Top 10 Must-Do’s for Middle School Teachers on the First Day (and Beyond)

First Day of Middle School: 10 Essential Tips for Teachers

Hey, middle school teachers! The first day of school is almost here, and it’s time to get pumped up for a great year. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or just starting out, here are the top 10 things you should do on the first day of class and during the rest of the week to make it a successful and enjoyable school year.

1. Greet Your Students at the Door

Start building those positive relationships right from the get-go. Stand at the door, smile, and greet each student as they come in. It makes a huge difference in setting a welcoming tone.

2. Introduce Yourself with a Twist

Skip the usual “Hi, I’m Mr./Ms. So-and-So” and make it memorable. Share a fun fact, a quick story, or even a few photos that show your personality and interests. This helps students see you as a person, not just a teacher.

3. Icebreakers Are a Must

Kick off the day with a fun icebreaker activity to help students get to know each other and feel more comfortable. It can be as simple as “Two Truths and a Lie” or a scavenger hunt around the classroom.

4. Set Clear Expectations

Take some time to go over the classroom rules and expectations. Be clear, concise, and consistent. It’s important to establish a respectful and orderly environment right from the start.

5. Classroom Tour

Give your students a tour of the classroom. Show them where everything is, from supplies to the emergency exit. Knowing the lay of the land helps reduce anxiety and fosters independence.

6. Explain Your Teaching Style

Share with your students how you plan to run the classroom. Explain your teaching style, how you’ll handle homework, and what they can expect from your lessons. Transparency is key to building trust and setting expectations.

7. Interactive Syllabus Review

Instead of just handing out the syllabus, make it an interactive activity. Maybe turn it into a game or a scavenger hunt. This way, students are more likely to engage with and remember the information.

8. First Day Activity: Goal Setting

Have students write down their goals for the school year. This could be academic, personal, or extracurricular. It’s a great way to get them thinking about what they want to achieve and gives you insight into their aspirations.

9. Get to Know Your Students

Take time to learn about your students. You can use surveys, “About Me” sheets, or even quick one-on-one chats. Understanding their interests, strengths, and concerns will help you tailor your teaching to meet their needs.

10. Create a Positive Classroom Environment

From day one, work on creating a classroom culture that is inclusive and positive. Encourage kindness, respect, and collaboration. Use positive reinforcement to highlight good behavior and effort.

Rest of the Week: Keeping the Momentum

Day 2: Start with Routine Building

Begin to establish daily routines and procedures. Consistency helps students feel secure and understand what’s expected of them.

Day 3: Dive into Content Lightly

Start introducing academic content, but keep it light. Maybe a fun, low-stakes activity related to your subject. This helps ease students into learning mode.

Day 4: Collaborative Learning

Get students working together on a small project or group activity. This fosters teamwork and helps them get used to collaborating with their peers.

Day 5: Reflect and Adjust

At the end of the first week, take some time to reflect with your students. What went well? What can be improved? Use this feedback to make any necessary adjustments moving forward.

Bonus Tips:

• Stay Positive and Patient: The first week can be chaotic, but stay positive and patient. It sets the tone for the rest of the year.
• Be Flexible: Things might not go as planned, and that’s okay. Be ready to adapt and change things up if needed.
• Self-Care: Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Teaching can be exhausting, so make sure you’re getting enough rest and downtime.

Here’s to an amazing start to the school year! By focusing on these key actions, you’ll create a supportive, engaging, and fun classroom environment that your students will love. Happy teaching!