Becoming a teacher already sets a certain impression and expectation. The level of confidence we need to had should be beyond a hundred percent to pull off a strong front in facing our students. As a new teacher, nervousness is normal but we need to overcome it, especially in conducting the First Day of Class and meeting our students.
Disclaimer: All of my posts are for entertainment purposes only. All of this is base on my real-life teaching experience. I just want people to find a relatable topic; please do not come for me.
So here are some helpful ways to make sure that your First Day in Class is fruitful and worthwhile.
1. Make a good first impression
As the saying goes "first impressions lasts". This situation might be overwhelming at times, for the impression you will leave your students might linger all throughout the school year. I am not saying that you need to impress them. Build the self-confidence you want to express to your students. Dress to impress, be knowledgeable, and be approachable remember your students wants to know you. So share details about you as a teacher that matters.
2. Set learning expectations and objectives
The first day of classes is crucial in introducing learning details to your students. This is also the time to open the floor for details about your students' past learning, their overall expectations for this school year, things they want to learn, and try and build everlasting connections. As teachers, our overall role is to facilitate this from happening. Guide your students to know the class expectation, be transparent on details that they might find difficult in the future and how to make it easy for them.
3. Set and Motivate your students.
A student that expresses him/herself knows how to be confident. Do not box the students on activities on the first day, open the floor for forums and discussion. Let them be engaged, as teachers yes we need to speak all the time but let your student know that you are open to new ideas. This will help the student be motivated and have a trusting attitude towards you as their teacher. Set the mood for learning, creativity, positivity, and inclusivity.
4. Students introduction and get to know the moment
Students know everybody they want and they need to know. But of course, new students should be given the benefit of the doubt and allow them to explore the possibility of connection. Let your students catch up with one another, a little noise and rowdy atmosphere will not harm anybody. Students are students, they are more excited to begin the year with friends.
5. Set basic house rules and requirements.
In my eight years of teaching becoming a class adviser is a huge responsibility. Your students are your children and the classroom is your house. The feeling of being an independent mom/dad is real. So that total chaos will be avoided, setting basic house rules is important. Giving out students responsibility allows you and them to work on certain goals. Same as well as setting requirements for your subject matter. I am teaching Academic English so it involves a lot of paper/paperless output students need to do, projects, portfolios, exams, and more. I usually provide a checklist as a student's guide and details they need to follow.
6. Clarify and entertain questions
Never ever stop a student from being inquisitive. Let them asked and clarify questions. This is our golden opportunity as a teacher to showcase our knowledge and allow the students to set a comfort level with us. I know that some questions might be irrelevant or not related but as professionals, the art of asking and answering questions is within a teacher. So be open to the following possibilities.
When I was starting my teaching career, to be honest, I do not have any idea what I am doing. In college, we are taught concepts relating to education, but it is never taught how to literary apply it in real life. In a world full of uncertainty the only thing a teacher can do is prepare. Nobody is born already know what they are doing to what they want to do. We just need to use our talent to our advantage and set good examples in hopes that the next generation will learn and be better.
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