I can't believe that tomorrow is the first day of school! I was able to meet most of my kids this week at Meet the Teacher night or through parent conferences. I know this really helped to calm some of my nerves and I think it helped the kids (and parents) feel a little better too. My jitters for tomorrow are already starting to set in. I'm nervous, but SO excited!
Tomorrow I am planning to mainly focus on routines and classroom procedures. We will be practicing many things like walking in the hall, beginning of the day routines and end of the day routines. We are also going to read "The Kissing Hand" and do a few fun activities with that book. I am also going to really focus on feelings and what to do if you feel sad or angry. This is our classroom Safe Place:
This is an area that students can go if they need some alone time or just need a few minutes to recover. This is NOT a time out time! Students can choose to come here or I may suggest it at times ("I see you are having a really hard time this morning, do you need a few minutes in Safe Area to help make you feel better?") I will only allow one student in the area at a time.
I wanted the kids to have a little area to "snuggle" in, so I decided to use a laundry basket and added some pillows. Random, I know. But, I think I really like it : )
Conscious Discipline is really big on incorporating student's families into the classroom as much as possible. So, I have a little friends and family bulletin board where I will post pictures of student's families as well as our school family photos. Eventually, I will also add some stuffed animals, etc.
I also have the different Conscious Discipline Safe Place breathing icons posted. I will begin teaching these coping strategies during the first week. I really want to stress that fact that any feeling is okay, but there is a right way to handle every feeling. For example, it's okay to be angry, but it isn't okay to hit your friend.
I'm off to continue my preparations. I think I have come to the conclusion that you are never really finished. I feel like I could work 24/7 and never complete it all! My Autobiography is ready to share first thing in the morning. I hope the kids like it!
I will let you know how my first day of teaching goes! : )