Jennifer+Beichner 

8/28/2013

After reading Tchudi and Mitchell I reflected on how I want the first few days in my classroom to go. Through this reading and advice from my teachers I realize the importance of establishing a strong classroom environment and routine on the first day of school. I really want to get to know my students and I want them to feel comfortable and that their thoughts and feelings matter. Tchudi and Mitchell mentioned having the students write a letter to the teacher on the first day answering questions about their themselves. I really like this because it is a great way for the student to feel comfortable opening up to the teacher. It is also a great way for the teacher to get to know the students. Through reading the letters the teacher can find out the student's particular interests and likes. My main goal of my first few days of school is for my students to feel comfortable with me and the classroom. I want to establish a sense of authority. However, I want each of my students to feel like they are heard and valued. I think the easiest way for students to feel like they are valued is by taking the time to know them. I can remember from looking back on my years in school those teachers that took time to try and learn names right away and those that did not. Simply taking the time to memorize students names quickly plays a big part in the connection that is made between the student and the teacher.