5 Important Beginning of The Year Tasks
I want to share with you the 5 most important beginning of the year tasks that you MUST make sure to do. The first few weeks of school are always a whirlwind!
More Beginning Of The Year Tasks?!
Don’t worry, I am not adding more to your plate! This list is meant to help you prioritize!
These quick easy items should be a priority the first week of school or before. If you are reading this after, don’t worry, just do the beginning of the year tasks as soon as you can!
1. Student Birthdays
As soon as you have your class list, write down your students’ birthdays right on your planner. Whatever you look at every single day to see your plans make sure it is written in a noticeable spot!
My birthday was often the first day or week of school, so I am always really worried about student birthdays sneaking up on me! It is also the worst feeling in the world to have a student walk up to you and say “guess what today is!” when you didn’t know.
First beginning of the year task, write down those birthdays! You can write them in pencil just in case the classes change.
2. Beginning of the Year Sub Plans
It is so important to make sure that the beginning of the year tasks do not slip away without making sub plans. We all think that we won’t need them… until we do!
– get your class information and procedures filled out
– make extra copies of some worksheets for an emergency
Choose activities that you know your students will be successful independently. Some of my favorites are:
Color By Short/ Long Vowel Activities
Color By Comprehension Activities
– put an engaging read aloud in your sub folder
Check out Substitute Creacher!
3. Have a one on one meeting with every student
Over the first two days of school, it is important to try to talk to every single child. Even it is just for 30 seconds to a minute each, it will make a difference.
I like to ask them about a topic that is low stress like:
- tell me your favorite meal you’ve ever had
- what do you like to do when you wake up
- what is your favorite thing to do outside
After that, depending on how talkative and comfortable the student seems, you can go into more specific personal questions.
DO NOT FORGET TO SHARE ABOUT YOURSELF!
Your students are trying to get to know you just as much as you are trying to get to know them!
I share my favorite whole class relationship builders on this blog post.
4. Hang up something the students make in the classroom
I don’t know about you, but most of my beginning of the year tasks involve decorating the classroom. This is my friendly reminder that you share that room with all of those little hearts and minds sitting in it! They want to feel like it is theirs and they belong.
Integrate into your first week activities some type of craft, writing activity, or even a free draw. Anything that students can feel proud of and you can hang up will make them feel welcome in your classroom.
5. Call home
This may be number 5 but it is probably the most important beginning of the year task of all. Make sure to call every single family in the first two or three weeks.
I give myself a goal of two or three phone calls each day. It may sound like a lot but it lays ground work for a collaborative relationships that will truly benefit the student all year.
If you have a back to school night or open house, I usually start with the families that were not able to make it to that.
Things I say:
- introduce myself
- share how happy I am to have their student in my class
- tell them overall what to expect communication wise (how I will share progress and work expectations)
- ask if they have any questions or concerns
Is there anything that you always make sure to do at the beginning of the year?
I hope that these back to school tips and ideas help you to start the year feeling organized and successful.
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