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Education Creations Blog for Teaching Tips and Ideas

Welcome to the Education Creations blog page where you will discover information about EC as well as tips for teachers and home-schools!

Why isn't this blog updated more frequently? This blog is not "usual"...in that, it is here just to give ideas and share free items.

Education Creations has been online since 2005, providing teachers and homeschools with quality educational materials for PK - 6th grade.

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Education Creations - This and That

Aug 9

Written by: deb
8/9/2014 8:12 AM  RssIcon

We all want our first meeting with students/parents to go as smoothly as possible. Here are a few ideas to help you!

** I plan a Meet and Greet away from school the week before school starts. Last year I called all the parents, introduced myself, and invited them to the Meet and Greet. We met at a local yogurt shop. The students were excited to see familiar faces. Parents met one another. It was a stress free way to meet new friends and a great way to build community in my classroom. I'm already planning this year's Meet and Greet. (Thank you Misty McClellan Keaton) for this awesome idea!

** Have a welcome postcard sitting on each student's desk with a personal note that makes him/her feel welcome to this new classroom. (See previous blog posting for some samples.)

** Tie a welcome note to a new pencil and place one on each desk. (Thank you Dawn in AZ for this idea!)

** Have a coloring sheet and a new box of crayons on the desks so that younger students can have a fun activity to do while parents ask you questions about the new year. (Thank you Dawn in AZ for this idea!)

** Have a sign-up sheet available for your parents for future volunteer work. These can list various events such as field trips, art projects, etc. or just a generic sign-up page.. VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP

** Have a parent update sign-up page available for phone numbers, other contacts, etc. UPDATE FORM

** Be sure to have the classroom rules posted and go over the rules with the students/parents.

** Provide a packet for the parents that include such items as classroom rules, lunch-time information, behavior plan,

** Your Meet the Teacher event can be formal or informal. Many teachers prefer a more relaxed atmosphere so that parents can speak with you individually for a few moments.

** Have a student page available on each desk.  What I want my classmates/teacher to know about me. List questions like:
- Favorite hobby/activity
- Nickname
- Favorite book/author
- Favorite food
- Birthday
- Favorite sport
On the first day of school you can use this page as an ice-breaker activity.

** If you plan to have an incentive program in your classroom, be sure to post a Rewards Poster in a visible spot.

** Use a classroom theme for the month or year and have your bulletin boards decorated with colorful posters/clipart for this theme.

** Have a page that offers a quick scavenger hunt for the students. Here are a few suggestions:
- Find our classroom rules poster.
- Find our classroom rewards poster.
- Find our bookcase.
- Find your desk.
- Find our pencil sharpener.
When the student checks off each item, give them a little prize, such as a new pencil, box of crayons, piece of candy, etc.

** Give the parents a form to fill out to help you know their child better.  Some questions to ask:
- Student's preferred name
- Any allergies?
- Student's favorite activity
- Student's favorite book/author
- Student's favorite food
Knowing a student's likes/dislikes can really help you get to know them better!

Do you have additional ideas? Please send a note to support@educationcreations.com and EC will gladly add another blog entry to cover new ideas!

Happy Teaching!

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