Today I was reminded of the stark reality that is the 45 minutes blocks of time that I teach in every day. As I sat and planned my first quarter, or at the very least wrote down some of the ideas I have, I kept glancing at that first day; the one that seems so magical. I have so many ideas. So many things I would like to do on that very first day. Yet, the 45 minutes really stifles a lot of creativity. The 45 minutes really forces me to see what is most important.
On the first day of school I don’t want to do activities. I don’t want to play games. Nor do I want to fake my enthusiasm.
On the first day of school I don’t want to force student into awkward ice breakers, while they hope the teacher will forget it is their turn next. I will not force them to bare their soul, nor to share their dreams.
On the first day of school, we will not have many things planned. We will not spend precious time listening to me drone on. We will not run around hectically trying to figure it all out.
Instead, on the first day of school we will sit quietly and listen to a book read aloud. We will have the time to speak to one another. We will cautiously start to feel each other out, find our friends, glance at the new people.
We will ask the questions about 7th grade that we have, not because we have to but because we will take the time if needed. Students will set the rules of the classroom, as always, and it will take as much time as it needs.
The first day of school is meant to be a great experience, but that does not mean we cram it full of things to do. That doesn’t mean that we put on our entertainer hat and try to juggle as many balls as we possibly can. Instead, it means that we take the very first step to get to know these students that have been thrust into our lives. That they take the very first step in trusting us and trusting the community. That can only happen in a genuine way if we take things slow. If we allow time to just be, to just sit, to just talk. So as you plan for the very first day of school, plan for the quiet, for the reflection, for the conversation. Don’t spend so much time planning for all of the things. Because this isn’t about how to prove how fun you will be this year, it is about showing the kids that you care.
I am a passionate teacher in Oregon, Wisconsin, USA but originally from Denmark, who has taught 4th, 5th, and 7th grade. Proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. The second edition of my first book “Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students” is available for pre-order now. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” is out now from Corwin Press. Join our Passionate Learners community on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.
Pernille Ripp 
Great reminder about doing “real” work with Ss. I’m not against the entertainment factor of education sometimes, but it’s important to think of what learning is taking place every day…even/especially the first day. Thanks.
Magnificent web site. Lots of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
And obviously, thank you for your effort!
Wonderful!! I needed the reminder of what is really important here: creating relationships with our students on that very first day. Connections take time so let’s take that time! Thank you so, so much!