1. The First Days of School by Harry Wong

2. Overview & Theoretical Perspective
A book to help teachers start their year successfully
Addresses grades K-12
Discusses structure, organization, discipline, & professionalism
Designed for all teachers
First year
Professors
Experienced
Administrators

3. What are the best ways to arrange a classroom?
5 keys to good room arrangement
Use an arrangement consistent with your instructional goals and activities
Keep high traffic areas free of congestion
Be sure students are easily seen by the teacher
Keep frequently used teaching materials and student supplies accessible
Be certain students can see instructional presentations and displays
Floor space
Students’ desks
Teacher’s desk
Bookcases & filing cabinets
Activity centers and work areas
Things to consider
Movement patterns of students
The need for students to obtain materials, texts, supplies, etc.
The need for students to see the instructor

4. What are effective time management techniques?
Outside research
Have instruction constantly going on
Transition from one activity to another quickly and easily
Remind students of time remaining for a particular activity
Take time to walk around and talk to students while they are working
First Days of School says…
Do not waste time to take roll at the beginning of the day
Have something for students to do as they enter the classroom
Have 30 minutes of free time on Fridays
Have lesson plans ready to go and practice them before class

5. What are good ways to transition from summer to school?
Teacher Preparation
First days determine success for the year
Organization and structure from the beginning is key
Teacher education rarely prepares new teachers
Effective schools have programs for new teachers
Student Transitions
New classroom brings change in social and environmental factors
Lots of adjustment
Studies about school transitions related to stress
Grades 3-4
Improvements during breaks

6. What are some community building exercises?
Outside research
Unity establishes a safe environment
6 strategies for building community among diversity
Parent visits
Weekly interactive newsletters
Open houses
Cultural letters
Valentine’s letters
Cultural celebrations
Teacher models practice of communication
First Days of School says…
Creating community among school community, not diverse learners
Students
Faculty
Parents
Community members
Neighborhood
Celebrate the first day of school
Welcome students
Banner
Announcements
Guides at school

7. How do you establish rules and transition into discussing them with your students?
Outside Research
Types of rules
Specific
General
Writing rules
New teachers encouraged to create their own
Student help is seen more often
First Days of School says…
Teacher centered
School-wide plans
Faculty is on the same page
Students experience consistency
Keep list between 3 and 5
Modeling is key
Multiple times a day
Non-examples
Transitioning
Give list of rules to each student
Direct attention to pre-made poster

8. What are effective discipline techniques?
Outside research
Responses based on perceived intention
Knowing when to intercede
Knowing appropriate response
First Days of School says…
“Rules must have consequences”
Need to be “reasonable and logical”
See handout
Don’t interrupt your lesson

9. Interviewing a Professional
Amanda Lorenz
Teacher’s Aide at Bloomington Junior High School
What is one classroom management technique used in your classroom?
Post-it notes
First time student acts out puts a post-it on desk
If misbehavior continues, puts tallies on post-it
At the end of the day, students with tallies see teacher
Likes this method because it is subtle and doesn’t embarrass students in front of their peers

10. Miss Lorenz’s classroom contract
What is a type of positive reinforcement you use for classroom management?
Smiley faces on the board next to student names for on task behavior
Thumbs-up basket
Since you work specifically with students with behavior disorders, what are some techniques you use for behavior management?
Express concern even when it’s hard
If she needs to scold, takes student into hallway
Silence can be golden
Miss Lorenz’s classroom contract

11. The Website http://www.effectiveteaching.com/
Digital & standard products
Online quiz
Awards
First Days of School won Education Bestseller Award

12. Professional Development
Implementation guide
Free
Includes:
Background information
Activities
Questions
Videos on effective teaching

13. Our Thoughts