First-Year Kindergarten Teacher

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First-Year Kindergarten Teacher

by JTeach1

Jun 13, 2017

This year will be my first year teaching Kindergarten & I want to start the school year off right. I'm seeking advice for the first day of school & establishing those routines & procedures. What do you do on your first day? What is the best method for modeling/teaching routines & procedures? I know that there is a lot that goes on during the first day (especially Kindergarten). What do you have students do when they first come in? What activities do you have them work on? I always love hearing other educators share things that work for them in the classroom. Thanks in advance for any input/tips/suggestions :D

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flacka I taught in a Title 1 school where few students had been to any type of preschool, Sunday school, etc. and I had to start at square 1 so your mileage may vary! Day 1 is pretty chaotic an exhausting. Don't expect to get anything "done" except some really basic things like learn a few names, read a story, sing a song, go to the bathroom, and do your ...See MoreI taught in a Title 1 school where few students had been to any type of preschool, Sunday school, etc. and I had to start at square 1 so your mileage may vary! Day 1 is pretty chaotic an exhausting. Don't expect to get anything "done" except some really basic things like learn a few names, read a story, sing a song, go to the bathroom, and do your best to get everyone to your special, lunch and recess on time. Check, double check and triple check how everyone is getting home on the first day. If you meet the parents ahead of time, try to convince them that whatever way the child will get home all year is the way they should go home the first day.

We picked them up in the cafeteria on day 1 and got them in some sort of line (with help) and modeled that we walk "hips and lips" (1 hand on the hip so no touching, and a finger on the lip which reminded them that there is no talking). I walked down the hall backwards so I could keep an eye on the class.

In the room I had coloring sheets and old crayons on the table to give them something to do while I tried to take attendance and get them situated. Only put out something that you think they can do independently and will keep them busy at the table. I had them hang their backpack on the chair where they chose to sit (no name tags) and I went around to each child, checked their back pack. Then I showed them wear to hang it up.

Keep the first several days very light because this may be their first experience with school. Every day you will repeat the same things until you are saying it in your sleep but it WILL get better if you take the time in the beginning to get things and them the way you want it.

A few suggestions: give everyone a name tag and have them wear it the first several days, take a "tour" of the room, have very few things accessible and add to them only after you show them how to use the materials and where they go. Break everything down into steps (Child X, 1)stand up, 2)push your chair in, 3) walk to the rug, 4) sit on the red square, 5) cross your legs 6) put your hands in your lap (praise, and repeat with another child until everyone is on the rug. Don't be afraid to have the child do it again if it wasn't done right.

There is NO tired like kindergarten teacher tired during the 1st week of school but it gets better - just hang in there!

Jun 13, 2017

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