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 –
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Buy a lesson plan book
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Prepare lesson plans for at least the first week of school
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Make a poster of the daily schedule
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Make or purchase student name tags
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Arrange the desks
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Go to different garage sales and thrift stores to get books for the classroom library
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Go to the local library and get a monthly allowance of 30 books using my teacher employment information
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Make a chart of classroom rules
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Write and send introduction letters to parents and students
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Organize my classroom materials and supplies
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Make sure that all technology and equipment is working and organized properly
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Write a welcome message on the board
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Prepare containers/bins for Homework, “Missed Assignments” folders, crayons, scissors, “lost and found” and other items, etc
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Sharpen pencils and prepare cans for used and new pencils
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Prepare a list bellwork assignments for the first week of school
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Buy a grade record book. Maybe from: whaleygradedbook.com
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Think about additional motivation strategies I will use this year
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Obtain a copy of the curriculum, emergency plans, teacher handbook, etc
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Get a set of dry-erase markers and an eraser
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Fill in or get a first aide kit
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Make a “Classroom Jobs” chart
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Obtain textbooks and look into other resources I can use this year
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Buy a stopwatch, to use inside the classroom and a whistle, to use outside
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Prepare my introduction speech for parents and for students
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Obtain parents’ information, such as phone numbers, addresses and emails
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Make a big sign with a room number, my name and a grade level to put on the door
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Prepare an earthquake/emergency kits
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Make charts with class procedures
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Make an “If You Finish Early List” of activities
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Prepare the walls in the room to put charts and students’ worksheets
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Prepare a nice and comfortable library space
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Look for used furniture such as cupboards or chairs
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Get a box for students’ lunches from a hardware store
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Make a reminder for myself to write a pleasant note to parents about every student within the first two weeks
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Get mailboxes/folders for students
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Bring warm sweaters to class in case students get cold
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Get sticky notes/reminders
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Get tickets for a ticket reward system if I use it
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Find out any important information about students who have medical conditions and students with learning disabilities