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Students can write and draw their own short stories, with the goal to use an assigned amount of different syntax's.

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To show how growth and development works with a butterfly, there will be a small enclosure to observe them and to explain what's happening, and a releasing ceremony when they hatch.

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Students can make a colorful structure out of blocks, with each block having a value it would be the students job to calculate what value their building is and who has the most expensive building.

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For a science lesson, a rocket students can make in pairs and see if they fly outside.

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For an art project, making paper cranes to promote the Japanese culture, and to tell the story of the 100 paper cranes can grant a wish.

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This article talks about how to be a diverse teacher, and how being a concisely diverse teacher will help with multiculturalism.

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The Importance of Diversity & Multicultural Awareness in Education

Drexel University School of Education

Cultural diversity in the classroom is on the rise. In 2014, U.S. public schools hit a minority majority milestone with Latino, African-American, and Asian students having surpassed the number of white students. In 2044, the U.S. Census predicts that over half of the nation's population will be people of color, so this trend will likely continue.

In our increasingly diverse and multicultural society, it's more important than ever for teachers to incorporate culturally responsive instruction in the classroom -- whether teaching elementary school, middle school or high school students. And the increase of diversity doesn't only relate to race and ethnicity; it can include students of different religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and language background.

Interested in becoming a teacher? Learn more about Drexel's Teacher Certification program.

Why is it Important to Encourage Diversity in Schools and Workplaces?

Fostering inclusion and awareness around multicultural education and taking a culturally responsive approach to teaching benefits all students. Not only does creating greater multicultural awareness and inclusion help students with different backgrounds and needs succeed, but it encourages acceptance and helps prepare students to thrive in an exponentially diverse world. Our Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness Certificate Program is a great opportunity for teachers to learn how to create positive classroom environments and can serve as a foundation for understanding how to promote diversity in your classroom.

Diversity in and out of the classroom will continue to grow, so it's essential we prepare students to adapt to an evolving world and embrace those different from themselves. Learn more how the programs at the Drexel School of Education are helping to prepare more culturally-responsive educators today.

Types of Cultural Diversity in the Classroom

Every student is unique. In order to properly understand and promote cultural awareness, teachers need to understand all the different types of diversity they may encounter in their classrooms including:

Race

A person's skin color can have a great impact on their experience in society. It can also impact how they view themselves and others when engaging in classroom activities.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity relates to a person's culture and nationality. Ethnicity is sometimes confused with race, but it is important to recognize that while some people may have the same skin color, they may come from different places and have vastly different cultural beliefs and views of the world.

Religion

It is important to understand that people have different religious belief or no religious beliefs, and it may impact their participation in the classroom. Students may react differently to lessons based on their religion or may not be able to be present on certain religious holidays.

Language

While English is commonly used in American classrooms, for some students, it is not the language they speak at home. Accommodations should be made to help students for whom English is a second language.

Socioeconomic Status

A student's socioeconomic status can affect their ability to participate in the classroom without some type of accommodation. For instance, access to a computer at home or reliable internet access is not a given for some children. Teachers should be aware of this and the stress it may cause students who may struggle due to a lack of resources.

Sexual Orientation

A student's sexual orientation can have a great impact on how they are experiencing the world. Teachers should understand the struggles that exist and ensure that the lessons taught in their classroom are inclusive.

Gender Identity

Similar to sexual orientation, it is important to understand each student's gender identity and how they would prefer to be recognized. Teachers should respect their student's identity and use preferred pronouns when interacting with their students.

How can you Promote Diversity and Multiculturalism in the Classroom?

There are several ways teachers and administrators, such as principals and coaches, can ensure that both the classroom environment and curriculum are responsive to the increasing cultural diversity of our society. These strategies will encourage all students' cultural awareness, enhancing each student's sense of identity, and foster inclusion in the classroom community.

1. Get to Know Your Students Ensuring that cultural awareness is promoted in the classroom starts with the teacher understanding each individual student. Take the time to learn about each student's cultural background, hobbies, learning styles, and what makes them unique. Demonstrating a genuine interest in learning about each student and their culture will help establish trust and allow you to form a bond with them so they feel valued. If students feel appreciated by and comfortable with the teacher, there's a better chance they'll feel comfortable talking with and respect their peers in the class - and communication is the core to a culturally aware and inclusive classroom.

2. Maintain Consistent Communication Aside from getting to know your students, teachers should also continue to maintain ongoing communication throughout the semester or school year. Scheduling 1-on-1 meetings with students to "check in" every so often will allow you to consistently improve how accessible the classroom is to everyone. Students can talk about whether they felt included in the classroom culture. This can help identify issues or ways to improve the overall experience. It's also an opportunity to discuss their progress in the class and offer guidance on how they can improve, based on their individual needs as a student.

3. Acknowledge and Respect Every Student It's also important for students to celebrate and respect their own diverse backgrounds, as well as each other's. When appropriate, teachers should encourage students to research and learn about their own ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This allows them to better understand their own culture as well as the differences and nuances with their peers. As a bonus, this can be a great ice breaker assignment, allowing students to give presentations about their family traditions and culture to help expose the class to concepts outside of their own familiar comfort zone. Acknowledging these differences and creating a safe space for discussion helps promote understanding in the classroom and beyond. Also, as you encourage students to learn about their diverse backgrounds, remember to take the time to highlight what's offensive and the distinction between cultural celebration and appropriation. Learning how to talk about other cultures in a respectful, mature way is essential for success in life outside the classroom.

4. Practice Cultural Sensitivity While it's important to keep an open dialogue amongst students, it's equally as important to make sure you're being sensitive to everyone's culture, beliefs, and language concerns. Take the time to understand each student's cultural nuances - from learning styles to the language they use - and use these insights to design your lesson plans. For example, provide English language learners with appropriate and relevant resources that help them improve their English comprehension skills. Rather than teach with a traditional lecture style, create learning experiences that are more interactive and require collaboration. These considerations will help ensure that every student feels included, is given the space to learn in their own way and is given a chance to succeed.

5. Incorporate Diversity in the Lesson Plan The classroom environment is important for fostering cultural awareness, but you also should ensure diversity is represented in your actual lesson plan. For example, broaden history lessons so that they encompass the world beyond United States history and culture. Or, use references and analogies to other cultures in your lessons and assignments to help students with diverse backgrounds personally connect. Another great strategy is bringing in diverse speakers to add varying points of view and real-life context to different subjects.There are several ways you can ingrain cultural awareness and diversity into your lesson plan, and it will vary depending on the cultures represented in your classroom and the course you're teaching. Regardless of the subject, always try to present and connect lessons to real-world issues. It's easier to promote cultural awareness within your lessons when there's a real example for students to relate to.

6. Give Students Freedom and Flexibility Teachers often feel like they need to take on a strict, authoritative approach when it comes to managing their classroom. The most valuable lessons are often learned through a student's own experiences, so giving them some freedom in the course encourages more connection to the curriculum. Allow students to read and present their own materials that relate to the fundamental lesson so they can approach the topic from their own perspective. As a teacher, you can act as a facilitator and encourage conversation and healthy debate between diverse opinions. Group assignments are also a great way to expose students to diverse perspectives, allowing them to work together to explore and solve a problem. This will also help prepare them for a diverse workforce where they'll have to partner with a range of people to accomplish their professional goals.

Why is it Multicultural Education Important to Students?

It is important to remind ourselves why diversity and cultural awareness is so crucial in the classroom and the benefits it can have on students now and in the long-term. Teaching diversity exposes students to various cultural and social groups, preparing students to become better citizens in their communities. These culturally responsive teaching strategies will help you to promote diversity in the classroom.

With these culturally responsive teaching strategies in mind, it's important to remind ourselves why diversity and cultural awareness is so crucial in the classroom and the benefits it can have on students now and in the long-term.

Students Become More Empathetic

Promoting awareness and creating a personal connection with diverse cultures in the classroom can prevent students from developing prejudices later in life. It allows them to empathize with people different from themselves since they're more aware of the experiences someone of a different race or cultural group may face.

Students Gain a Better Understanding of Lessons and People

When working and learning with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures present in the classroom, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It also teaches students how to use their own strengths and points of view to contribute in a diverse working environment.

Students Become More Open-Minded

Naturally, by exposing students to a diverse range of opinions, thoughts, and cultural backgrounds, you're encouraging them to be more open-minded later in life. This will make them open to new ideas and be able to attain a greater comprehension on a topic by taking in different points of view.

Students Feel More Confident and Safe

Students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable and safe with these differences later in life. This allows them to interact in a wider range of social groups and feel more confident in themselves as well as in their interactions with others.

Students Are Better Prepared for a Diverse Workplace

With the rise of globalization, it's more important to be able to work with people from different cultures and social groups. If students are exposed to diversity and learn cultural awareness in the classroom, it sets them up to flourish in the workforce.

Learn More About Cultural Diversity in Education

There are additional resources available to help educators grow their knowledge of cultural diversity and apply it to their classrooms. Here are a few sites where you can find more information:

Additionally, Drexel offers programs that can help broaden a teacher's expertise in multicultural education including our online Teaching English as a Second Language and Social Emotional and Behavioral Wellness certification programs. You can also contact us to request more information.

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The Importance of Multicultural Education - School of Education

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As classrooms become more diverse, it's crucial for students to learn about other cultures. Discover how students benefit from classroom diversity with Drexel.

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This article is about effective ways to teach a special education student.

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How Teachers Can Help Students With Special Needs Navigate Distance Learning

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Kids with disabilities are often shortchanged by pandemic classroom conditions. Here are three tips for educators to boost their engagement and connection.

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This article is about how to improve your current teaching methods.

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In a series of interviews with master teachers, a reporter finds that certain intangible qualities matter more than the best tactics.

Allison Shelley / The Verbatim Agency for American Education

Good teaching isn't about following a "rigid list of the most popular evidence-based tools and strategies," veteran high school English teacher Renee Moore tells Kristina Rizga for The Atlantic's On Teaching series. The most effective teaching tools, Moore suggests, are intangible qualities that directly address the fundamental human needs of a diverse classroom community-traits like empathy, kindness, and a deep respect for the lives and interests of individual students.

Working from a place of caring, Rizga reports, the best teachers establish deep connections with students, and then build up to a "daily commitment to bringing in well-considered, purposeful practices and working child by child." For master teachers, then, the person precedes the pedagogy-and finding the right mix of practices, at least to some extent, is contingent on knowing what each child needs.

Rizga travelled across the country for two years for the series, interviewing some of America's most accomplished veteran teachers in an effort to collect their wisdom and discover "what has helped them bring out the best in their students." The result is an edifying collection of stories that touch on issues from race and culture to advice about how to teach remotely.

We pulled out some of the most constructive, foundational ideas that informed teacher mindsets through decades of work in the classroom, and helped them inspire even the most reticent students to grow and learn.

WORKING CHILD BY CHILD

Part of getting to know students, says high school English teacher Pirette McKamey, involves watching and listening as students speak in class or in the hallway, and observing how they express themselves in their work. "Every time a student does an assignment, they are communicating something about their thinking," says McKamey, who is now the principal at Mission High School in San Francisco. "There are so many opportunities to miss certain students and not see them, not hear them, shut them down."

It also means finding opportunities to connect with each child individually. Moore recalls a 17-year-old student who, in spite of excelling in math class, struggled with writing in her English class. After spending time with the child after school, she found he lit up when discussing sports and family-subjects she encouraged him to write about, resulting in more complex, lively writing. She also recorded their conversations and asked the student to transcribe the recordings-without worrying too much about spelling and grammar-an exercise that allowed him to see proof of his "capacity for unique ideas and analysis," and opened the door for Moore to begin teaching him grammar and composition. The student became the first of his six siblings to graduate with a high school diploma.

The experience "taught me the power of getting to know your students well enough to teach," says Moore, illuminating the powerful but not always intuitive connection between relationship-building and improving academic outcomes. Instead of designing pedagogy around individual student needs, "we're shuffling kids through a system designed on a factory model, and we often give up too soon, because they don't get to grade level by the time the system says they should. When they don't, we say they're not ready to learn or are hopeless. But they are just not on our schedule; it has nothing to do with their innate potential or ability."

When Moore surveyed her students for a research project in 2000 about best practices for teaching English, students confirmed what she'd long suspected: They learned best when teachers "saw and heard them as individuals, helped them understand their strengths, and connected what they were learning with their future ambitions." When, instead of recognizing and supporting student effort, teachers focused on minor issues like lateness or poor grammar, students reported feeling discouraged.

REFLECTING ON CLASSROOM PRACTICE

Finding time and head space for reflection-especially after teaching all day, grading assignments, fielding student and family queries, and preparing for the next day's lessons-is challenging but absolutely essential to good teaching. It's also not just about reflecting on your pedagogy.

McKamey got in the habit of spending her commute going over what she'd observed about each student that day. "She noted, for example, any body language that might indicate disengagement, like expressionless faces, or heads on desks," writes Rizga. She also tracked student engagement, going over in her mind instances when she saw, for example, students chatting spontaneously about assignments, or doing extra work. "The next day, McKamey would synthesize what she'd observed, and adjust her lesson plans for the day ahead."

LEARNING FROM COLLEAGUES

When thinking about productive relationships, teachers should think laterally too: acknowledging and tapping into the strengths of colleagues was a trait of master teachers. Peer networks allow educators to learn from each other, enrich their practice, and access a valuable support network that helps teachers feel connected and more likely to stay in the field.

For many seasoned educators, peer networks are "the main mechanism for transferring collective wisdom and acquiring tacit knowledge that can't be learned by reading a book or listening to a lecture-skills such as designing a strong lesson plan with precise pacing, rhythm, and clear focus, for instance, or building positive relationships among students," Rizga writes in another piece in the collection.

"When they struggled-and all of them told me they did-they conferred with colleagues at the school, or teachers in professional associations, or online communities. And together, these teacher groups acted intentionally to identify the challenges students were facing and come up with personalized plans," Rizga reports.

THE VALUE OF TEAM PLANNING

When teachers were able to share insights and intentionally plan together, they collaborated across academic subjects in new and creative ways, Rigza writes, coming up with valuable lessons and programs that were "more likely to be culturally specific, speaking to the realities of their students' lives."

Former high school English teacher Judith Harper, for example, worked with her teaching colleagues in Mesa, Arizona, to help boost students' public speaking, interviewing, and college-essay-writing skills. Many of her students came from "working-class and Latino families who didn't always speak English at home," and building these skills opened up new opportunities for them. Rebecca Palacios, an early-childhood educator in Corpus Christi, Texas, worked with her teaching colleagues to launch a coaching program to help the Latino parents of her preschool students learn how to support their children's reading skills at home.

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Good Teaching Is Not Just About the Right Practices

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In a series of interviews with master teachers, a reporter finds that certain intangible qualities matter more than the best tactics.

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This article talks about the transition of student to teacher, and what you may need.

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So, you submitted your teacher resume, received an offer, and your first day on the job is only months away. Congratulations! These summer months are perfect for finding ways to address common challenges teachers face during their first year.

Many young teachers move into their first classroom and feel unequipped to handle all the unexpected challenges, they may even feel as confused and out of their depth as a new student.[10] But thankfully, every first-year teacher has the power to make their first year great. With a little summer preparation and guidance from more experienced teachers, even the most anxious first-time teachers can feel confident on their first day of school and throughout the year.

Read on to discover ways you can successfully make the leap from student to teacher and how veteran teachers can help you every step of the way.

Back to School Can Be Daunting for a First-Year Teacher

While they're still in college, student teachers often hold an unrealistic optimism about how their first year will go, which can make any setbacks seem especially discouraging.[19] First-year teacher struggles can range from wondering how to make a lesson plan to dealing with classroom behavior issues or providing resources for at-risk students. Even the most thorough college education programs can't prepare teachers for everything they'll face during their first year.

Overall, the eight most common issues that first-year teachers face, as reported by the American Educational Research Association, are: [13]

Classroom discipline

Motivating students

Dealing with individual student misbehavior

Assessing students' work

Maintaining parent-teacher relationships

Organizing classwork

Working with insufficient resources

Supporting students with personal issues

Schools don't always provide a voice for a new teacher's hopes or concerns, which can make them feel incompetent and alone when things don't go as planned.[18] But these first weeks of school are critical for a first-year teacher's self-esteem and well-being for the rest of the year.[3]

Young teachers are more than capable of starting off on the right foot if they prepare over the summer. But even that can be daunting. Because very few educators have access to specialized teacher preparation programs, getting ready for school over summer break often falls on a first-year teacher's shoulders alone.

However, if they know where to look for it, help for teachers is always available. Use the following strategies and tips for new teachers to prepare yourself for a fulfilling and successful first day of school.

How to Transition from Student Teacher to First-Year Educator

As you prepare for the upcoming school year this summer, try these first-year teacher tips and techniques to make your first weeks of school as stress-free as possible. Organization can go a long way in helping you feel ready for a successful year. Begin decorating your classroom, preparing syllabi, and creating lesson plans or topic outlines as soon as you can.[2]

The earlier that you have the essentials ready, the less pressure you'll feel as the first day of school draws near. And as unexpected setbacks arise, don't let feelings of incompetence or expectations that you already have to be an expert get to you.[10] Every teacher makes mistakes during their first year, and they can be an excellent opportunity to learn and mature.

Although you may not officially meet your fellow teachers until a few days or weeks before school, try to connect with them as early as you can. Inclusion and acceptance from colleagues and supervisors are some of the strongest factors that predict how a new teacher will do during their first year.[16] Ask your supervisors if they hold any faculty events over the summer or if you can have your colleagues' contact information to start getting to know them.

If you need help-either during the summer or the first few weeks of school-you can always talk to your teaching peers or colleagues.[3] Other educators often have advice for new teachers and can suggest issues that you might not have considered preparing for. Continue seeking advice and support as you enter the school year. If a student in your class has a learning disability that you're not experienced with, for example, you could talk to administration or veteran teachers for advice.[15]

Finally, make time for self-care both over the summer and throughout your first year of school.[14] Young teachers are particularly vulnerable to stress and burnout since they are facing so many challenges for the first time.[14] If you can learn how to take care of your well-being over the summer and find out which stress management strategies work for you, you can keep them in mind during overwhelming moments as a teacher.

Why a Mentor Teacher Can Make a Difference to Younger Colleagues

The most common challenge first-year teachers experience is a lack of support.[5] For this reason, mentorships with veteran educators can help ease the transition to full-time teaching and keep young teachers from feeling overwhelmed.[8] Experienced teachers can help new teachers cope with challenges they may not have anticipated while planning for their first year. Plus, mentorships can shape a new teacher's mindset and help them put everything they learned in college to practical use.[6]

Teacher turnover, often due to high rates of burnout, is one of the most pressing challenges facing the educational field. But mentoring programs can act as a buffer against burnout and improve teacher retention. In one study, 96% of teachers who had mentors stayed at their job and cited the emotional support their mentors provided as particularly helpful.[12]

To maximize these benefits, principals could create teacher mentorship programs in their schools.[7] They could also include specific programs designed to teach important skills to first-year teachers.[3] Access to advice for teachers and by teachers can help young educators overcome any nervousness they feel about approaching their colleagues. But even if no such programs are available for a first-time teacher, many veteran teachers are happy to help their new colleagues learn the ropes.

Here are a few examples of questions you could ask a mentor teacher:

What do you wish you knew during your first year of teaching?

How can I be a better mentor for my students?

I'm struggling with a specific challenge in my class. Could you give me some advice on how you would handle it? [20]

What do you see as my strengths and weaknesses? How could I improve?

How can I avoid getting burned out and balance school and home life? [21]

It's crucial, however, to choose a mentor that you mesh with, as poor mentors can actually contribute to early burnout and a higher turnover rate among young teachers.[9] If you've found a mentor but have a hard time clicking with them, try asking advice from other colleagues in your school until you find a mentor who better understands you.

Back to School Tips for First-Time Teachers

Back to school preparation is a challenge for all educators, but first-year teachers in particular sometimes don't know where to begin. Luckily, by working on the essentials over the summer, first-year teachers can ready themselves for a successful school year.

Use these five back to school hacks to make the most of your first year of teaching:

As you and your colleagues get your classrooms ready for school, take pictures of anything you see in a veteran teacher's room that you like. The more photo references you have for your own classroom, the more ideas you'll be able to incorporate.[1]

It's common for first-year teachers to use rewards or punishments as motivation for their students. Instead, try emphasizing relevance or intrinsic rewards like learning or excitement, as both are proven more effective.[11]

Getting to know your colleagues can be scary when you're starting at a new school. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and ask for help.[17]

Your first year will, in many ways, be a year of experimentation. Try a variety of teaching techniques with your students to see what does and doesn't work for you.[4]

Take time for reflection every day through journaling or mindful meditation. Not only is this an excellent self-care strategy, but reflecting can help you learn from your teaching experiences and plan for upcoming events.[17]

Source:

1. Connell, G. Our 30 Best Tips for Student Teachers. Retrieved from scholastic.com: "https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/teachers/blogs/genia-connell/migrated-files/student_teacher_tips.pdf.

2. Freehold Regional High School District. First-Year Teacher Checklist & Reminders. Retrieved from frhsd.com: https://www.frhsd.com/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=796&dataid=1032&FileName=First-Year%20Teacher%20Checklist.pdf.

3. Michigan State University. Why You Need to Succeed on the First Days of School. Retrieved from msu.edu: https://msu.edu/~parker13/science08/TE802/802files/Wong&Wong-1.pdf.

4. Cheney, C.O., Krajewski, J., and Combs, M. Understanding the First Year Teacher: Implications for Induction Programs. Teacher Education and Special Education: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, January 1992, 15(1).

5. Ye, W., Song, X., and Li, F. Feedback from first-year teachers: rethinking the transfer problem in China. Teachers and Teaching, March 2018, 24(5), pp. 500-519.

6. Carver, C.L., and Katz, D.S. Teaching at the Boundary of Acceptable Practice: What is a New Teacher Mentor to Do? Journal of Teacher Education, November 2004, 55(5), pp. 449-462.

7. Ganser, T. The Principal as New Teacher Mentor. Journal of Staff Development, 2001, 22(1), pp. 39-41.

8. Gratch, A. Beginning Teacher and Mentor Relationships. Journal of Teacher Education, May 1998, 49(3), pp. 220-227.

9. Sudzina, M., Giebelhaus, C., and Coolican, M. Mentor or Tormentor: The Role of the Cooperating Teacher in Student Teacher Success or Failure. Action in Teacher Education, 1997, 18(4), pp. 23-35.

10. Volkmann, M.J., and Anderson, M.A. Creating professional identity: Dilemmas and metaphors of a first‐year chemistry teacher. Science Education, June 1998, 82(3), pp. 293-310.

11. Newby, T.J. Classroom motivation: Strategies of first-year teachers. Journal of Educational Psychology, 1991, 83(2), pp. 195-200.

12. Odell, S.J., and Ferraro, D.P. Teacher Mentoring and Teacher Retention. Journal of Teacher Education, May 1992, 43(3), pp. 200-204.

13. Veenman, S. Perceived Problems of Beginning Teachers. Review of Educational Research, June 1984, 54(2), pp. 143-178.

14. Fimian, M.J., and Blanton, L.P. Stress, burnout, and role problems among teacher trainees and first-year teachers. Journal of Occupational Behavior, April 1987, 8(2), pp. 157-165.

15. Busch, T.W., Pederson, K., and Espin, C.A. Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities: Perceptions of a First-Year Teacher. The Journal of Special Education, July 2001, 35(2), pp.92-99.

16. Rust, F.O. The first year of teaching: It's not what they expected. Teaching and Teacher Education, March 1994, 10(2), pp. 205-217.

17. Thompson, L. 5 Tips For First-Year Teachers. Retrieved from neatoday.org: http://neatoday.org/new-educators/5-tips-for-first-year-teachers/.

18. Concordia University. Examining transition from student to teacher. Retrieved from sciencedaily.com: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121108181725.htm.

19. Weinstein, C.S. Preservice teachers' expectations about the first year of teaching. Teaching and Teacher Education, 1988, 4(1), pp. 31-40.

20. Long, C. Make the Most of Your Mentor. Retrieved from nea.org: http://www.nea.org/home/38344.htm.

21. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Questions to Ask a Mentor and Tips for a Successful Mentoring Session. Retrieved from uschamberfoundation.org: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/questions-ask-mentor-and-tips-successful-mentoring-session.

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The First-Year Teacher's Guide to Preparing for the School Year | Waterford.org

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So, you submitted your teacher resume, received an offer, and your first day on the job is only months away. Congratulations! These summer months are perfect for finding ways to address common challenges teachers face during their first year.

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This article talks about how what is needed to make a classroom effective, it goes from student, classroom, and teacher needs and procedures of consistency.

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by Effective Teaching...
Harry and Rosemary Wong
September 2007
Ten Timely Tools for Success on the First Days of School
We teach you to plan so you can plan to teach.
We love to play Mexican Train®. For those who are not familiar with this game, it's a dominos type game where there are three or more games going on simultaneously-at the same time! There's your game, your opponents' games, and a side game called the Mexican Train.

The game requires strategy, intelligence, and skill. It can get intense, but when it's over there is usually a smile and the winner can even say, "That was fun." Fun is the result of a well-played game.

Ask anyone who has done a report or paper. The process requires diligence, hard work, and perseverance. But if the result is a good grade or commendation, then the writer can sit back and smile at the accomplishment and then correctly say, "That was fun." But it was no fun doing the process. It was hard work.

It is so common for new teachers to come into the profession with the mantra of "school should be fun." Where they acquire this buzz is unknown as the schools of education surely don't teach that. They teach classroom management, instructional delivery, assessment for learning, student engagement, parental relationships, educational psychology, differentiated instruction, problem solving, positive expectations, inclusive classrooms, and a host of other skills that are required of an effective teacher.

Schools are institutions of instruction and learning. The purpose of school is for students to acquire knowledge, learn skills, and develop habits and principles that will make them productive citizens and help them grow to their fullest potential as human beings. (The First Days of School, page 5.)

We love fun, but fun is not the purpose of a lesson. Fun is the satisfaction that results when a lesson is completed with accomplishment and achievement. So, when we play Mexican Train, we play to win. Fun comes over our faces after accomplishing a well-played game.

Students can achieve this same kind of satisfaction with their lessons. When you design a lesson for student learning, you design it backwards. Backward design contends that instead of planning a lesson around a fun or bunch of favorite activities, a more effective lesson should start with the end results you want to achieve. Then, plan backwards to what you can do to bring student accomplishment of that goal. Accomplishment of the goal will bring joy to the students and will make them eager to want to achieve more.
Effective Classrooms Are Consistent
For a student to demonstrate accomplishment and achievement in school, there must be a plan that organizes the classroom for student learning and success.

The most important factor to establish the first week of school is consistency. A consistent classroom has no surprises. Everyone knows how the classroom is organized and structured for learning. Effective teachers have a classroom that is structured, organized, and CONSISTENT in how the classroom is run.

As with any game, the more you play it, the better you become familiar with the rules and strategies that operate that game. There is consistency to the rules, you know what happens. Even when you land on "Go to Jail," you sigh and move your marker there-without begging for second chances or blaming it on someone else. You accept the structure of the game and know it's there to ensure that you have a great time while you're playing.

Here are some of the items you'll want to make sure you use consistently in your classroom to better the chances of your students winning each and every day.

1. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN. Sarah Jondahl began as a first-year teacher six years ago, with a binder complete with a classroom management plan. She had a plan for how she wanted to operate her classroom. She knew the procedures she wanted her students to follow. With procedures in place, she says, "The educational experience in my classroom is extremely effective." Use Sarah's plan to help you plan for your student's success. The plan can be seen in our September 2005 column, "A Successful First Day Is No Secret," and at www.ClassroomManagement.com.

2. HAND SIGNALS. While students are working, you can reduce the noise level in the classroom by using a set of hand signals. For instance, one finger could indicate a desire to speak, two fingers a desire to leave the seat, and three fingers to request help from the teacher. You respond by shaking your head or waving a hand that responds, "Yes," "No," or "Wait." This technique can be seen inThe First Days of School, page 187.

3. DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS. We know that students learn best with hands-on activities. Do not place materials on a central table and have continuous student movement in the classroom. Rather, place all materials needed for the activity in a container and post an inventory of the contents of the container in the classroom. Assign a student to carry the container to the group for the activity and return it after checking the inventory list that is posted. This technique can be seen in our September 2002 column, "Dispensing Materials in Five Seconds."

4. SCHOOL-WIDE PROCEDURES. The most effective schools have procedures that are used consistently by all teachers. These are ready and posted on the first day of school. Students can move from teacher to teacher knowing what to do. For instance, they know that all classrooms have an assignment, so they enter all classrooms knowing what to do and start their assignment. Work with your colleagues to get some general procedures established at your grade level teaching team or your school. A school with such a plan can be seen in our January 2002 column, "A Most Effective School."

5. TEACH TO AN OBJECTIVE. The effective teacher tells the class the objective of the lesson. You determine what you want your students to learn, perhaps based on state or district standards, and then you backward design a lesson to begin with an objective or objectives. Objectives are student learning targets. When the students know what they are aiming for, they know what they are responsible for learning.

Julie Johnson of Minnesota structures her lessons as follows: 1) She determines what she wants her students to learn; 2) She shows them what they are to learn; 3) They practice what they are to learn; and 4) They are tested on what they are to learn. She says, "There is no secret as to what is expected of them. When I do this they all succeed." If students know what they are to learn, you greatly increase the chances that the students will learn. Julie's technique can be seen in our April 2006 column, " They're Eager to Do the Assignment" and in The First Days of School, page 241.

6. ASSESS FOR LEARNING. The purpose of a test is not to grade the student. The results of a test are to be used to assess for learning. When a doctor gives a patient a test, such as a blood test, the results are not used to grade the patient. The results are used by the doctor to assess the patient's health and to determine if any medication or treatment is needed to improve the patient's health. Likewise, an effective teacher uses the results of a test to determine what instruction is needed to improve the learning of a student. Several columns were written in 2006 and 2007 on this subject. One is October 2006, "Assessing Student Progress with a Rubric."

How well you begin school with an organized, consistent, and well managed classroom will determine your success and your students' success for the rest of the school year.
With procedures firmly in place, you will have time
to devote yourself to the art and craft of teaching and
become the effective teacher your students need and deserve. Success Begins with You
You are the determiner of success in your classroom. Not only by what you do, as in the "Ten Timely Tools," but more importantly in your attitude and belief in children and your ability to make a difference in their lives.

1. Believe that every child who enters your classroom this year wants to grow and learn and be successful and has the capacity to do so.

2. Believe in yourself that you have the skills needed to reach children and move them to new heights.

3. Believe that every day is a new day with the opportunity to start anew.

4. Believe that you are part of a greater community of educators who are proud of their profession and dedicated to their calling.

5. Believe that the smile of welcome you radiate to your students everyday will warm the hearts of more bodies that you will ever imagine.

6. Believe in partnerships with colleagues, administrators, and parents that will nurture children.

7. Believe that you are both a teacher and a learner and grow yourself professionally each year.

8. Believe that hard work is required of success.

9. Believe that education is the bedrock for humanity.

10. Believe that we are here to help you and your students achieve success.

The result of writing this month's column has been a fun experience for us. It has required us to think back to our classrooms and recall what was helpful at the start of school. It has required us to review past teachers.net articles and share with you some outstanding colleagues. It has required us to think about our perception of education and what it means to us. The pleasure and enjoyment of this process is what has created the smiles, the chuckles, and the energy to keep writing and sharing.

Make your school year one of pleasure and enjoyment packed with learning for you and your students.
For a printable version of this articleclick here. Gazette Articles by Harry & Rosemary Wong:
If you spot a link that appears to be out-of-date, please alert us at webmaster@teachers.net!
A Grateful Goodbye After 15 Years (Jun 2015)

Love, Marriage, and Babies, Oh My! (May 2015)

Retention Rate Is 100 Percent (Apr 2015)

Teacher Effectiveness and Human Capital (Mar 2015)

Training Teachers to Be Effective (Feb 2015)

Making Deals Is Ineffective (Dec 2014 / Jan 2015)

Retrieving and Carrying Electronic Devices (Nov 2014)

Sharing to Succeed (Oct 2014)

How a University Prepares Its Students (Sep 2014)

Effective Teaching (Aug 2014)

Your Future Is in Your Hands (June/July 2014)

The Classroom Management Book (May 2014)

When Students Succeed; Teachers Succeed (April 2014)

Teaching New Teachers How to Succeed (March 2014)

Execute and Praise (February 2014)

Shaping a Solid Foundation (Dec 2013 / Jan 2014)

The Most Misunderstood Word (November 2013)

How to Start Class Every Day (October 2013)

Prevention: The Key to Solving Discipline Problems (September 2013)

Planning, Planning, Planning (August 2013)

Are You THE One? (June / July 2013)

Practical Examples That Work (May 2013)

A Disability Is Not a Handicap (Apr 2013)

Totally Inexcusable (Mar 2013)

Be Proud of Public Education (Feb 2013)

Structure Will Motivate Students (Dec 2012 / Jan2013)

Orchestrating the Classroom (Nov 2012)

The Lasting Impact of Instructional Coaching (Oct 2012)

Learning, Laughing, and Leaving a Legacy (Sep 2012)

Twenty-two, First Year, and Legit (Aug 2012)

A Master Teacher of Teachers (June/July 2012)

Where Going to School Means Success (May 2012)

A Nationally Celebrated High School (Apr 2012)

The Highest Rated School in New York City, Part 2 (Mar 2012)

The Highest Rated School in New York City, Part 1 (Feb 2012)

The Importance of Culture (Dec 2011 / Jan 2012)

You Can Teach Classroom Management (Nov 2011)

Seamless, Transparent, and Consistent (Oct 2011)

Coaching Teachers to Be Effective Instructors (Sep 2011)

How a Principal Creates a Culture of Consistency (Aug 2011)

Graduation Begins in Your Classroom (June/July 2011)

The Inspiration of a Mother (May 2011)

How to Be an Effective Leader (Apr 2011)

Learning Objectives: The Heart of Every Lesson (Mar 2011)

Even Shakespeare Had Structure (Feb 2011)

Effectiveness Defined: It's Not a Mystery (Dec 2010 / Jan 2011)

Surviving Without a Principal (Nov 2010)

Achieving Greatness: Locke Elementary School, Part 2 (Oct 2010)

Teaching Greatness: Locke Elementary School, Part 1 (Sep 2010)

Effective from the Start (Aug 2010)

Ten Year Summary of Articles, 2000 to 2010 (June/July 2010)

The Success of a Culture of Consistency (May 2010)

Training Teachers to Be Effective (Apr 2010)

Learning to Teach, Teaching to Learn (Mar 2010)

Turning Teaching Dreams into Reality (Feb 2010)

Dreams and Wishes Can Come True (Dec 2009 / Jan 2010)

Success in a State Controlled School (Nov 2009)

Inner City Is Not An Excuse (Oct 2009)

Exceeding All Expectations (Sep 2009)

Teachers Are the Difference (Aug 2009)

Nine Year Summary of Articles, 2000 to 2009 (Jun/Jul 2009)

Teachers Are the Greatest Assets (May 2009)

The Tools for Success (Apr 2009)

Assessing for Student Learning (Mar 2009)

To Be an Effective Teacher Simply Copy and Paste (Feb 2009)

The Sounds of Students Learning and Performing (Dec 2008)

A School That Achieves Greatness (Nov 2008)

Boaz City Schools: Professional Learning Teams (Oct 2008)

It Was Something Close to a Miracle (Sep 2008)

A Computer Teacher Shows the Way (Aug 2008)

Eight Year Summary of Articles, 2000 to 2008 (Jun/Jul 2008)

An Amazing Kindergarten Teacher (May 2008)

Schools That Beat the Academic Odds (Apr 2008)

Academic Coaching Produces More Effective Teachers (Mar 2008)

Coaches Are More Effective than Mentors (Feb 2008)

Wrapping the Year with Rap! (Dec 2007/Jan 2008)

The Floating Teacher (Nov 2007)

Taking the Bite Out of Assessment—Using Scoring Guides (Oct 2007)

Ten Timely Tools for Success on the First Days of School (Sep 2007)

First Day of School Script - in Spanish, Too! (Aug 2007)

Seven Year Summary of Articles, 2000 to 2007 (Jun 2007)

Effective Teachers End the Year Successfully (May 2007)

Training Gen Y Teachers for Maximum Effectiveness (Apr 2007)

Classroom Management Applies to All Teachers (Mar 2007)

Students Want a Sense of Direction (Feb 2007)

Rubrics in Two College Classes (Dec 2006/Jan 2007)

How to Write a Rubric (Nov 2006)

Assessing Student Progress with a Rubric (Oct 2006)

A 92 Percent Homework Turn-in Rate (Sep 2006)

Effective Teachers Are Proactive (Aug 2006)

Five Year Summary of Articles (Jun 2006)

Hitting the Bulls Eye as a Beginning Teacher (May 2006)

They're Eager to Do the Assignments (Apr 2006)

The Success of Special Ed Teachers (Mar 2006)

What Teachers Have Accomplished (Feb 2006)

Fifty Years Ago, The Legacy (Dec 2005/Jan 2006)

The Emergency Teacher (Nov 2005)

Classroom Management Is Not Discipline (Oct 2005)

A Successful First Day Is No Secret (Sep 2005)

The Most Important Factor (Aug 2005)

Four Year Summary of Articles (Jul 2005)

Improving Student Achievement Is Very Simple (Part 2) (Jun 2005)

Improving Student Achievement Is Very Simple (Part 1) (May 2005)

Never Cease to Learn (Apr 2005)

His Classroom Is a Real Life Office (Mar 2005)

The Power of Procedures (Feb 2005)

The First Ten Days of School (Jan 2005)

PowerPoint Procedures (Nov/Dec 2004)

The Saints of Education (Oct 2004)

How Procedures Saved a Teacher's Life (Sep 2004)

How to Help Students with Their Assignments (Aug 2004)

Three Year Summary of Articles (Jun/Jul 2004)

His Students are All Certified (May 2004)

What to Do When They Complain (Apr 2004)

A Well-Oiled Learning Machine (Mar 2004)

The Effective Teacher Adapts (Feb 2004)

How to Start a Lesson Plan (Aug 2003)

Applying for a Teaching Job in a Tight Market - Part 2 (Jun/Jul 2003)

Applying for a Teaching Job in a Tight Market (May 2003)

The Effective Substitute Teacher (Apr 2003)

A First Day of School Script (Mar 2003)

How to Retain New Teachers (Feb 2003)

No Problem With Hurricane Lili (Dec 2002)

A Class Size of 500 (Nov 2002)

Effective Practices Apply to All Teachers (Oct 2002)

Dispensing Materials in Fifteen Seconds (Sept 2002)

How To Start School Successfully (Aug 2002)

Teaching Procedures Is Teaching Expectations (June - July 2002)

$50,000 to Replace Each Teacher (May 2002)

Even Superintendents Do It (Apr 2002)

Impossible, No Job Openings? (Mar 2002)

A Stress Free Teacher (Feb 2002)

A Most Effective School (Jan 2002)

Van Gogh in Nine Hours (Dec 2001)

The Effective Teacher Thinks (Nov 2001)

How a Good University Can Help You (Sep 2001)

How to Motivate Your Students (May 2001)

How to Recognize Where You Want to Be (Apr 2001)

What Successful New Teachers Are Taught (Mar 2001)

A Journey of the Heart (Feb 2001)

The Miracle of Teachers (Jan 2001)

It's Not the Students. It's the Teacher. (Dec 2000)

The First Five Minutes Are Critical (Nov 2000)

How to Start a Class Effectively (Oct 2000)

The Problem Is Not Discipline (Sep 2000)

There Is Only One First Day of School (Aug 2000)

Applying for Your First Job (Jul 2000)

Your First Day (Jun 2000)

Browse through the latest posts from the Classroom Management Chatboard...

Harry & Rosemary Wong products: http://www.harrywong.com/product/
Email Harry Wong:harrywong@teachers.net

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Teachers.Net September 2007 - HARRY & ROSEMARY WONG: Ten Timely Tools for Success on the First Days of School - EFFECTIVE TEACHING - Teachers.Net

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by Effective Teaching... Harry and Rosemary Wong September 2007 Ten Timely Tools for Success on the First Days of School We teach you to plan so you can plan to teach. We love to play Mexican Train®.

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This website provides a journey through our solar system for all ages, can double as a virtual field trip.

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This websites gives ideas on lessons with a sensory element, and also provides craft ideas.

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Lots of simple and fun play based learning activities, resources and printable for teachers, parents and educators. Early Childhood Education Website

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This website provides news in the education field, but only in America.

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Chalkbeat: Essential education reporting across America

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Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization reporting on education across America. Find information on student and school performance, diversity and equity, teaching and classrooms, school leadership and management, and more.

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Reading and language art lessons for students k-12, also provides reading material for teachers.

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Hundreds of different worksheets for a bunch of subjects, can range from K-6.

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On this website, teachers can format their lessons in TED talk style, and find ideas of a lesson.

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Bring TED-Ed Student Talks to Your School

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Transform your classroom with TED-Ed! Discover hundreds of animated lessons, create customized lessons, and inspire your students to share their big ideas.

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This website offers articles of how to build peer, teacher-student, staff, family, and community relationships and well being.

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Practices for cultivating the social, emotional, and ethical well-being of school staff members

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This websites provides thousands of ideas, activities, and lessons for a bunch of subjects through k-12.

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Scholastic has a k-12 range of books that teaches a variety of subjects, they also have books with fiction, diversity, family, and more.

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Culturally Responsive Books | Scholastic Teacher Store

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Promote diversity in the classroom with culturally responsive books and resources! Find the perfect diverse books for elementary school students.

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The website provides videos for subjects for students to watch, how subjects apply to real life, teaching a lesson in social matters, inspirational videos, and interesting things that are going on in the world.

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PBS LearningMedia | Teaching Resources For Students And Teachers

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Inspire your students with thousands of free teaching resources including videos, lesson plans, and games aligned to state and national standards.

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The website provides teaching career advice, shopping for students, free worksheets and posters, and classroom ideas.

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A website with links and tips for new and old teachers, also is good for administrator questions and what they are looking for.

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Welcome to Education World's Back-to-School Guide for Beginning Teachers. Not-so-new teachers will also find classroom-friendly materials to expand their teaching files in this compilation of online resources from Education World writer Joan Luddy. Included: Resources for getting your feet on the ground, lesson planning tips, assessment ideas, time and behavior management resources, classroom freebies, technology information, humor and more.
Education World has surfed deep into the Web to pull together this Back-to-School Guide for Beginning Teachers -- a virtual survival guide for educators about to begin their first year in the classroom or for classroom veterans who are always looking for fresh ideas.

Before you go any further, have you visited Education World's Back to School theme page? There, you'll find links to dozens of stories that provide practical tips and advice for starting out the year on the right foot. You'll find great activities for the first week of school, advice to new teachers from principals and from teachers about to begin their second year in the classroom, tips for classroom management, and much more.

Scroll through the Back-to-School Guide for Beginning Teachers list of great resources below, or click on one of the section heads in the list that follows to find the specific resources you need:

ADVICE TO GET YOU STARTED

Gain a realistic perspective on the teaching profession before you start the year at Great Expectations: Helpful Hints for Beginning Teachers. A consultant on teacher training (and a former teacher) offers advice on setting reasonable classroom and professional expectations to reduce stress. The article includes helpful tips on managing the classroom and interacting with staff.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL AND ANYTIME ACTIVITIES

If your students seem very quiet on the first day (and you find this unpleasant), try some Icebreakers from Education World.

Unexpected events can derail the best lesson plan in the first week or any day of the year. Be prepared with a file of emergency activities to use extra time. Time Filler Ideas for grades K-6 provides links to puzzles and bingo, hangman, code-cracking games, and other favorites.

When a visitor or child demands moments of your undivided attention, keep the class engaged and quiet with Take 5 Micro Activities. They include many brainstorming exercises suitable for individual seatwork.

LESSON PLANNING

Education World is a great place to start if you are looking for lesson plans: Check out our Lesson Planning Center.

Daily lesson planning will be less overwhelming to a beginning teacher with a systematic approach. 10 Steps to Developing a Quality Lesson Plan provides a general overview of the process, with detailed descriptions of each component. More than 1,000 free Lesson Plans are also available at this same site, searchable by subject and grade level.

In general, the best lesson plans are the ones you write yourself and customize for your own students and curriculum. For inspiration, look no further than our Lesson Plan Library with hundreds of lesson plans to draw upon.

ASSESSMENT

Grading headaches are minimized when you set standards for your assignments and make expectations clear to students. You can borrow all kinds of Creating Rubrics: Tools You Can Use. Learn how rubrics can guide your students and support your assessments. Three online tools for creating rubrics are included.

Do you wish someone else could do correcting for you? Quiz Lab supplies the grades when students take your own online quizzes -- and those grades can be automatically e-mailed to you! Choose from true-false, multiple-choice, and single-word answer problems for students to answer at school or home. After the quiz, the class can search the rest of FunBrain for other interactive games and activities.

There's no rule that testing must be miserable. Crosswords and number blocks can make testing fun for students. Puzzlemaker allows you to easily generate custom puzzles with your own word lists. Use the site to create mazes and word searches for students who finish work early and to design activities with holiday themes.

Do you need help with appropriate Report Card Comments? The first marking period will be here before you know it. Jump-start your thinking process with this sampling of messages.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Learning how to deal with misbehavior can be the most difficult part of the job for beginning teachers. You can handle all types of behaviors with the You Can Handle Them All resource! Just use the index to identify the problem student's profile. The site matches that profile with a detailed description of typical behaviors and their effects in the classroom and follows up with recommended corrective actions.

The issue of bullying is receiving more attention at all levels of education. Education World's special Bullying theme section provides classroom activities and advice from experts that can help stop the bullying!

Another resource is the Stop Bullying Web page. This page includes guidelines to help teachers identify bullying behaviors and deal with incidents.

Review these tips on Classroom Management to help you maintain a learning atmosphere. The site covers such topics as arranging your room, setting expectations, managing inappropriate behavior, and using praise effectively.

HUMOR AND INSPIRATION

REFERENCE DESK

You can reduce the number of students wandering in the hall en route to the library with a virtual Reference Desk on your classroom computer. This extensive collection includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, calculators, newspapers, weather reports, biographies, history references, homework help, and much more.

Fine literature and historical documents in the public domain are available in their entirety online for free at Project Gutenberg. The diverse collection includes the Bible, works of Shakespeare, and literature for all ages such as Aesop's Fables, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. Here's the place to look up book passages and quotations and to direct any student who claims he has nothing to read.

Put homework on hold until you review this guide to Helping Your Students With Homework. Teachers of the Year throughout the United States contributed to this government publication. It includes tips for getting homework done, creating purposeful assignments, laying out expectations, and communicating with parents.

In case no one told you, you can find out What to Expect Your First Year of Teaching from award-winning elementary and secondary first-year teachers. If you don't have time to read the entire 35-page report, start out with the Tips and Strategies for First-Year Teachers.

TECHNOLOGY

Keep your students away from inappropriate material by starting Web searches with Kid's Search Tools. Search engines here lead exclusively to thousands of selected and screened sites.

You don't need advanced computer skills to design an Internet WebQuest, Treasure Hunt, or Sampler for your class. The interactive Filamentality site will guide you in gathering Web resources and constructing these learning activities. The fill-in-the-blank format and hand-holding advice make the process as easy as possible.

Add a professional touch to anything you create on the computer with A-1 All Free Clipart. Here, you'll find 10,000+ free clipart images with a link to 5,000 more clipart and graphic possibilities.

NEED HELP?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR BEGINNING TEACHERS

Related resources

Article by Joan Luddy
Education World®
Copyright © 2010-2015 Education World

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Back-to-School Guide for Beginning Teachers | Education World

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Welcome to Education World's Back-to-School Guide for Beginning Teachers. Not-so-new teachers will also find classroom-friendly materials to expand their teaching files in this compilation of online resources from Education World writer Joan Luddy. Included: Resources for getting your feet on the ground, lesson planning tips, assessment ideas, time and behavior management resources, classroom freebies, technology information, humor and more.