What are you doing on the second day of school? It’s not a question we ask ourselves or get asked often. After 12 years as an educator I would suggest to you that it is the single most important day of the school.
Yes, the first day of school will always get all the buzz. It comes with the cute Facebook or Twitter pictures, the feeling of a new beginning and the spirit of excitement as you set out to accomplish the ambitious goals you set for yourself as an educator. The first day of school is exciting and even sometimes nerve racking if you’re new to the education profession. The good news is, you’re going to do great the first day of school. You’ve got a great plan so take a deep breath and do what you’ve been working toward. The first day will be great. So what’s with day two? Why is it so important? Really, it’s pretty simple. Day two is the day where you get to decide if you’re going to keep those expectations you set up on day one. On day two, your expectations stop being about what you discussed on the first day and start being about what you’re doing. Did you tell kids you have a fun, engaging classroom? Don’t spend day two filling out form after form or listening to a boring lecture. Did you tell kids on day one that once they enter your room it’s time to work, limit their discussions to things related to your subject or something similar? Don’t let them spend the first part of their time in your class talking about the Kyrie-Isaiah trade. Beginning on day two, keeping your year on track becomes far less about what you say and much more on what you allow kids to do, both with classroom management AND with learning activities. Follow through with what you said and what you framed on day one. If you promised engagement, leverage your PLC to help you design engaging, authentic learning experiences. Execute the procedures you set up for your room and practice them with students again on day two if needed. After the kids have gone home on the first day, look at your plan for day two. I know you will be exhausted, ready to go home, but just take a look. Does what you have planned for day two align with what you laid out on day one? Once you’re there, execute. A successful day two will have you on your way to a great year.
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AuthorJeff Lahey Archives
January 2020
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