Student Reception and School Redesign

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. New Student Reception

From an anonymous writer:

"Every year in September, we have a New Student Reception at our high school. We have a 45-minute tutorial session once a week so we have it during that time. We give the new students a goody bag of little items like pencils, school key chains, school lanyards, etc. We also partner them with a mentor student (one who's active in school groups, trustworthy, etc.) and feed them. Hey, who doesn't like food? It's not a lot but is a nice way of recognizing them and helping them to adjust to their new environment."
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2. School Maps

From Jill Kohler, a teacher in Stewart, Florida:

"To make students comfortable, have them draw their surroundings. If they are new to the building itself, have a ruler, school map and pencils on hand. Before you show them the REAL school map, have them draw one. Then tape the maps to the board without names on them and put the REAL school map (layout) next to them. The kids will laugh as they see they've made up rooms that aren't really in the building. If they aren't new to the building, but just the classroom, have them walk around the room for a few minutes digesting where everything is. Then using the same tools, have the students redesign the classroom. You may be surprised that they have it set up more creatively than you did!"
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3. Question of the Week: Traveling Teachers

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Many schools are bursting at the seams. What advice do you have for teachers that need to travel between classrooms or spend their prep time outside their classroom?"
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4. Long Term Sub

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge from Chris:

"I was due to do my student teaching this fall but have been asked to take over a 12 week maternity leave for a teacher in 2nd grade. This assignment will start on the first day of school, although the teacher will be at Open House. I am overwhelmed to say the least, although I was subbing in this school most of last year. Any advice would be great. I feel like I will be the teacher for 3 months, but I really won't. Anyone have experience with this type of situation?"
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