The beginning of the school year is an exciting time. Buses are arriving, parents are gathering information, teachers are making final preparations--it is exhilarating. For students, particularly those in a new setting, it can be challenging. They are nervous. In his famous teacher training book, The First Days of School, Harry Wong outlined seven things students want to know on the first day of school. As teachers, we must be prepared to answer those questions.
1. Am I in the right room? The first day of class can be terrifying, especially if you can't find your classroom. Or worse--you think you've found your classroom only to realize you're in the wrong place. Help students feel welcome by greeting them at the door with a smile and handshake or fist bump. Be sure to have some sort of signage listing your name, the age group, and the subject. If you have a classroom board, list this information there. I'm sure in most congregations most everyone knows everyone, but be sure to greet visitors and make extra effort as you change age groups or quarters.
2. Where am I supposed to sit? This can cause more anxiety. Be sure to have a plan about where students will sit and have it properly labeled so they feel comfortable as they enter the room. If possible get a roster of student (properly spelled) names. List those somehow and label student seating.
3. What are the rules for the classroom? In your first class period, be sure to explain your expectations for students as they enter you classroom, how they are expected to transition during activities, and how they will dismiss. Outline this plan in an age appropriate way and be sure to explain how this is to be done to parents. Have clear expectations, clear procedures, and clear consequences for misbehavior. This should also be posted in your classroom somewhere.
4. What will we be doing this year (quarter)? As students enter your room, they are eager to learn. Show them the way--show them the big picture. Be sure to outline any memory work or other take-home assignments you expect them to complete during the quarter. Help students familiarize themselves with what you have in mind as goals you want to accomplish by the end of the quarter.
5. How will I be graded? For a congregational Bible class, this question might be better worded, How will mom and dad know how i'm doing? Kids want to know how their success will be determined. It can be something as simple as attendance charts, memory verse challenges, or interactive notebooks--students simply want to know how their progress will be measured.
6. Who is the teacher as a person? Students want to know who their teacher is beyond their name. As Bible class teachers, we have to show students they we are real people who are really trying to do the right thing. Pray with them, cry with them, laugh with them--show them you are real and Jesus is real to you.
7. Will the teacher treat me as a human being? This one should be easy for you to answer for your students, but because it is naturally assumed we tend to skip over its importance. Students need our love and attention. Be sure to show the love Christ has for your student in the way you interact with that student. Be kind, be lovely, be warm.