1. Know the rules. Get acquainted beforehand with school policies and procedures, such as opening andclosing hours, attendance procedures, fire drill regulations, lunchroom regulations, nurse services, etc.

2. Find out where. Familiarize yourself with the building. Locate the exits, the principal’s office, the gym, the nurse’s office, the cafeteria, the supply room, the faculty lounge, media center, and so forth.

3. Introduce yourself. Meet the teachers in your hall. They can be of real help in the first few weeks of

school. And take the time to say “hello” to other important people in your building – the librarian, the

counselors, the school nurses, the cafeteria workers and custodians.

4. Decorate your room. Get your room ready. Make sure your classroom is friendly and “livable” for opening day. Put up pictures, design a colorful bulletin board, etc... Don’t forget to post your IB Attitudes and Learner Profile!

5. Use traditional seating. Start with the traditional arrangement of tables/desks until you have met the students and know their personalities. Make a temporary seating plan. (You’ll want to change it later, but it’ll put you in command on opening day and help you learn names.)

6. Get your materials ready. Make sure you have all the materials you’ll need for getting school under way –paper, pencils, books, and so forth.

7. Schedule your time. Make a detailed schedule for the first few days, including times for each subject, restroom and lunch breaks, and other times your students will leave the room.

8. Get there early. On the first morning, arrive early so you’ll have time to ask any last-minute questions, go over final plans, and relax before the students come in.

9. Greet your pupils. Be in your room when the pupils arrive. Have your name written on the chalkboard. Greet the students with a smile and a pleasant “Good Morning.”

10. Get Started Right Away. Make opening exercises fairly quick. Your goal for the morning is to get started right away.

11. Plan, plan, plan. Create lesson plans for the first few days. Plan at least twice as much as you think you can cover. Write down everything. Detailed plans will give you a feeling of security when facing the class for the first time.

12. Go over the rules. Introduce your students to your classroom rules and regulations the first day. There must be a way of getting books and materials, of sharpening pencils, of entering and leaving the room, and so forth.

13. Create a Class Agreement: Have a “class meeting” and talk about what students need in order for them to learn and grow for the school year. Have each student sign the agreement. Post the agreement in your room and/or make a copy for each student to place in a learning journal. Refer to the agreement throughout the year.

14. Start the learning. Make the first day of school a real one. Accomplish some constructive learning with your students. Having a good start will pay off as the year progresses!

15. Team Building: Look on the Team Building website for ideas to help your class get to know each