I will 100% own the title of Slacker when it comes to this blog right now. But, I’m focusing my “A-game energy” in the classroom these days. My room will be full come Monday morning, but for now, I’m loving all the organizing, decorating, and planning that the teacher work week allows. The beginning of another school year brings SO much potential and so much energy. It is, for sure, one of the best times of the year!
This isn’t much (and the idea is NOT completely mine – much of this actually came from my blog friend Megan who is too busy taking care of a new baby to blog lately), but today I thought I’d share how I use internet memes to go over my syllabus and class rules on the first day and – at least attempt – to keep the kids’ attention.
Below are the slides from my first day of school power point, and the link for the complete download is at the very bottom. I use the same presentation in all three of my classes and simply adapt it each year as things change etc. The general organization follows my syllabus exactly, but I find that the kids pay a lot more attention to this than when I just project it up on the screen for them to follow along… I also print a few of my most favorite memes to include on the “Class Rules” bulletin board and other strategic spots around the room. (See more in last year’s room tour.)
So, here you go:
You probably already guessed this, but I’m kind-of an open book with my students… I think it’s only fair to share a little about myself (and my credentials) with them before I ask them to share about themselves, so I usually include a brief “About Me” slide at the very beginning. Then…
This will be new this year, after I found the idea on Pinterest over the summer. Basically, using the model found at www.sixwordmemoirs.com, I’m giving every student a blank index card on the first day of school to write their own Six Word Memoir. Then, I’ve left an entire bulletin board blank for them to “post” them as a form of introduction to me and each other. (I like that this is simple and not time consuming, but switches things up a bit from the normal “two truths and a lie” activity I’ve done in the past.)
Now, on the “meat” – I mean memes…
The Missing Work Log is my most popular “teaching idea” on the web. It was introduced to me by a veteran teacher during my intern days, and I have successfully used it in my own classroom for seven years now. It is a GREAT tool – so so helpful for keeping track of late/missing work, staying in touch with parents about zeros, and keeping records for conferences, etc. Check out this post for a downloadable copy and more details about how I use it.
There you go. Our schedule is shortened on the first day so classes are about 45 minutes long. Including the “6 Word Memoir” activity, time to hand out paper copies of syllabus, and time to answer questions at the end – this takes almost exactly the whole block.
If you’d like to use/adapt this powerpoint for yourself, feel free to download it right here – Back to School PP.
And, for some more ideas for setting up your classroom, etc. see these posts:
How to Make a Custom Blackboard Course Banner for Free
Using the Number System to Keep Up with Books and Materials
What do you do on the first day of school?!?
Ahhh I miss teaching high school so much!! This is an awesome first-day PPT and plan. If I were still teaching full-time I would totally use it. Hmmm.. Maybe my grad students would appreciate some of them though! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I really like your powerpoint! I just downloaded it and I am going to change it to use in my classroom. I love using memes because i think they make the kids feel a little more relaxed and usually they laugh at least a little. It’s nice for them to know that we’re still human! Happy teacher work week! 🙂
I love it! Mine needs a little updating, I realized as I was using it the first day of school. Oops– kind of winging it since little man was born. : / Thanks for the shout-out, by the way! Maybe I’ll get back to this whole blog thing someday. But, “I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.”
Just might have to do this. I am on a mission to get my syllabus down to a one pager. I have a week to do it! Thanks for sharing.
Ummm this is amazing. First day of class is tomorrow – will possibly use and tweak this to fit my class. THANK YOU.
This is the best! I’m a first time teacher and was struggling trying to think of a semi-interesting way to get through all the administrative tasks of the first day. I’m definitely using this tomorrow! Thanks!
This is fantastic! I will be using this for all my classes (will adapt to each class – 8hums, 9 History and Senior Music)
Thank you for this resource! (all the way from Australia)
So glad I found this! I teach 6th/7th/8th. That first day of school will be a challenge for all of us!! This might just keep them tuned in. Thank you for sharing!!
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I have been looking all around for a powerpoint for day 1 of my first year teaching. This is absolutely perfect!
THANK YOU
Thank you for making this available for download! I have been wanting to create a first-day syllabus/policy PowerPoint all summer but haven’t had time while prepping for 6 classes and getting acclimated in my new institution. This is absolutely perfect and very easily adaptable for my classes.
Love the memes!
So happy I came across this-definitely going to adapt and use-thank you SO much!!!
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Thank you so much for sharing this. I am moving to a new grade level this year. It is a higher grade than I have been teaching, Therefore, this will keep me from looking too “LAME”.
In love with this, but curious how I can adapt the Remind 101 pictures for my own!
I am a new teacher, and I just found your blog. It is so wonderful, helpful, and encouraging–thank you so, so much!
a little tip, don’t put memes in your Powerpoint all the students will make fun of you behind your back.
or we’ll just do it in front of you. i have a screaming match with my best friend when they’re going over syllabuses and we say we’re cringing at the memes
Possible fix the incorrect spelling of “increases” in the penguin mem.
Just came across this site and love it! It is extremely helpful for first year teachers like myself. I am definitely using the PowerPoint – thank you! I will also be looking into the Reminder.
Thank you for sharing. I feel so unprepared and didn’t know where to start, and this definitely helps.
I am a first year teacher. I have to say thank you so much for not only sharing your ideas but sharing such an easy to use link. I can’t wait to use this in my first class!
I used your power point, with a few variations, and it worked very well. Thank you!
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Wonderful PPT. A nice ice breaker when discussing the first days of school.
Thank you for providing a downloadable PowerPoint.
I just found this powerpoint and I just love it!!! I had started to work on something similar, thank you for saving me some time!
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