Beginning+of+the+school+year

When we talked on the phone for the first time we discussed creating a list of options or things we do at the beginning of the year to help the flow of the rest of the year. My students are 6th graders so it is their first year in middle school and their first year in a different school building. On the first day I have them write a letter to themselves about how they feel (mostly nervous) and what goals they have for the year. I assure them that no one will read the letter until it is returned to them during the last week of school. They all enjoy reading their letter when I do return it to them and many are surprised at how scared and anxious they were. - Carol

I found great video by Art Peekel about the first week of school. It has given me great ideas of productive and fun activities to build bonds within my classroom. I will definitely use some of the material shown! You can find it kdp.org --> log in to My KDP --> Downloadable Resources --> Resources Catalog --> Search "Peekel" --> and the result will be the First Week of School: How to Win Learners and Influence Students by Art Peekel (video and corresponding pdf) -Marissa

On one of the first days of school, I ask students to complete a short questionnaire about themselves. One of the questions asks if you had the next three days to do what you li ke to do best, what would you do?. I make a note of that activity for each student. If someone loves volleyball, I make sure I get to one of their games. If someone loves to draw, I ask that student to help draw a graphic or object related to a lesson and to share about their favorite artist. One year when I had one boy who was a loner, who sat in the back of the room by himself, unmotivated and unengaged, I checked back and saw that he likes to work with wood and tools. A few weeks later, the shelves holding our science supplies broke and I asked him if he could help fix it. The next day he arrived with his toolbox and promptly fixed the shelves and rehung them. His classmates were impressed. After that, he started sitting in the front of the room and paying attention. Just another way we can "show them we care before they care what we know." - Faye

Hi folks Realizing that summer isn't the best time to get folks together, let's try and meet again after once the school year begins. What if we take a closer look at young adolescent motivation and its impact upon instruction and classroom managment??? Love to hear your thoughts. Vicky