FIRST DAY LESSON PLANS
I had no idea what I was getting into the first day of teaching. Most of the classes, I was with the teacher to present myself, but some of the classes, I had to introduce myself and sort of "lay down the law" myself. Some classes went really well, some could have gone better. Here's what NOT to do:
1. Ask your students what they want to do. Don't. Take charge. If you really are indecisive, narrow down to two activities and take a vote.
2. Don't be friends. Of course you're young, you're hip, the students feel comfortable around you...but don't be friends. Keep it professional.
3. Don't say you don't know what you're doing. Teaching is all about acting. Even if you have no clue what you're doing, act like it.
What I did on my first day...I just made a powerpoint about myself. I showed them pictures of myself, and I made the powerpoint interactive.
Here are some of examples of my slides:
Where I come from? (I said, Michigan, and had a student come up and find it on the map...ask the students what they know about Michigan...what country is North of Michigan...Detroit (French conenction)...pictures of snow (they love snow pictures). Showed them pictures of the farm...the animals at the farm. Wild animals. Talked about French fur traders that were in the region...talked about coon hats.
My house/my family: Showed them a family picture. Interesting for them, because they are the same age as my siblings. I said "I know what you guys like...Justin Bieber, One Direction, the Kardashians, Snapchat" They laughed, and I think that got them more comfortable around me. You can also use this as a connection to promp students into talking about their families
My university: Told them about graduation ceremonies, talked about Shrek, talked about what I studied.
My hobbies: Pictures of me doing what I love...asked the kids what their hobbies are.
Have a Q&A session after. Have students ask you questions and ask the students questions in return. Go around the class and have them introduce themselves...say their names, hobbies..etc. If you still have time, ask what they are interested in learning about. I got things from McDonald's to prom.
Quiz: I also did a pop quiz after. Divided the class into groups of 4, and asked them questions like "What was the name of my university?" "Name one city in Michigan" "Name three places I've traveled to" "How old is my brother." Surprisingly, they knew most of them! Winning team(s) got USA flag stickers.
Overall, first day was a success, and you can use this in all classes. You get into a rhythm while you're talking. Keep your chin up, be confident!
1. Ask your students what they want to do. Don't. Take charge. If you really are indecisive, narrow down to two activities and take a vote.
2. Don't be friends. Of course you're young, you're hip, the students feel comfortable around you...but don't be friends. Keep it professional.
3. Don't say you don't know what you're doing. Teaching is all about acting. Even if you have no clue what you're doing, act like it.
What I did on my first day...I just made a powerpoint about myself. I showed them pictures of myself, and I made the powerpoint interactive.
Here are some of examples of my slides:
Where I come from? (I said, Michigan, and had a student come up and find it on the map...ask the students what they know about Michigan...what country is North of Michigan...Detroit (French conenction)...pictures of snow (they love snow pictures). Showed them pictures of the farm...the animals at the farm. Wild animals. Talked about French fur traders that were in the region...talked about coon hats.
My house/my family: Showed them a family picture. Interesting for them, because they are the same age as my siblings. I said "I know what you guys like...Justin Bieber, One Direction, the Kardashians, Snapchat" They laughed, and I think that got them more comfortable around me. You can also use this as a connection to promp students into talking about their families
My university: Told them about graduation ceremonies, talked about Shrek, talked about what I studied.
My hobbies: Pictures of me doing what I love...asked the kids what their hobbies are.
Have a Q&A session after. Have students ask you questions and ask the students questions in return. Go around the class and have them introduce themselves...say their names, hobbies..etc. If you still have time, ask what they are interested in learning about. I got things from McDonald's to prom.
Quiz: I also did a pop quiz after. Divided the class into groups of 4, and asked them questions like "What was the name of my university?" "Name one city in Michigan" "Name three places I've traveled to" "How old is my brother." Surprisingly, they knew most of them! Winning team(s) got USA flag stickers.
Overall, first day was a success, and you can use this in all classes. You get into a rhythm while you're talking. Keep your chin up, be confident!