New 6th grade teacher...1st day ever?

Question

I am to start teaching in a 6th grade class this Tuesday in an urban setting. I have never taught outside of my field work and student teaching before this and I am not even sure what to bring with me on the 1st day I am there. The students will have been there a week, so I am coming in after school already started for them. I do not know what is being taught by the other teachers. They have 6 groups of 4-5 teachers that stay with the kids for 3 years until high school. Usually the teachers get together and set curriculum and I am hoping it is in place to make it easier on me. Still the 1st day I am not sure what to bring other than a notebook and something to write with. Should I bring all my stuff for my desk as well? I don't even know what I am asking really other than does anyone have any ideas on how I should approach this. Mind you, it is an urban setting and I am a white guy. Not that it matters to me, but it may to some of them! Any advice would be more than welcome!

Answer 1

some of the kids will try and test u see how much they can get away with so try and keep your cool you don't wont to be known as the mean one so just take it easy the first week or so.

Answer 2

Be prepared. Assume that there will be no information for you when you arrive in school. If there is, so much the better.

Plan to today three days work on Tuesday. Most new teachers finish the work early and you need to keep the children busy. Get the attitude across that you all have a lot of work to do.

Consider changing seats. You may want to move the troublemakers seats to the front of the room. Do not, however, put them together.

Go to the school today. if you possibly can. Speak to the teachers in your group and find out what they are doing and why the other teacher left. It may be a good idea to introduce yourself to the class or have someone introduce you. See if you can obtain the names of the children in your class and find out something about them. While you are there see the payroll secretary and find out what forms you need to complete and ask about personnel questions if you have any. See if your school has a mentoring program. It is very likely that all or almost all of the teachers in your group have a common lunch period. Eat lunch with them if you can. Be friendly. Hopefully at least one and probably more teachers will volunteer to help you. Gladly accept all offers.Teachers in urban schools tend to be helpful and friendly to each other.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Ok the bad news:

There is probably nothing in place for you. (at least plan that this is the case) So bring your desk supplies, and bring a plan for lessons. Sit down over the weekend, and plan what they will be doing for the next couple of weeks. assume that they have done nothing for the first week. Read Harry Wong, and put your procedures into play on your first day. Go in after school today, take a look at the room, and talk to the department chair. perhaps spend tuesday with a quick get to know you assignment.

The good news:

You have the whole year with them.

Answer 4

I teach in an inner city and some of the schools do not have many supplies. You may want to consider that. I was suprised by the lack of pencils and paper provided by the district. (some schools do offer these kind of materials).

I am also white while the majority 99% of the students are black. You need to be tough...they will try to test you! GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

I teach EFL and have had the same problem in the past. I've found that the best way to break the ice is to introduce myself to them, and then ask them to introduce themselves. Incorporate some games into this introduction session. What to take with? Be safe and make sure you have some markers and basic stationary. A diary is always handy. Good luck!