- Students can learn about each other throughout the first week.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
One of the first ways to establish a positive relationship among the students and the teacher is to learn more about each other. Create a fun introductory activity sheet for this. Include basic questions about the child's age, likes, dislikes, favorite subject and questions about his family. To add interest, ask several humorous questions, such as the student's favorite ice cream flavor and the student's most embarrassing moment. After students have completed the sheet, explain that each student should choose five of the questions to answer in front of the class. This will give each child a sense of empowerment as they decide what they would like to share with others. - Build interest in spelling with a crossword puzzle.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
The beginning of the year is an excellent time for students to practice key spelling words that they will need to know. Students should spend time learning the names of teachers, how to correctly spell the grade they are in, the subjects they are working on and the name of the school they are attending. Make a crossword puzzle that students can attempt to solve at the beginning of the year. Include a list of possible terms that the students can choose from when filling in the squares. Give the students a spelling test at the end of the first week on these terms. - Students typically enjoy an activity in which they are allowed to interview a neighbor. Begin by assigning each child a partner. Explain to students that they will be given an activity sheet full of possible interview questions. Students should take turns interviewing each other and filling out the sheet, writing down the answers that they are given. Tell students that this is almost like a practice round. Later in front of the class, ask students to play the part of a talk show host asking the questions found on their sheets. Begin each interview with an exciting introduction in your best announcer voice.
- Explain to students that they will be detectives for this fun sheet. Draw a basic map of the room showing where several things are placed, such as the computers and the doors. Instruct each student to add anything else they see in the room to the layout. For example, students might add whiteboards, desks, reading corners and the teacher's area. Tell students that if they would like, they can walk around the room to add details such as where the class calendar or extra pencils can be found. This is a great way for students to get acquainted with the room. They will begin to understand basic procedures with this easy activity sheet.
previous post