10 Tips for Back to School Season
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated July 16, 2024
The back to school season can be a tough and challenging time, even for experienced teachers. There is so much to do and it always feels like there is not enough time to do it all. Below is a list of 10 tips for back to school season to help you manage student behaviors while preserving your time and energy – so you can have the best back to school season ever!
Looking for some ready to teach resources to help make your back to school planning super easy? Click on the image or button below!
10 tips for back to school season
Classroom Preparation and Management
Check out our favorite tips for back to school season to help you get your classroom up and running smoothly below!
1. Organize Your Classroom Early
Setting up your classroom before the school year begins can save you a lot of stress. Arrange desks, create bulletin boards, and organize supplies to make your space welcoming and efficient. An early start allows you to fine-tune the layout and ensures that everything is in place when your students arrive, creating a positive first impression.
2. Develop a Classroom Management Plan
Having a clear classroom management plan is crucial for maintaining a productive learning environment. Outline your expectations, rules, and consequences, and communicate them clearly to your students. Consistent enforcement of your plan will help establish a respectful and orderly classroom where students know what to expect.
Student and Parent Engagement
Communication is so important at the start of a new school year. Check out our top tips for back to school communication below!
3. Build Relationships with Students
Take the time to get to know your students personally. Learn their names quickly, understand their interests, and establish a rapport. Building strong relationships helps students feel valued and respected, which can increase their engagement and motivation in the classroom.
4. Set Clear Expectations
From the first day, make sure your students know what is expected of them in terms of behavior, homework, and classroom participation. Clearly articulated expectations help students understand their responsibilities and reduce confusion and misbehavior.
5. Communicate with Parents
Establish open lines of communication with your students’ parents early on. Send a welcome letter or email, create a classroom newsletter, and set up a system for regular updates. Keeping parents informed about classroom activities and their child’s progress fosters a supportive home-school connection.
For some great activities to help make parent communication super easy, click on the image or button below.
Teaching Strategies and Activities
We all know how important it is to have our curriculum ready to go as soon as the kids walk through the door. The more planning you can do before the kids get there the better. Check out our top tips for back to school to help you plan effectively below!
5. Plan Engaging Activities
Start the school year with activities that are both fun and educational. Icebreakers, team-building exercises, and interactive lessons can help students feel comfortable and excited about learning. Engaging activities also help you gauge students’ interests and learning styles, which can inform your planning for the year.
For a whole pile of fun teaching activities for the first weeks of school, be sure to check out our essential activities!
7. Prepare for Technology Integration
Ensure that you and your students are ready to use any technology tools or platforms that will be part of your instruction. Familiarize yourself with educational software, set up your classroom devices, and plan lessons that incorporate technology in meaningful ways. This preparation will help avoid technical difficulties and enhance learning.
8. Create a Positive Learning Environment
Foster a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to take risks. Use positive reinforcement, celebrate successes, and create a culture of kindness. A positive learning environment boosts student confidence and supports academic and social growth.
Professional Development and Self-Care
You can’t forget the most important piece to the back to school puzzle – you! Check out our tips to take care of the most important part of the adventure that is teaching below.
9. Set Professional Goals
Reflect on your teaching practice and set personal and professional goals for the school year. Identify areas for growth, seek out professional development opportunities, and commit to continuous improvement. Setting goals helps you stay focused and motivated throughout the year.
For some great information on professional development books to help you up your teaching game, check out our essential reads!
10. Plan for Self-Care
Teaching can be demanding, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Establish a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries, making time for hobbies, and prioritizing your well-being. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to support your students and manage the challenges of the school year.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year. Remember, preparation, communication, and a positive mindset are key to creating an engaging and productive learning environment for your students. Here’s to a fantastic back-to-school season!
Looking for more tips and tricks for the back to school season?
Check out some of my previous back to school posts by clicking on the links below.
Back to School Resource Roundup
Do Unto Otters – My Favorite Back to School Read Aloud!
First Week of School Activities
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