Amplesamples
Well-known member
For your first lesson with each class, prepare reasonably straightforward work in great quantities. This keeps the class busy, leaving you space to concentrate on managing behaviour. Make seating plans, memorise names, establish what your expectations are...
As for what you should be doing now...Make you sure that how you are going to approach teaching the first few concepts of the term (you're Maths, right?) is _very_ clear in your own mind as there will be pupils who will be keen to test your ability to think on your feet. Prepare a stock of games/puzzles that can be used lesson after lesson - it's good to establish a routine early, especially if the routine involves fun stuff.
If the teaching is solid and the pupils feel that they are progressing, then you're winning, as word soon gets round to other pupils, teachers and parents.
This is all great advice.
You should have access to SOWs so you know what exactly you're going to be teaching. I'm starting at a new school later this week, and I'll be going in to make sure I'm aware of where stuff is (resources, things on school network etc) to make sure that nothing takes me by surprise too much next week.
For the first lesson, introduce yourself formally, make sure you have seating plans, establish classroom rules (I always get pupils to write them down), and ask pupils why the rules are important. Year 7s in particular will be great at this, and it gives the students a sense of ownership over classroom behaviour, which ultimately they are responsible for (although it's up to you establish the atmosphere as far as teaching and learning goes).
Have a positive behaviour management plan that ties in with what the school does ( ie merits) and set that out on the first day too. So if a pupil does particuarly well you can phone home, send a 'Good News' postcard or whatever. Stick to this religiously, and many of the kids will be on your side right from the start too.