Adding a new student after the start of the school year is possible for a variety of reasons. Perhaps a family has relocated due to a job opportunity. Maybe things didn’t work out at a previous school. Perhaps your new student is a foster child who has just been sent to a new household. It’s possible that it’s a military family who has lately relocated. Making new students feel welcome is crucial, regardless of the cause.
But, whatever the cause, the essential thing you can do for a new kid is to welcome them with open arms into your classroom community! Smiles, embraces, and words of encouragement are all appropriate ways to greet someone. Additionally, teach your current pupils how to be polite and helpful to their new community members.
- You should be flexible.
Recognize that anxiety is really high and that fears can be even worse. Some children are returning to school following the summer break, while others are enrolling in new schools. For students, the first day of school may be both exhilarating and frightening. Many people want summer to last as long as it has been enjoyable and stress-free. Allow for their requirements in order to make the transition as painless as feasible.
Writing and painting are two activities that might help students return to school. Allow pupils to be creative, express themselves, and have a good time. Draw hilarious expressions, and write about their summer and what they plan to do with their friends, sports, and music this year. Students should color a picture of their favorite summer memory and then show it to the class.
- Provide them with a place to stay
Request that the custodian bring in an extra desk and/or chair for your new student, and then figure out where they should sit. A nameplate will be used to identify their new location. Make careful to choose a welcoming, tranquil environment where they can settle into your classroom community.
- Make sure your new student has a buddy.
Assigning incoming students a buddy is another way to make them feel welcome. Choose a student helper who is knowledgeable about classroom rules and procedures, as well as courteous and eager to assist. Tell them that you’ve entrusted them with the vital task of becoming the new student’s buddies and showing them the ropes in your classroom community.
- Introduce your new student to everything around you
Make a point of personally introducing your new student to the art, music, or P.E. instructor when you drop off your class for specials. This will alert them to take extra care of your new students for the first few days while they adjust to their new surroundings.
- Get in touch with their parents.
While it’s critical to make incoming students feel welcome, it’s also critical to make their families feel welcome. Within the first few days, call home to welcome the family to the school. Make them aware of your delight at having their child in your class. Inquire if they have any questions concerning the welcome material you delivered the first day. Give them your preferred method of communication, as well as any connections to websites, calendars, or other communication tools you use. Inviting them in to read a story to the class or bringing a show-and-tell item from their previous location is a great idea.
- From day one, start using students’ names.
Begin addressing students by their names as soon as feasible. 5 X 7 note cards can be used to rapidly build paper name tents that can be propped on students’ desks. Use a bold pen or sharpie to write their initial name. This allows you to address them by their first name right away. It gives a sense of familiarity when you use a student’s name. When you know someone, you address them by their first name.
- Introduce yourself in more than one way
It’s easy to forget what drew us to teaching after years in the profession. Sharing our stories with children not only allows them to get to know us but also serves as a reminder of the road we have chosen. Even if the narrative appears to be old to you, it is entirely new to your new class. If you introduce yourself properly, they will be more comfortable with you.
At The End
If you are a teacher, you should know how to welcome your students on their very first day in class. The tips given in this article will help how you can welcome your students. If you are passionate about teaching and want to take your coaching business to the next level, then Classplus is here to help you. Get your own coaching app in less than 60seconds with amazing features made just for you. Connect now to know more.
