The First Day of High School: Establishing Classroom Expectations and Building Relationships

Introduction

This tutorial outlines effective strategies for establishing classroom expectations and building relationships with students on the first day of high school, as demonstrated by teacher Jose Gomez. Creating a positive learning environment is crucial for student engagement and success.

Step 1: Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

• Greet students at the door to make them feel welcome.
• Use personal connections to break the ice, such as commenting on students' clothing or accessories.
• Encourage students to find their assigned seats based on a seating chart displayed in the classroom.

Step 2: Establish a Structured Seating Arrangement

• Develop a seating chart that considers students’ academic strengths and weaknesses.
• Position stronger students to support those who may struggle, promoting collaborative learning.
• Explain the purpose of the seating chart to reinforce your authority and control over the classroom environment.

Step 3: Introduce Classroom Rules and Expectations

• Distribute a syllabus that outlines classroom rules, expectations, and procedures.
• Engage students in a scavenger hunt activity to find key information in the syllabus, making the process interactive.
• Clearly communicate the first two classroom rules and allow students to write them down for reference.

Step 4: Share Personal Stories to Build Rapport

• Take a moment to introduce yourself and share your background, including challenges you faced.
• Use storytelling to humanize yourself and illustrate resilience and determination.
• Highlight that students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background.

Step 5: Foster Relationships Through Humor and Care

• Use humor to lighten the atmosphere and make students comfortable.
• Show genuine interest in students’ well-being and success, emphasizing that you care about their learning.
• Engage in conversations that allow students to express themselves, encouraging an open and supportive environment.

Conclusion

Establishing classroom expectations and building relationships on the first day of high school sets the tone for the entire year. By creating a welcoming atmosphere, implementing structured seating, clearly communicating rules, sharing personal stories, and fostering relationships, you can cultivate a positive and effective learning environment. Consider these strategies as you prepare for your own classroom interactions to ensure a successful start to the academic year.