Start the School Year Off Right
Starting off another school year often comes with some amount of stress. No matter how prepared we can be, the unexpected always comes up – from last minute schedule changes, to printer jams, to tracking down those last few supplies.
We all know that this time of year is one with a couple of learning curves, and eventually we'll figure out our routines and settle in – but we've put together a few ways that you can navigate the beginning of this new year not only to de-stress, but to start the new school year off right and set yourself up for success.
Establishing Relationships
Sometimes you might find yourself forming positive connections with a student or teacher midway through the year and think to yourself, "I wish we connected like this earlier this year." A great way to start off a new year is by taking time to get to know students and peers as best you can right off the bat.
Not only is great way to make the learning environment more comfortable and engaging, but these connections can be a great behavior management tool as well. Putting your best foot forward those first couple of weeks can make impressions that will last all year long.
To Over Plan or Under Plan?
Sometimes the best backup plan isn't even a backup plan at all. During the start of a new school year, when we're still figuring out and falling into our schedules and routines, over planning can often be a great tool to incorporate.
Sometimes, those first couple of weeks will go by so quickly, and while your students might still be learning things, transition time and other things throughout the day might take longer than expected. When you over plan you end up with great lessons and activities in your back pocket to use until your students get into their routine.Habits & Expectations
We all probably wish we had better habits or stuck to a solid routine a little bit more. One of the best ways to set up a great habit, either for yourself or for students, is to start at the beginning of the year.
This is a great way to set expectations early. Maybe you want to establish good classroom behavior, maybe you want to increase productivity, or maybe you just have a couple healthy habits in your personal life you want to get off the ground – either way, the beginning of a new school year is always a good time to be intentional with your habits and expectations all around.
Get Funding for Your Classroom
One of the biggest hurdles to climb with a new classroom can be getting your new group of students some amazing learning experiences to kick off the new year. Maybe you've found the perfect science lab or STEM activity to introduce to your students, or you think of visiting author or in-classroom field trip would really knock some socks off Sometimes these things require financial support beyond what local, state, and federal tax dollars can cover for school.
At CCEF, we've put together some amazing grant programs like our Rapid Grants to bring these incredible learning experiences to Cherokee County students. We also just kicked off another year of our At Home with CCEF contest where you could win a $500 gift card for your classroom; check out the contest page for more information!
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