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Exciting news! You're about to become the teacher of a new kindergarten class!

Marg dropping off Baby Lisa at Kindergarten school

You might feel nervous about the many things you need to prepare.

Don't worry! These 5 essential practices will help you prepare for your first day as a kindergarten teacher.

Boy pointing 'You Got This'

1. Review the school staff handbook

Reading through your school staff handbook may seem lengthy and mundane, but it contains a lot of useful and important information!

  • School schedules and routines (e.g., recess supervision duties)

  • Emergency procedures for your classroom (e.g., fire, earthquake, lockdowns etc.)

  • Protocols for reporting injuries or accidents (e.g., completing accident forms)

  • Best ways to communicate with your student's parents (e.g. via email)

Kindergarten teacher happily reading a book

Did you know?

As a teacher, creating a safe and healthy environment for your students is a crucial responsibility!

2. Get to know your students

Getting to know your kindergarteners ahead of time may help shape your teaching approach and inform how you set up your classroom.

a boy holding a magnifying glass

Read up on your students' school records to learn more information about:

  • Additional needs (e.g., physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disabilities and impairments)

  • Dietary restrictions (e.g., allergies)

  • Prior assessments/reports (e.g., kindergarten entry assessments or preschool reports)

3. Establish classroom expectations

Planning and setting clear expectations early on will ultimately help with your overall classroom management. Co-creating classroom expectations with your students will create less confusion about what is expected and will also help your students feel valued and heard.

A child in a kindergarten classroom giving the ok symbol with their hands

Your classroom expectations should:

  • Include short phrases and student-friendly language

  • Have relevant visual images

  • Be displayed in an area where you and the students can easily refer to it when needed

4. Prepare a visual schedule of the day

At this age, kindergartners benefit from structure and routine. Display a visual schedule to promote:

  • organization

  • time management

  • independence

They'll know what to expect throughout the day, which can help ease some anxious learners coming into a new environment.

An illustrated sloth looking at a school schedule

5. Build a relationship with your students

You can plan the most amazing first-day activities for your students, but if they don't feel a sense of belonging or self-confidence in the classroom, this can impact their overall engagement and motivation to learn.

A cartoon dance party in a kindergarten classroom. The teacher plays a ukelele while the students dance.

To help build a relationship with your Kindergarteners:

  1. Greet each student by name in the morning

  2. Join in their playtime

  3. Check in with your students' feelings

  4. Emphasize open communication

Quiz

During your first day, you notice a few kindergarteners not engaging in any activities. What should you do?

Take Action

Being well prepared for your first day as a kindergarten teacher will definitely help ease some of those first-day jitters!

Kelly Clarkson saying 'Who's Ready? I'm Ready!'

Get ready!

License:

This Byte has been authored by

TA

Theresa Au

Educator

English

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