First Day of School

[GAteacher87]

What do you do to set the tone on the first day of school, especially if you are teaching in a setting where low motivation is a factor?

 

[perplexed]

I do a few "get to know you" activities. (a paper/sheet about themselves, a little poster, used to do a "ME" bag, but then other teachers started doing it too, classroom scavenger hunt, and some other things) I'm doing some collaboration activities right away to build a positive classroom climate (homefield advantage activity). I do a power point about myself and have the students do a little poster on themselves. We also go over procedures and expectations and read a little story called "Two Choices" and a poem about respect. I'm in a setting with low motivation, so the getting to know you activities help.

 

[MsB2012]

I read about and was taught a concept last year before I got my certification to let students be a part of the rule making process, and that they will follow class rules more closely if they have a part in coming up with them. You then have them sign a classroom contract the second day of school that they will follow these rules (and have them listed again). Has anyone tried this before? If so, how would I make this work with two classes? I mean, I would want the kiddos to have the same rules and guidelines for each class essentially--but my third graders switch classes with one other class, so I will have two classes.