Seven Things Students Want To Know On The First Day

1. Am I in the right room?

I will ensure each student is in the right room by waiting by the door with an attendance
sheet. As students enter the room, I will check their name against the list. I will also have
attendance sheets for other classes, so if a student is in the wrong room, they can find
their way.
2. Where am I supposed to sit?
I will assign seats alphabetically on the first day. Each student would have a number,
based on the attendance sheet, with a table that corresponds to that number
3. What are the rules of the classroom?
Once the bell rings, I will introduce myself to the class, then go right into the classroom
rules via power point or projector. They will also already be posted on the wall for all to
see.
4. What will I be doing this year?
I will give the students a brief overview of the curriculum for the year, including the main
topics relative to the STAAR exam. I will also discuss the grading system, and how much
weight certain things (papers, quizzes, etc.) carry.
5. How will I be graded?
I will give a detailed breakdown of how they would be graded, what they will be graded
on. I will also discuss my expectations concerning the quality of turned in work, and
study habits that will lead to success.
6. Who is this teacher as a person?
I will introduce myself to the students, including my background and upbringing (but not
too much- its only the first day). I will also have an ice breaker or two that involves me
as the teacher, allowing me to bond a little with the students.
7. Will the teacher treat me like a human being?
I will address this with a simple conversation during the period about my expectation of
the students, not only as it relates to me, but to each other. I will put together some sort of
contract that keeps students accountable for their treatment of me and each other.