When parents drop their children off at the classroom for the first time, it is usually a tearful experience for both parties. You can make this easier by having activity centers set up in advance. An activity center is simply a section of the classroom set apart for a particular activity. These centers can include items such as stuffed animals, story books, Legos, Playdoh, blocks, puzzles, and other games. Some teachers set their centers up with tables, chairs, tents, pillows, or other fun items while others simply have a large rug surrounded by shelves on which they place the activity items. By offering enjoyable activities for the students to do upon arrival, you make it easier for the child to leave the parents, which in turn makes it easier for the parents to leave their child.
At the beginning of the school year, one of the hardest things for teachers and students alike is learning the names of everyone. During that first week, make a point to use each child's name as often as possible. You can accomplish this by calling roll, pointing out students to complete an assignment, or playing various games in which you use the child's name. Many name games, songs, and poems can be found online and are easy to learn.
The key to running an efficient and organized classroom is to set and maintain certain rules. At the young age of five, children have a hard time learning and remembering a long list of rules, so keep it as simple as possible. During the first week of school, introduce and explain the classroom rules, but try to make this as entertaining as possible. One way to accomplish this is to ask the students how they would like to be treated by others in the class. Use the discussion to create the classroom rules.
Another popular method is to display a poster that illustrates a child sitting at his desk. (These charts can be hand-drawn or purchased at your local school supply store.) Discuss the chart with your students beginning at the top and working your way down. The discussion usually goes as follows: "Look at Timmy's (or whatever you want to name the character on your poster) eyes. Where is he looking? Why do you think he's looking straight ahead? Look at Timmy's hands. What are they doing? Can Timmy hit someone when his hands are folded like that?" Continue the discussion, giving the students plenty of time to answer your questions. Be certain to mention that the character is smiling because everyone is happier when the rules are obeyed. Keep the poster hanging in a prominent place in the front of the classroom and reference it several times a day for the first week.
Once the rules have been established, introduce your students to any classroom "friends" you may have. These friends may include class pets, puppets, or stuffed animals that will play an important role in your teaching methods. Allow the students to hold, pet, or play with each one if possible. Also, use this time to introduce any incentives that are unique to your classroom. For example, some classrooms set up a classroom "store" where students can buy candy or small toys using tickets they earned for good work, following directions, completing homework, etc. Making students aware of the many interesting things to be done in the classroom will encourage excitement and lessen their anxiety.
Every child loves a good story. Story time is the perfect opportunity to enforce the rules while entertaining your students. Create an environment that allows each student plenty of personal space while still being able to see the pictures in the story book. Students can sit in chairs, in desks, or on an assigned spot on a cozy rug.
For the first week of school, purchase or borrow books about the first day of kindergarten. The children will enjoy the story and will relate well to the characters in the book. Some students will be relieved to discover that the character in the book was scared about the first day of school, too. There are several books that fit in this category, so check your local library a week or two prior to school starting.
For many students, the first day of school will be their first time in the school building. Help the students understand where they are by taking them on a tour of the building or premises. This gives you the chance to practice lining up and using hallway behavior. It also gives the students a better idea of where they are in relation to the office, the cafeteria, the restrooms, etc. For many children, this eliminates a great deal of insecurity. To add a little more adventure to the tour, hide a doll or picture from one of your stories someplace along your route prior to the tour. Explain to the students that you are out looking for your misplaced character and that anyone who sees him should raise his or her hand. This creates a sense of mystery and adventure in which the students will enjoy taking part.
Once the students have had time to get accustomed to you, the other students, and their environment, check their skill development by leading them in some simple crafts. Many kindergartners are eager for the opportunity to use their new supplies. Art projects present them with that chance while giving you the opportunity to assess their coloring, cutting, and overall motor skills. Completing art projects is also an effective way to instruct the students in the importance of following directions. If possible, have the students complete the projects with plenty of time to dry so that they will be able to take the projects home with them at the end of the day.