What to do on the first day of class

Category: Teaching

Whether you are teaching for the very first time or are a seasoned veteran, it’s very important to prepare your first day of class. If you are ready and show a good attitude, your students will be more likely to commit to your class.

Here some ideas for  the first day of class:
Be early. Arrive at least 5-10 minutes before the class begins.

Stand for handshakes. Instead of sitting at your desk, make eye contact with the students and shake their hands. Make your students feel welcome on  the first day of school.

Introduce yourself effectively. The Introduction is an important part of communication skill and very critical on your first day of class. Here some information you may consider sharing:
​
a) Personal biography: name, age, place of birth, family history, hobbies, interests and plan for the future.
​

The star - Icebreaker activity.

b) Teaching biography: how long have you taught, where you studied, what you enjoy of being teacher.
​
Allow the students to introduce themselves. Help your students get to know each other and to engage them in conversation.

Here some icebreakers:
a) Learning names.
1. Ask students to mill about, nodding and smiling in a space in the classroom while the music plays.
2. Ask them to stop in front of another student and introduce themselves. For example: -Hello, I am Charles – Hello, I am Dan.

b) Who are you?
1. Help the students to brainstorm on the board questions which they might ask a person who they would like to get to know. For example: What’s your name? Where do you live? What’s your favorite music? Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend?
2. Tell students to leave their seats, mill about, and put questions to at least three other people.
3. Encourage students to share their answers with the class.

c) Stand up/sit down
1. Teacher makes a list of statements.
2. Asks students stand up if the statement applies to them.
Here a list of statements:

1. I was born in…
2. I can speak two or more language.
3. I prefer cat to dogs.
4. I am “Chivas” soccer fan.
5. I love eating tacos.

Clarify learning objectives and your expectations. Tell your students what they can expect and how can they interact within those expectations to thrive in your classroom. Explain your expectations for student behavior. Material for the class. Criteria for evaluation.

Set the rules. Classroom rules are the first line of defense against misbehavior.
Use this list as a starting point, adapting and expanding it to meet the needs of your class and grade level:

1. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
2. Respect other people and their property (e.g., no hitting, no stealing).
3. Laugh with anyone, but laugh at no one.
4. Be responsible for your own learning.
5. Come to class and hand in assignments on time.
6. Do not disturb people who are working.

Get a sense of students’ motivation.
Collect information about:

1. Why students are studying.
2. What they expect to get out of this class.
3. What challenges they anticipate.