Before School Begins


How do I prepare for the first days of school?

There are so many things that a teacher should do in order to successfully prepare for the fist days of school. The following to do list that I have created will help me in this process when I get hired –

  • Buy a lesson plan book

  • Prepare lesson plans for at least the first week of school

  • Make a poster of the daily schedule

  • Make or purchase student name tags

  • Arrange the desks

  • Go to different garage sales and thrift stores to get books for the classroom library

  • Go to the local library and get a monthly allowance of 30 books using my teacher employment information

  • Make a chart of classroom rules

  • Write and send introduction letters to parents and students

  • Organize my classroom materials and supplies

  • Make sure that all technology and equipment is working and organized properly

  • Write a welcome message on the board

  • Prepare containers/bins for Homework, “Missed Assignments” folders, crayons, scissors, “lost and found” and other items, etc

  • Sharpen pencils and prepare cans for used and new pencils

  • Prepare a list bellwork assignments for the first week of school

  • Buy a grade record book. Maybe from: whaleygradedbook.com

  • Think about additional motivation strategies I will use this year

  • Obtain a copy of the curriculum, emergency plans, teacher handbook, etc

  • Get a set of dry-erase markers and an eraser

  • Fill in or get a first aide kit

  • Make a “Classroom Jobs” chart

  • Obtain textbooks and look into other resources I can use this year

  • Buy a stopwatch, to use inside the classroom and a whistle, to use outside

  • Prepare my introduction speech for parents and for students

  • Obtain parents’ information, such as phone numbers, addresses and emails

  • Make a big sign with a room number, my name and a grade level to put on the door

  • Prepare an earthquake/emergency kits

  • Make charts with class procedures

  • Make an “If You Finish Early List” of activities

  • Prepare the walls in the room to put charts and students’ worksheets

  • Prepare a nice and comfortable library space

  • Look for used furniture such as cupboards or chairs

  • Get a box for students’ lunches from a hardware store

  • Make a reminder for myself to write a pleasant note to parents about every student within the first two weeks

  • Get mailboxes/folders for students

  • Bring warm sweaters to class in case students get cold

  • Get sticky notes/reminders

  • Get tickets for a ticket reward system if I use it

  • Find out any important information about students who have medical conditions and students with learning disabilities