I. Getting Started

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

(From http://www.aft.org/tools4teachers/first-day.htm)

To be an effective classroom manager, you need to get off to a good start on the first day of school:

Be prepared, organized and in charge.
Create a sense of safety and order for students.
Establish your leadership role.

Print a three-page worksheet from http://www.aft.org/tools4teachers/first-day.htm then click on: Planning for the First Day of School, that will help you create your first day plan.

Starting the day:

Greet your students at the door.
Direct students to take their seats.
Use name tags as needed for younger students.
Conduct an activity to introduce students to one another.

During the day:

Carefully explain rules and procedures.
Present only procedures that are needed.
Plan an engaging introductory lesson.
Keep a whole class focus.
Move around the classroom and interact with students.
Learn students’ names.
Never leave your class unless another licensed teacher is present.

Arranging Your Classroom

This advice, drawn from the American Federation of Teachers at http://www.aft.org/teachers/jft/management.htm, reflects the research of Carolyn Evertson, Edmund Emmer and Linda Anderson.

You have control over how your classroom is arranged.
Research shows that effective classroom arrangement maximizes student learning by contributing to good classroom management and supporting effective instruction.

Keys to Good Classroom Arrangement

Avoid unnecessary congestion in group work areas; classroom entrance and exit; pencil sharpener and trash can; lavatory, sink and water fountain; bookshelves, storage and supply stations; special displays; teacher’s desk; and computer stations.
Always have a clear view of students.
Verify that all students can see instructional displays.
Place learning areas so students can move from one to another with little or no disruption.
Place storage space and necessary materials so they are easily accessible.

Tips for Arranging Furniture

Make sure all students can see you, the chalkboard(s) and other instructional displays.
Consider potential distractions: windows, doors, etc.
Leave walking space around students’ desks.
Position yourself so you can see all students at all times.
Avoid placing learning centers and work areas in “blind corners.”
Seat students who need extra help near you.
Arrange students’ desks in rows facing instructional areas until you've learned their names, work habits and personal traits.
Place instructional materials where they are easily accessible to instructional areas.
If you must use tables or desks with inadequate storage, consider storing student materials in “tote trays” where they will be easily accessible but out of the way.
Provide adequate, conveniently located space for students’ belongings.
Provide easily accessible bookcase shelves for everyday books and materials not kept in students’ desks.
Keep long-term, seldom-used or special-occasion items in a location outside of the classroom.

Other Things to Consider

Choose a particular spot, easily seen by all students, for posting daily assignments (weekly, if possible).
Use walls and bulletin boards to display rules, procedures, assigned duties, a calendar, schedule, student work and extra-credit activities.
Use ceiling space to hang mobiles, decorations and student work; use windows for displays or decorations.
Check all electrical equipment to be sure it works and learn how to use the equipment before using it in class.
Have a sturdy extension cord available if an electrical outlet is not within easy reach.

Use the activity worksheet at http://www.aft.org/teachers/downloads/
arrangeclassroomworksheet.pdf to explore nine options for arranging your classroom.

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