Teachers' days are filled with classroom assignments, interruptions and meetings. Each teacher should keep an ongoing log of daily observations starting with each new school year, teacher Linda Starr suggests at Education World website. This informal checklist chronicles a teacher's progress and any ideas for new classroom strategies. Jot down ideas of what worked and what flopped in the classroom. Write out details of interactions with others, including discussions with parents or playground fights. This checklist becomes a helpful resource when confronted with concerns further into the school term.
The opening day of school sometimes occurs mid-year for a student-teacher. The first step in welcoming a newcomer is an announcement to children that a fresh face will be joining them. This message builds interest in the student-teacher and establishes her as a classroom authority. The welcome-to-school checklist includes providing supplies, a desk and instructions on operating office equipment. Student teachers need to observe experienced teachers and later ask questions about their styles and techniques.
Children move at different developmental speeds, and a checklist captures kids' strengths and improvement areas. For example, youngsters' readiness for kindergarten is measured by observing specific behaviors such as listening without interrupting and managing zippers and buttons, according to Family Education website. This observational checklist includes watching kids to see if they demonstrate respect for authority, have a grasp of the alphabet and know routine bathroom functions. Children generally are ready for kindergarten when they accomplish many of the items on readiness checklists and exhibit maturity and an eagerness to learn.
Children's nervousness over the new school year often rubs off on their parents. Talk to your youngsters about your own ups and downs on your first days' classes so they can speak openly about their apprehensions. An early bedtime the night before ensures adequate rest, and serving their favorite breakfast foods is an easy way to instill some smiles and confidence into the first morning.