Share "You"
It is all about introductions. First impressions do matter, but a bad one is not insurmountable. Still, if you can, try to spice up your intro by being YOU.
I've tried doing it other people's way, but I've found that just sharing bits of my life as a normal human being goes a long way. Last year I made a video that introduced my family and my hobbies. This year I will be showing a video I made about our family vacation.
Whatever you do, share "you." Be real and honest. Students want to know the real you, and can see through the phony.
Say Goodbye to Last Year
No matter how good or bad it was, it's over. Done with. Graduated and moved into a dorm.
My high school graduated its first seniors last year. They were an awesome group, and one of my StuCo kids expressed the fear that the other classes "won't be able to lead like they did."
The answer is " they won't and shouldn't." That same advice goes for us teachers- last year was a different species than this year. You will have new students, new co-workers, and possibly new subjects. Don't waste time comparing the two years. I did that for a while last year, and it made me miserable. Find your joy in the "now" and make this year what it should be.
Make Plans- with an "s"
There is nothing like going through your day 1 plan and finishing with a flourish--and twenty minutes left in class.
Whatever you have planned, have backups in case they fail, or end early. Even if it's a default fall back to "So, you do anything interesting this summer?" class discussion. That has value towards building relationships.
Give Yourself a "Cookie"
At the end of the day, treat yourself to a "cookie." Set steward in mind for what you can enjoy and celebrate your Day 1 survival with. Doesn't have to be huge, but it must be something you like. For me, it is a Double Doozie cookie Slice from Great American Cookie Company. (Yeah, they do that and they are awesome.)
So there you are- 4 tips to a great first day. Now, go decide on your "cookie."
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