Organizing and Opening Games

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

1. First Day Organization and Confidence

From Courtney Gray, MaEd., a high school English teacher:

"I teach high school English on the block schedule. This first day plan takes a lot of preparation on my part, but the result is worth it. When my students walk in on the first day, their names are already taped down on the desks. I've checked with their previous English teachers to see what names they go by, especially since sometimes I'm only given an initial. Then, once the bell rings, I tell them to retrieve the pile from under the desk, sectioned off by block. Inside the first day packet is everything they need, from the student information form they fill out to the first week's vocabulary list to the syllabus and the homework for that night. Honors classes get the weekly agenda, too. They know I'm on top of things. I don't have to spend/waste time putting kids in their right seats or passing out materials. Plus, after ten years of teaching, I still get nervous. I appear completely calm and in control, which sets the tone for the semester."
» Comment on This Tip
» More Starting School Tips

2. Opening Game

From Rob Walker:

"I play a game that requires critical thinking and observation skills called 'Crossed or Uncrossed.' Prior to playing the game, I walk around the room with a pair of scissors in my hand, opening and closing them, and staring at them intently. I then have the kids put their desks in a circle or rectangle and tell them that I will pass the scissors to my right and say either crossed or uncrossed. I then tell them that they are to do the same, and I will tell them if they are correct or incorrect. The kids think that crossed and uncrossed relates to whether the scissors are opened or closed. In reality, it's whether or not my legs are crossed at the ankle. This drives them crazy, but most of them figure it out by the third or fourth time around the circle."
» Comment on This Tip
» More Starting School Tips

3. Question of the Week: Classroom Show Off

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"We've all had students who think they know it all or just show off on the first day of school. What is the best way to handle these situations? We would like to hear tactful tactics from both elementary and secondary teachers."
» Submit Your Tip
» View Replies & Post Your Tip

4. Heard on the Message Board: Mentoring Program

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"New teachers can often feel isolated and lost during their first year on the job, but mentoring programs that match seasoned pros with first-year rookies can make a huge difference. What are the qualities of a good mentor, and what are the characteristics of a good mentoring program?"
» Comment on This Tip
» More Professional Tips

Works4Me Resources

E-mail Newsletter: sign-up to receive free tips weekly

Previous Newsletters: recently published tips

Tips Library: browse hundreds of archived tips

Discussion Board: ask questions and share tips with other teachers