First Day of High School Teacher Introductions
Lesson to Introduce Yourself and Your Course in a Unique Way
Aug 12, 2008
Are you looking for an interesting way to kick off the new school year? Do you want your students to get excited about your course and all of the interesting information they will learn with you this semester?
Interesting Teacher Introductions
Prepare a brief overview of you and what students can expect from your teaching style and preferences. But don’t bore them with a laundry list of facts and details on the first day of school. This year, try channeling a bit of humor and creativity to lighten your students’ potentially somber mood on the first day of school. No need to drone on about your experience, education and accomplishments; that can wait. Here are some ideas for getting students’ attention and keeping them engaged during your first class while imparting vital information.
Share Anecdotal Stories
Some teachers prefer to reveal limited personal information during their lessons. Teaching style and preferences certainly vary from one teacher to another, so you may want to spend some time reflecting on your own style and level of comfort you have revealing to your students personal tidbits about yourself. For those of you who use personal experiences as segues into new lessons, consider the following suggestions.
- Students love stories. Why not begin your personal introduction with a funny story from the previous year? Maybe you had a humorous interaction with a student which began with conflict and ended in a peace truce.
- Talk about a student (who shall remain anonymous) who came in despising your subject but experienced a complete about-face when a meaningful event occurred. Explain the exact moment where the student started to have a revelation about specific material.
- Discuss the concept of expectations versus reality and relay a descriptive example that illustrates an idea you want to emphasize and how it relates to your teaching style.
Find ways to reach out, engage students, and create a positive learning environment from the minute they bound through your classroom doors.
Incorporate Visual Aids in Course Introduction
- It’s wise to use an illustration or visual aid to get your point across, such as a PowerPoint presentation. Make it sassy, colorful, and entertaining-- even interactive, if possible.
- Is there a short U-tube video, vodcast, or podcast that speaks to the stresses of first days of school? Here’s an opportunity to excite students about information they’re going to be learning. Be creative, and you’ll be rewarded with your students' interest and esteem.
- Try to hit the highlights of your course, detail one or two of the more fun or interactive aspects of the class, such as an upcoming student project, collaborative activity or field work assignment. Try to offer students something to which they can look forward.
Use Props to Maintain Student Interest
What can you incorporate to appeal to your visual learners and set an upbeat tone in your classroom? If Powerpoint or high-technology isn’t your thing, consider props you can incorporate throughout the year, and introduce them on the first day of school. Teachers have been known to use stuffed Shakespeare dolls, action figures, outrageous hats and oversized pencils to convey their point.
This item can be elevated to a sort of “talking stick;” that is, whoever is holding this prized item has the privilege of speaking to a captive audience. Sure, you’re a teacher, not an entertainer, but who says you can’t have fun while learning?
Laser pointers have even worked well as props in the high school classroom. You can easily point to important information on the whiteboard, bulletin board, or at the clock. Giving a high school student a laser pointer can put them in charge of timing student presentations or collaborative activities.
This school year, try experimenting with new ways to keep students motivated and create connections with them that will last the whole year.
 |
