As my new 3rd graders walked into the "Learning Lounge" on the first day of school, they heard music playing (my favorite Pandora station is called "Bliss") and they saw a motivational quote projected on the TV screen. There was a pencil and a sheet of paper laid out on the tables with a drawing for them to finish. The directions were: "Finish this drawing. Be creative." |
As the students got used to their new classroom (which is no ordinary classroom, I might add. Go to THIS POST to see how my room looks.); I chatted with parents, some new and some I already knew. It was actually very relaxing considering it was the first day of school. Don't get me wrong...I was nervous the night before and right up until the kids walked in, I was rushing around like a wind-up toy!
MY Rule For The First Day...
NO RULES! Seriously! I did NOT give one "You will not..." or "No...", not even a "These are the behavioral expectations..." Hint, kids know that "expectations" is a fancy way of saying "rules".
So if I didn't talk about rules, what DID I do you ask? After some time to finish their drawings, I asked for volunteers to share their drawings with us, and of course I praised those brave individuals who stood up on the FIRST day and shared with us. You see...from the get-go, I want my students to know that presenting/sharing what we are learning will be a priority in this class. They WILL have many opportunities to present/share/teach the rest of us over the course of our year. |
Next, we launched into a team-building activity. They got into groups of 4 and holding only a string that is attached to a rubber band, the groups had to build a pyramid out of 6 cups. After the activity we talked about what "Collaboration" means. Did they have to collaborate to successfully build that pyramid? Absolutely they did! |
I ended the day by reading the book The North Star written by Peter H. Reynolds. The basic message of this book is that we all have our own journeys to follow. My journal may not be the same as yours, but that's ok. So long as you continue on the "right" path, you'll end up where you want to be.
The message I wanted to convey was that this school year will be like no other. This school year will be filled with curiosity, wonder, questions, explorations and lots and lots of hard work!
After our school day ended, I got an email from the grandmother of one of my students. Her granddaughter had a tough year last year and this is what she told her grandmother when she got home that first day...
After our school day ended, I got an email from the grandmother of one of my students. Her granddaughter had a tough year last year and this is what she told her grandmother when she got home that first day...
How did YOUR first day of school go? I'd love to hear about it. Please leave a comment.