How do you get students geared up for the new school year?

Peer Leaders
At our high school, juniors and seniors work with freshmen for six weeks after the year begins and with eighth graders for six weeks in the spring. These "Peer Leaders" are trained in group dynamics and active listening. They work in small groups and discuss issues such as managing time, academic integrity, and social choices.

In May, eighth graders tour the high school with their Peer Leaders. They also get a handbook with information on grades, honor roll requirements, and mental health concerns. Peer Leaders call each soon-to-be-freshman in August to answer questions and allay anxiety.

Peggy Hanselman
School counselor and peer leadership advisor
New Hope, Pennsylvania

The Four Agreements
I use The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz as the foundation for my classroom rules and to motivate each student to find his or her talent and then seek excellence in it (Plato). The fourth agreement is, "Always do your best... and you will avoid self judgment and regret." When I read Ruiz to my students and talk about Plato's Academy at the beginning of the year, my students become intrinsically motivated.

Stanette Klatt
Middle school science teacher
Astoria, Oregon

Boarding Pass
Every summer, I send my new students a theme-based welcome letter. Last year, I used a train. I told about the "scheduled stops" awaiting them. I enclosed a "Boarding Pass" for them to bring in so they could hop on the Third Grade Express and get a surprise. I figured if someone didn't have a pass, I'd say the train was late and they should bring it the next day. But I was lucky--they all had passes. The surprise was alphabet cookies using T, R, A, I, and N.

Heidi Wagner
Third-grade teacher
Harrisonville, New Jersey

Bingo Board
I have worked with a wide variety of teachers at the start of the school year. I think the most successful activities include ways for the teacher to get to know the students and for students to get to know each other.

For example, create a Bingo board with items such as: went on vacation this summer, has two sisters, favorite subject is math. Give students an opportunity to find people to sign each square.

Another idea: Have a class discussion about students' strengths and allow them to find times during the year when they can help teach the lesson.

Andrea Snowden
Student and substitute teacher
St. Louis, Missouri

Activity Packets
I have the same set of students for three years. At the end of each year, I assemble packets of activities they can do over the summer. The choice is theirs, to do or not to do! But I tell students and parents that those who do them will get extra credit. Many return at the start of the new school year with packets in hand!

Carolyn Dotts
Special education teacher
Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Job Opening
One way to get enthusiasm going for the new year is to involve students in leadership roles. I offer "management" positions. Students write a paragraph telling why they would be the best person for the job. I have posters with job qualifications and responsibilities. When there is a lot of interest, I choose an assistant manager.

Two examples among many: a Computer Manager, who makes sure students get their turns fairly and the machines are used at the appropriate times, and a Library Manager, who re-minds students to return books, straightens the library, and waters the plants.

Students help come up with enough jobs for everyone who wants one. "Pay" is the chance to be "in charge" and the occasional donut at the managers' monthly meeting.

A big plus for me is that the jobs get done, even when I'm interrupted by a parent stopping in.

Linda Snogren
Fifth-grade teacher
Midland, Michigan

Party!
I have a "New Year's Party." I buy theme napkins, etc. on clearance after January 1 and save them until the start of the school year. We celebrate being in a new grade and our goals.

Arleen Lopez
Fifth-grade teacher
Davenport, Iowa

Got an Answer?

How do you deal with a wide range of abilities in one class?

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