grab bag

So, my first five minutes is spent welcoming the students in at the door

normally their names are on their desks, but this year being in middle school

that won't be possible

instead they will be displayed on the board

once they are seated, I pretty much introduce myself, through my grab bag

I have found that by having something in my hands

helps with all the staring eyes

now seriously, I am never nervous in front of my kids

but those first couple of minutes can be intense

So what is my grab bag exactly?

well it holds little things about me

now here is a start for this year's bag - I'll add a few more goodies 

over the weekend

like a pack of gum - which I also use as a "teachable moment"

that yes, gum rocks

but not in the classroom

Now once I'm done going through my things

explaining their importance

and giving my kids a little glimpse of who I am

as a person - and not a robot teacher

we start going into classroom routines & expectations

this year, it will be the syllabus

because I only have 55 minutes this year for day one!

I'm thinking since I get to repeat my grab bag this year

I keep feeling like I am forgetting something - 

like six more hours of day one plans!

So - my number one rule

Greet every student at the door

be firm - but still a person in their eyes

when they find similarities between themselves and their new teacher

it is amazing how fast they can buy in to you

oh, and you may be wondering why a grocery bag is my grab bag

well, it is simple, met the husband while bagging groceries

done and done.

Thanks for sharing your first five ideas ladies!

My first five originally came from my amazing mentor teacher I had while getting my credential.

She shared so many amazing ideas that focussed so much on the 

connections we make with our students.

Thanks Heather - you taught me how to rock!