Welcome: to be gladly received.
Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! I hope you have been gladly received by your co-workers and administration. You are likely putting a lot of energy into creating a warm classroom environment that welcomes each of your students.
When I was a new teacher I remember being told that I shouldn’t smile until November but I always failed miserably at that assignment. After all, if the word welcome means to be gladly received, then a smile is the first way you want to communicate to your students that they are welcome in your class!
Another bit of advice I got was to teach the students all the routines I wanted them to follow. Simple procedures had to be reviewed such as where to put their outdoor shoes, how to enter and exit the building, and safe use of the washrooms. Together the students and I would outline expectations for out of classroom locations such as the schoolyard, the library and the gym.
Teaching these basics is second nature to me now but I really appreciated that advice early in my career. I believe consistency helps students feel safe and students who feel safe have an easier time learning and retaining what they have learned.
Academics have their place in September but building a sense of community amongst the people in your classroom is going to set the tone for your year ahead. As a supply teacher I often look for the class agreement poster wherever I am working. It is helpful to have something like that to refer back to when needed. Including prep teachers, support staff, lunchroom helpers, custodians and secretaries as part of the community will help students understand and appreciate the different roles that make the school function. Students can be taught the names of all these important adults throughout the first month.
I already know you’re a resourceful, problem-solving type of teacher since you’re here at the heart and art blog. You are looking to others for ideas and seeing yourself as a lifelong learner. Keep doing what you’re doing. It may not go as planned. It probably won’t go as planned! I’m sure you’ll continue to learn and grow as a teacher and fill your toolbox with all kinds of suggestions from others.
I gladly receive you here and I’m sending you all kinds of great vibes for a wonderful September!
Brenda
