First Day at School

The first day at school is always filled with anxiety and excitement for parents, students and teachers alike. There are mixed emotions everywhere as this day marks a huge milestone in the child’s life. As teachers, it is of utmost importance to incorporate ideas to help ease first day jitters and start the school year off on the right track. 

We geared up for the grand welcoming of the pre-primary students here at Sancta Maria International School when school reopens on June 8^th, 2015.

The day was carefully planned by sending out learning outcomes and day plans to the parents ahead of time. Welcome calls were made by the class teachers to introduce themselves to the parents. Learning outcomes for the term and day plan for the week ahead were shared with the parents. Classroom supplies, teaching material, classroom decor, books and folders on shelves- made sure everything has its place and is in perfect order. It shows when we are well rested, relaxed and ready to kick start the New Year. Basically, it also helps the kids to stay calm and focused.

Decoration is the big word for the week or perhaps the month ahead. We decorated our windows, doors, corridors, classroom boards - birthdays, language, numeric sense, class teacher’s board. The windows were adorned with themes ranging from garden to good manners. Since the boards will stay up for most of the school year, some of the material was laminated so they don’t tear and fade. Every little detail of the pictures was carefully chosen to suit the needs of the child - colour combinations, texture, font size, originality, creativity and uniqueness.

The first day of the school is busy, busy, and busy! Learning the names, faces, parents and personalities of all the students on the class list is essential. You must teach routines and procedures. You need to hold the attention of a roomful of active, excited little minds. New faces will show up that you will have to add to the class list.

 On the first day of school and the week to follow, few factors are more crucial than being prepared. It is more of a challenge than a regular job. It is the time for the teachers to set their standards and expectations for the rest of the year. Since many of the students are unable to read when they start pre-primary, it is wise enough to provide them with visuals.

Then arrived the big day after much anticipation. The day at Nursery and PP1 was a mélange of happy faces and kids trying to overcome their separation anxiety. The ambience of the classroom was chosen to mesmerize the tiny tots with balloons, puppets, puzzles, blocks, soft toys and more. Extended play times at the swings and soft gym were introduced to help the kids settle down. The extra set of hands used the time to click pictures, save and share them with those apprehensive parents waiting home to know their child’s first day at school.

The day at PP2 was filled with more of elated faces. The kids were happy to see their friends after enjoying two full months of holidays. For the newly admitted children, it was an overwhelming day learning to make friends, meet the teachers and adapt to the new environment.

 

Above all, the effort goes a long way to give a rich experience for the children when they step in to the world of school. They all carry these memories lifelong and to one day write a middle school essay or may be share a memento in their school reunions long after they have grown up to be achievers and leaders beyond the expectations of their parents and teachers.

 - Kamala Deepthi