As I envision my first week back, I know that one of the most important messages that I want to foster within my students is that our classroom is a space where everyone has the potential to excel. No hierarchy of learners based on test scores and participation. No caste-like system based on the type of personality said teacher prefers. It sounds cliché, but on that very first day it is important to employ a variety of pedagogical strategies that serve to create a safe and validating atmosphere. That sounds great Matthew, now how the heck do I do that?

Slow down, let me lay out the importance of creating a space that maintains an expectation of inclusivity, validation and community. Students learn best when they feel capable of learning. I’m sure I could back link a hundred studies that prove this, but the logic is basic: if you feel important, validated and included, you are more confident – in everything you do. And we do have ten months to cover the curriculum, so before we crack open the textbooks and multiple choice tests, it is a good idea to create an atmosphere that students enjoy and can relate to. That is simple and plain. Creativity doesn’t spew out of dull grey cubicles; it comes from the drama-centered midday game activities and bright-colored, strangely refreshing spaces, like Google Headquarters.

So how do we do it? First off, be yourself. Yes, yes you always are yourself when teaching. Sure, but I am talking about connecting with students akin to the way an uncle or aunt would connect with a nephew or niece. Allow your students to own the space and lead the dialogue in the class. Share some stories about your personal life, nothing is wrong with that. Obviously and of course, there are many simple “ice breaker” camp-style games that are great for the first day so that students can get to know their peers and teachers get to know their students. That first week is about creating connections. Dialogue and subsequent authenticity of dialogue is the most expedient way to create these much-needed links.

Secondly, creating community in the classroom is vital to classroom synergy and learning. In fact, when you takes steps to remove your classroom from the traditional school-styled dictatorship or the individualized, everyone-for-themselves form of environment, it helps students see themselves as agents in their own learning which in turn creates ownership of said learning. And one way to get to that “Utopian state” is to provide students the opportunity to see their ownership of the classroom. Students come to school and are told to sit at a desk and not write on it because it is not theirs, put their things in a locker but make sure they bring a lock which, ultimately, can be broken off whenever the administration deems necessary, and handed textbooks with class-coded numbers that they must return at the end of the year. And we then wonder why students feel foreign in certain schools?

This year, during that first week, I am going to make a baby step to try and create ownership of learning through community. I am going to start with a brainstorm session with my students regarding their ideal classroom and throughout the week we will work to re-arrange our shared space. I guess it works to my benefit; I am not particular to how my classroom is arranged. Heck, I don’t even roll with a desk (dang, I bring that up too much). Allowing students to share their ideas and actually bring their visions of their classroom to reality starts the year with a sense of ownership of learning. Creating the classroom may be something many students couldn’t care less about or perhaps never even thought of. But the simple fact of allowing them to provide their thoughts to a space that has always seemed so not theirs may just bring the students together on a deeper level.

I would continue on with what else I envision doing during that first week, but I think the brief examples and follow-ups may actually take me through those first few days. And actually, I think I just “blogged out” my first day lesson plan.

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1. Get to Know Your Students

I know that this sounds obvious but what I mean here takes on a little deeper significance. If any week, that first week is a chance to really get to know your students. There are no impending deadlines, report cards are miles away, and the subconscious rush to assess your students’ “academic worth” can wait. I don’t mean get to know your students’ academic strengths and weaknesses. And I don’t mean hand out a sheet that asks students to fill out their favorite color and subject. What I mean here is taking the time in this first week to actually sit down and talk to your students. Sure, asking them about their summer is a good jump off point, but please don’t make them write about their summer like every other teacher in the building is doing. We want to build in our students a love for writing and communicating, not a disdain towards it. Take some time to have group conversations and individual ones where you take the role of facilitator, in a Socratic method style. Get to know them personally; their motivations, their drives, the things that trigger them – for better and worse. Take the time to do this and you will be on your way to building a solid synergy within your classroom.

2. Play

Now, I am speaking from my experience as an elementary educator. But this ideal can undoubtedly be applied to 16-year-old juniors as well. Many in education contend that there is no learning going on when students simply play. But what learning is happening when students are filling out a Scantron card? Play allows for students to explore, be creative, find unique solutions and problem solve. Isn’t that what we want out of our children? Drama games that involve students getting into different roles are great team building activities that will jumpstart your classroom community. Give that first week of class a retreat-like atmosphere, like the retreats that many corporate companies go on. Being cooperative and having fun is also learning. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Besides, it is the first week.

3. Fresh Start

When you start the school year you must be open and willing to giving every child a fresh start. I know that we say we do, but the instant that DeShawn disrupts the class all that “fresh start” stuff seems to disappear into thin air. You have to be truly conscious, patient and intentional with this philosophy. Don’t allow last year’s attitudes, report card grades or hearsay from other teachers dictate how you engage and look at your new students. Kids grow and mature over the summer, it is actually your responsibility to support this and make your students believe that this is true. Perception is reality – and that works both positively and negatively.

As you pick up your fresh attendance with a batch of new students and enter your classroom that first week, try to instill these three simple things into your practice. The first week should be about creating an effective and engaging classroom community built on trust, honesty and authenticity. These first week starters will go a long way in ensuring that your classroom is full of life and hardworking students for months to come.

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