Thoughts:
I get nervous when preparing for the first ever lesson of the year. I imagine it sets the tone for the rest of the year. I worry if I have a boring first lesson if they'll make up their minds that my class sucks right off the bat. At the same time, if I can give them consistency, and explain something well and make sure they really understand day 1, then even if it's not the most exciting, they will appreciate that I'm able to give them the information they need to be successful.
The first Geometry lesson is all about points, lines, and planes. A lot of the section is notation and identifying. That also involves comparing and just visually recognizing what it is you're looking at and how to interpret it. I want to focus quite a bit on comparing and contrasting. The other part of the lesson is things like "2 points make a line" and "2 planes intersect at a line," while "2 lines intersect at a point." To teach these things I don't want to simply write them down. I want the kids to draw examples and experiment to see what they're actually able to draw. I want to use post-its on the wall to help demonstrate planes. Maybe I can hold 1 post-it out from the wall to show how that would create a different plane. Planes are a challenge so if I were writing up a formal lesson plan, helping the kids conceptually understand planes by using visuals, pictures, and asking the students to explain their thinking about planes will really help me reach all learners, including those that are struggling.
I know it might not be the most exciting, but if it's hand's on (which my goal is that it will be), they already have a sort of note sheet, and it shouldn't be super difficult, I think that has all the makings of a good first lesson. I also want to make sure I show them a fun picture between checking homework and going into the lesson just for fun. I want to have some things for the kids to look forward to.
In Algebra 2, I'm planning on splitting the first lesson so that it takes 2 days. I don't want to overwhelm my kids on the first day, especially with a lot of new information that will be mostly in the form of notes. There's just so much information. They also have to learn about imaginary numbers which is something completely new for most of them this year. It's a strange concept, and one that they'll use throughout the semester, year, and next 2 years, so I'd like to get them off to a good solid start without saying "Here are these weird things called imaginary numbers! I have 5 minutes to tell you everything you need to know and then I'm moving on! Good luck!"
The other very important thing I need to remember is if anyone is causing a problem at all, I need to stop it immediately! That student can hate me for a while, but I will not put up with crap. I don't need to get mad. I can calmly tell a student that they have received their first warning. I can even move them to try and avoid other issues. Ultimately, I choose what is acceptable in my room, and anything disrespectful or distracting is not acceptable. It's really so simple!
I get nervous when preparing for the first ever lesson of the year. I imagine it sets the tone for the rest of the year. I worry if I have a boring first lesson if they'll make up their minds that my class sucks right off the bat. At the same time, if I can give them consistency, and explain something well and make sure they really understand day 1, then even if it's not the most exciting, they will appreciate that I'm able to give them the information they need to be successful.
The first Geometry lesson is all about points, lines, and planes. A lot of the section is notation and identifying. That also involves comparing and just visually recognizing what it is you're looking at and how to interpret it. I want to focus quite a bit on comparing and contrasting. The other part of the lesson is things like "2 points make a line" and "2 planes intersect at a line," while "2 lines intersect at a point." To teach these things I don't want to simply write them down. I want the kids to draw examples and experiment to see what they're actually able to draw. I want to use post-its on the wall to help demonstrate planes. Maybe I can hold 1 post-it out from the wall to show how that would create a different plane. Planes are a challenge so if I were writing up a formal lesson plan, helping the kids conceptually understand planes by using visuals, pictures, and asking the students to explain their thinking about planes will really help me reach all learners, including those that are struggling.
I know it might not be the most exciting, but if it's hand's on (which my goal is that it will be), they already have a sort of note sheet, and it shouldn't be super difficult, I think that has all the makings of a good first lesson. I also want to make sure I show them a fun picture between checking homework and going into the lesson just for fun. I want to have some things for the kids to look forward to.
In Algebra 2, I'm planning on splitting the first lesson so that it takes 2 days. I don't want to overwhelm my kids on the first day, especially with a lot of new information that will be mostly in the form of notes. There's just so much information. They also have to learn about imaginary numbers which is something completely new for most of them this year. It's a strange concept, and one that they'll use throughout the semester, year, and next 2 years, so I'd like to get them off to a good solid start without saying "Here are these weird things called imaginary numbers! I have 5 minutes to tell you everything you need to know and then I'm moving on! Good luck!"
The other very important thing I need to remember is if anyone is causing a problem at all, I need to stop it immediately! That student can hate me for a while, but I will not put up with crap. I don't need to get mad. I can calmly tell a student that they have received their first warning. I can even move them to try and avoid other issues. Ultimately, I choose what is acceptable in my room, and anything disrespectful or distracting is not acceptable. It's really so simple!
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