Preparing for the First Week of School

One of my new mugs I received at Christmas

You can get your own!

It is funny how many students don't realize that teachers can dread the first day of school. For Christmas this year I got a new mug. I LOVE it. It has a travel top, but isn't aluminum (I just don't like the taste of coffee from metal). The mug contains the funny phrase, "Yes, I know they are mean to you at school and call you names, but you still have to go.... You're the Teacher!"

Now, I love my job. I love teaching. I love lesson planning. I even like grading essays! However, I HATE the first day of school.

I know that many teachers have their classes for a full year, but at my school (high school and university) I teach a new batch of students each semester. That means that every January I get the, "new student jitters." As I am sitting in my office trying to tweak lessons, toss them and completely overhaul a few things I have a knot in my stomach for the new students that will come.

I don't mean to imply that I don't like my students. I just get really nervous before the first day of classes. So, when I was catching up on some reading this weekend I decided to check out Wayne Sheldrick's, First Week of School.

I think a lot of the book is out of touch (it relies on teachers having their own classroom which for many teachers just isn't a reality), but the basics of setting down class management early is really spot on!

If you also have a new batch of students coming in on Monday, you may like to give his book a read. It is GREAT for new teachers, but I am sure even veterans will find a few new ideas (or just be soothed that they know exactly what they are doing). It loosened my knot a little by reinforcing some of the basics I believe in and reminding me that while the first week is important, it is pretty easy to prepare.

Most importantly, it is affordable (about $3), so it won't break the bank.

I still feel overwhelmed, but I know I will get back into the swing of things. What about you? How do you combat those butterflies?