Most of my teacher friends have been retired for many years, but I still enjoy teasing them about whether they have their lesson plans ready for the first day of school. Lesson plans are a big deal for teachers because if you are not prepared, a six- or seven-hour day can feel like a ten- or twelve-hour day. Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it can be stressful if you are not prepared. 

This will be my 62nd year of teaching students. As I have done this past year, I will be teaching a group of junior and senior high students in Ukraine. This will be done virtually, which adds yet another challenge for teachers. Although I have been teaching online classes since the late 90s, I don’t believe it’s the best way to teach. There are students, however, who would rather learn online than face-to-face. 

I have some tips for teachers as they plan their lessons for that very first day with K-16 students. These may seem like common sense to veteran teachers, which is good. Much of what is good teaching is common sense. 

First impressions matter. One of my mentors told me he got his first job because he happened to open the door for his boss prior to his interview. 

Making a good first impression on your students on the very first day of class is important because you want them to leave knowing they have something to look forward to. Business people know all about the importance of a first impression.

Be at the door to welcome students as they first enter. Say something like, “Come on in. I have been expecting you.” Or, “Good to see you.” Or, “I am glad you’re in my class.”

All of these greetings may sound too cliché or too elementary, but it’s important for students to know they are welcome. It’s like having a greeter welcome church members at the start of the service. It may seem meaningless, but it can be huge for the people being welcomed.

Once everyone is present, share a little about yourself. Kids like to know what you like to do, how many are in your family, where you went to elementary or high school, and what foods you like, and so on. Just a few things will do. If you have pictures to show your students, all the better. When slides were popular, I encouraged teachers to give students a slideshow with music playing in the background. 

The most important thing to do on that very first day is to begin to establish trust with students. Remember that trust is the antecedent of all learning. Where there is no trust, not much can be accomplished. Where there is trust, the sky is the limit. 

Tell the students a story about yourself that connects to something they are familiar with. It could be a time when you were in school on the very first day. Make stories part of your daily teaching routine. 

It’s important for the kids to say something on the very first day. Some may be reluctant. You could say their name to make sure you’re pronouncing it correctly. You might ask them to share their favorite sport, food, or movie. They could do this in small groups while you circulate to listen. Proximity is one of your best teaching tools. 

I would then point to something you have hung on the wall, such as a copy of your high school diploma. Remind students that this is what school is all about and that the most important thing is getting your diploma. Young students may not yet be able to connect the dots, but they may have a brother or sister who recently graduated. As the school year progresses, every once in a while, remind students that they cannot leave school without their diploma. 

Tell the students about something they will be learning. When you do, do it in such a way that indicates their lives will not be complete unless they learn it. In other words, sell what you will teach. This is what car salespeople do when they try to sell you a car. You should be an expert at it. This is what you went to school for. 

What about rules? Unless it’s a school policy, I would wait until the second or third time you meet. If you teach elementary students, you will need to touch on a few basic rules. Kids, at any age, like to know the boundaries. It helps them feel more secure. You may not wish to call them rules. How about responsibilities or expectations or just reminders?

Give them a test—just a few questions will do. It could be written or just have a show of hands. The questions can be anything that was said during this first meeting, including student names, information about you, or what they will be learning. 

Finish the class with something humorous. Tell them what they will be doing the next time you meet. Homework? “Tell me what I can do to make this a good year for you.”  

I always thought learning should be fun, challenging, and rewarding. Try to keep this in mind as you go from day to day. There is no other job quite like teaching. Cherish it. Have a great year.