first day

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first day
By Nicki Cramer

Absolutely have your list.

I always have all my students line up outside. If they come in with parents I greet them nicely and tell them we will all enter from outside. I welcome them to our room and tell them how we will
enter our room every day, lined up and QUIET!. This really sets the tone instantly. They know I have a plan.I also tell them not to worry about supplies this morning. Just put their bags and backpacks away. They will find colored folders on their desks and new sharpened pencils. On the board I have a list of morning activities they must accomplish, while I take care of business. After

reviewing the list and looking at samples I get them going. Everything is in their folder. I walk around and monitor and talk to each student for a moment. Then I have time to take care of norning business. The folder contains:

A letter from me on fancy, cute computer paper.
(first homework is to write a letter back to me due the next day)5th graders like CUTE

A survey the room sheet. I write a list of important places to find in the room, they check off, or identify (examples)

_____________ Maintenance Crew
_____________ Number of polygons (poster on wall)
_____________ Name two presidents (pics on wall)
_____________ Mrs. Cramer's favorite animal
_____________ How many classroom rules?

I add two coloring design pages--the challenging ones for older kids. They love these...

I also have a graphic where they interview all the fellow students we do later in the day.

Hope these few ideas help. A vew cute stickers along with a colorful pencil welcomes them. They instantly have a good feeling about the teacher. They will be more receptive and listening because they see you have a plan for their day and room.