It has happened to all of us…a new student shows up on your roster with little to no time to prepare. But, no need to stress! We have a teaching hack to share that will have you ready for new students at the drop of a hat.

The secret to being new student ready? Prepare for the inevitable before the first day of school! The way I prepare is by packing new student baggies during my summer prep.

Let's dig into what I put in the bag and how to quickly acclimate your new student to your classroom procedures.

Packing New Student Bags

I stuff my new student bags with the same items I give out during back to school open house. Basically, when I layout the open house/welcome back materials on student desks, I make five extra piles on my carpet, stuffing them in the gallon baggies when done.

Here's what I put in my new student baggies:

• Meet the teacher information letter
• Class rules & procedures brochure
• Login info for commonly used websites (fill this in as soon as you get your new student)
• Info sheet for parent/guardian to fill out
• Optional: small back to school student gift
• Blank desk plate (Saves time for you!)
• Blank folder & notebook label to quickly fill out
• Punch card (if you use these for behavior management)

Other New Student Tasks

There are a few quick things to do when you find out about a new student. Here's a quick list:

• Get their name on any labels the other students have (i.e. locker tags, mailboxes, notebooks, etc..)
• Add an account on any commonly used websites
• Procure a desk, textbooks, workbooks,etc.
• Prep the class if you know ahead of time. I like to talk to my students about being new, and how it can be difficult. We discuss how to make the new student feel welcome by being friendly, offering to help and NOT staring.
• Choose one or two student helpers that will be good examples and helpful to the new student.

Teaching New Students Classroom Procedures Quickly

At the beginning of the school year, most teachers spend weeks modeling and practicing procedures and expected behaviors until the classroom runs like a well-oiled machine. Teaching these procedures to your new students as quickly as possible benefits the classroom environment and helps new students feel comfortable with their new class family.

Procedures can be taught by modeling and reviewing during morning meeting, or as needed throughout the school day. For example, when transitioning between centers on the first day with the new student, say something like, “Remember class, when I ring the wind chime, we quickly put away our materials and silently move to the next station. If you are unsure where your group goes next, look up here on the board for a list.” Small reminders like this are not only helpful for new students but also serve as a great refresher for the entire class.

Don't let the unexpected stressors of teaching get you down! Join the most helpful grade level team in existence–our Lucky 1st Grade and Lucky 2nd Grade Teachers facebook groups, where there is always a colleague ready to dish some helpful advice.