as to what to do within the classroom and during the school day. During the first few days of the school year, an educator should share his/her expectations for the students in a clear manner. It is very effective to include students in the procedure-making process so they feel ownership of the classroom. Students and the educator can discuss ideas, collaborate, and create procedures that are positive and easy to remember. Students should also be instructed on what to do during events such as a fire, tornado, and building lock down especially as these are events when every second matters. Students should also be instructed on what to do during much simpler actions such as walking down the hallway, going to the lunchroom, and visiting their lockers to access books and other needs. It is essential to immediately follow the set classroom procedures with middle school students to show consistency and help them understand what is expected of them and lead them to have a productive academic year. I plan to make the most out of the first day and week of the school year in my own future classroom by allowing students to assist with brainstorming and creating procedures. I believe that this task would be one that is interesting and appealing to the students so they feel ownership of the classroom.


Resources


Kellough, R., & Kellough, N. (2008).  Teaching young adolescents: Methods and resources for middle grades teaching (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill/Prentice Hall.