How to Soothe Your Students' First Day of School Jitters
Tuesday June 16, 2009
As teachers of young students, we can sometimes find ourselves in the position of helping students who feel nervous and anxious about the first day of school. That's why I recommend using these tips for How to Soothe Your Students' First Day of School Jitters. A patient, compassionate, and strategic approach is the best way to transition an antsy student from concerned to comfortable.
How do you help nervous new students feel welcome and confident in your classroom?
Comments
I’m going into my fifth year teaching and I love to use the story “First Day Jitters” as you noted. It really helps the students feel that they aren’t the only ones nervous about the first day. After I’m done with the book, I do a quick writing activity with them. I give them a worksheet with the phrase “Before entering Mr. Daddario’s class, I was jittery about….” and have them finish the sentence. During this time, I start off setting some simple expectations like reading the directions quietly, writing their name first (a constant struggle even with fifth graders!), nice neat handwriting and even using resources to find words. I give them about 10 minutes to think about something that bothered them about the first day of school. It’s usually along the lines of “No one would be in my class I know” or “My teacher would be mean” or “I won’t be able to find my class”. I have them share their “jitter” with the class then we discuss how this “jitter” doesn’t bother them anymore. They then crumble up the jitter to “throw it away.” Its a good way to break the ice a little, set some standards, and also have a lot of fun!
Another activity I used on the first day that really worked well is a seating activity your students complete as soon as they enter your classroom for the first time. I place one book of a varying genre on each desk before the students enter. As the students come in, I tell them to pick the seat that contains a book they would enjoy reading. They pick the seat that contains the book they want and, on a worksheet, I have them write their name, the book they chose, and why they would like to read it. It helps you start the year with an understanding of your students’ interests and how to reach them. It also promotes a bond among the students who enjoy similar genres. Just another first day idea!