BACK TO SCHOOL

Take Charge on the First Day of School:

• Outline the discipline plan and code of conduct expected of students on the first day of school.  You should send a copy of the disciplinary code home to parents on the first day of school, so it can be signed and return the following day.
• You should setup ground rules for class discussion.
• On the first day of school, you should discuss with your class the policy for late homework or being absent for quizzes/tests.

Planning is crucial:

• First year teachers should organize their rooms before the first day of school.
• You should prepare lesson plans in advance, so you will have adequate time to integrate interesting activities and examples into the lesson.
• First year teachers should try to plan for the unexpected on the first day of school.  This will help to alleviate stressful situations on the first day of school.  What will your students think of the lesson?  What type of questions are expected?

Peer Support:

• First year teachers should find a mentor before school begins or on the first day of school.  A mentor will provide valuable information to first year teachers and help them transition into the classroom.
• A mentor will help a first year teacher when they need advice or have questions regarding curriculum.
• Mentors will help first year teachers clear the hurdle of first day jitters.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions from veteran teachers – remember, they were once first time teachers.

Get Parental Support:

• You should have each child take home the disciplinary code on the first day of school.  Make sure each parent signs the disciplinary code and the student returns it the following day.
• You should encourage parents to get involved in their child’s education.  Invite parents to help out with field trips or school dances.

Have Fun:

• Beginning with the first day of school, first year teachers should plan their curriculum around fun activities and try to involve the class in thought provoking discussions. 
• Always try to reward your class by offering incentives for good behavior or high test scores.  A pizza party or field trip will inspire any child.
• After reading a novel, try and show the movie coinciding with the novel to give each student a visual representation of the novel they just finished reading. 

http://www.online-distance-learning-education.com/first-day-of-school.html#.UyPbd4WgyRI 

You cannot over emphasis the importance of the first day of school. Students are out of the habit of going to school and need to be gently directed back to the expectations required of them. Students need to feel that the school is going to be fun and enjoyable, and understand the importance of following class rules. As a teacher it is beneficial to be both firm and interesting.