6 things Every ELA TEACHER SHOULD DO
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Feb 20, 2024
Welcome to the start of a new school year! This is an exciting time where we have the chance to create a thriving classroom environment that will shape the months ahead. For ELA teachers, the first few weeks are crucial in setting the tone and framework for the journey ahead. In this blog post, we will explore 6 things every ELA teacher should do to establish a strong foundation and ensure a seamless and enriching experience. Get ready to make this school year one to remember!
Looking for some no prep resources that you can print and use in your classroom right away? Click on the image or button below to see all of the back to school resources available in my TPT shop!
Things Every ELA Teacher Should Do: Establish Clear routines and expectations
The start of a new school year can be exciting. However, it can also be a challenging time for both teachers and students in English Language Arts classrooms. When it comes to things every ELA teacher should do, establishing routines and expectations should be at the forefront. This helps to ensure a successful learning environment throughout the school year. By setting clear expectations from the beginning, students will be better equipped to stay focused on their learning goals. This fosters more efficient academic progress and encourages self-directed learning.
Additionally, having a sense of structure and order in the classroom can help to reduce distractions. This allows students to better engage with their course material and work more productively. Establishing routines and expectations is an essential part of creating a positive learning environment for all involved.
It’s not just the students who benefit from having structured rules in place. Teachers also gain an important sense of stability when they have expectations in place. This can help to create a more harmonious atmosphere within the classroom. This is because it makes it easier for teachers and students to work together towards academic success.
Things every ELA Teacher Should Do: Reading and writing conferences
Reading and Writing conferences are definitely things every ELA teacher should do at the start of a new school year. These conversations can provide an invaluable opportunity for one-on-one discussions about each student’s reading and writing experiences. Through these dialogues, teachers can gain insight into what motivates their students, their interests, and any areas they may need extra support with.
These reading and writing conferences also provide teachers with the chance to ensure their students have a clear sense of purpose for every assignment, as well as set achievable goals. Additionally, these conversations can be used to help each student identify what kind of feedback would best benefit them in their learning journey. All in all, these conferences can be powerful tools to provide students with the guidance and support they need.
Looking for more information to help you teach reading and writing? You won’t want to miss our posts on reading strategies and descriptive writing!
Student interest surveys
At the start of each school year, I strive to create an engaging and motivating learning environment for my students. With this in mind, I prioritize gathering feedback from them so that their individual needs can be addressed and met. To do this, I conduct interest surveys within the first week of school to get a deeper understanding of my students’ interests and preferences.
These surveys are definitely things every ELA teacher should do. In essence, these surveys act as your compass, steering you toward decisions that are rooted in the genuine interests of your students. The result? A more engaged and motivated classroom community. Student Interest surveys should definitely be high on the list of things every ELA teacher should do at the start of a new school year.
Looking to try Student Interest Surveys with your students this year? Check out the resource below!
Build Classroom Community
Connection is the cornerstone of any successful classroom environment. It’s essential to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that allows students to collaborate harmoniously toward shared goals. But it takes more than just creating an inviting space; building meaningful relationships, inspiring enthusiasm, and fostering collaboration requires intentional effort from everyone involved.
Creating an engaging classroom community starts with recognizing the unique needs and strengths of each individual student. This can be done by getting to know your students on a personal level, providing differentiated instruction, and encouraging collaboration among all members of the class. Additionally, fostering student agency is also important; allowing students to share their ideas freely, take responsibility for their learning outcomes, and participate in meaningful conversations can help build a strong sense of community.
Ultimately, nurturing a vibrant classroom community is an ongoing process that takes time, effort, and patience. However, when done effectively, the rewards can be tremendous—students will learn more deeply and collaboratively while building meaningful relationships with their peers. The best part? It’s worth every bit of energy you put into it.
I love the Learning Style activities pictured above for building community and helping me to get to know my students at the start of the new school year. They are a great way to showcase student strengths, while also helping students recognize their own learning needs.
Interested in trying these learning style activities out with your learners this year? Grab a copy by clicking on the image below!
Interested in learning more about learning styles? Check out our complete guide to learning styles in the classroom!
Get students excited about your classroom library
Making your classroom library the centerpiece of the room is key to sparking students’ love of reading from the get-go. Show off featured books and really draw in students’ attention by lining them up along the edge of your whiteboard or even displaying them at the top of a bookcase. Whenever you rotate out these special selections, take a few minutes for an engaging discussion about the new options. This will add life to your library and bring out students’ natural enthusiasm for books. It’s a fun, interactive way to make sure reading is always at the forefront of their minds!
In addition to making your classroom library a focal point of the room, don’t forget to have fun with it! Incorporate games and other activities that get students excited about reading. Offer incentives like bookmarks or treats for those who read frequently or take part in special contests. This way, you’ll foster a genuine interest in literature and help your learners find stories they truly love.
Make your classroom library a place that students look forward to visiting every day! With the right set-up and activities, you’ll be able to draw in learners’ curiosity and keep them engaged with books for years to come.
Grab a FREE resource to help you with your classroom library setup by clicking on the image below!
Interested in reading more about classroom libraries? Check out our complete guide to building engaging classroom libraries!
Take time to reflect
As an ELA teacher, it is essential to take time for introspection and adaptation during the first month of school. It’s important to reflect on different aspects of your professional life—including mental well-being, physical health, relationships, and work/life balance—and assess how they impact your overall job satisfaction and contentment.
If you find that the responses are more negative than positive, it’s time to take a pause and explore ways to improve those areas of your life. Incorporating mindful activities into daily routines is a simple yet effective way to focus on self-care and achieve an equilibrium between work and personal life. By taking the time to focus on your own well-being, you can better ensure that your teaching is successful and rewarding over the long term.
Additionally, it’s important to remember to schedule regular breaks throughout the school year. Taking a few moments each day for relaxation, meditation, or even just some fresh air can help reset your mind and body so that you have the energy and mental clarity to carry out your professional duties.
In the end, it all comes down to striking a balance between work and personal life. By taking the time for meaningful self-reflection each month, you can ensure that you’re doing everything possible to achieve contentment in both areas of your life. With an open and positive attitude, it’s possible to find the equilibrium that will keep you motivated and fulfilled in your role as an ELA teacher.
For more teaching tips, be sure to check out our tips for new teachers and tips for substitute teachers!
looking FOR MORE Information about things every ELA teacher should do for back to school?
Check out the blog posts below!
Learning Style Activities for Back to School
Back to School Resource Roundup
Mandala Art Projects for Back to School
Do Unto Otters – The Perfect Back to School Read Aloud
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