I still get nervous. I’ve been a school teacher for eight years and have taught other swimming/piano/vocal lessons for much longer than that. And I still get nervous on the first day of school. I prep for as many variables as I can: lessons, units, curriculum, the classroom, instruments, songs, slides, resources, technology, communication, everything! Why am I nervous for the first day of school?
Why am I still nervous?
Well, students come with so many more variables than I can plan for. From experiences to extra siblings, it is so much to keep track of when considering the amount of students we see on a daily basis. Especially as a music teacher, I find it challenging to juggle things like religious/cultural beliefs, sports/community scheduling (I work in a small town; if something is double-booked, one event will be left unattended. That’s just how it is.) and even getting to learn which parents belong to which kid! I’ve learned a few strategies that have helped me tremendously.
1.) Research Family Groups
Get your hands on all of the rosters for your school, a highlighter and a way to make notes. One of the very first things I do is review the rosters. I highlight all names similar to each other (ie Katriana Penner & Kevin Penner) and make note of them. Group all similar names together and also make note of which grades they are in. Next, look through the school records and identify which of the names are siblings, extended family, or no relation. This helps me learn names as well as grades. Additionally, this gives me a common ground to relate with the students, as I also have a sibling.
2.) Research Family Demographics
As a music teacher, we have the unique opportunity to easily include diverse cultures into our programs. An advantage to having this knowledge: guest performers! In my community, we have an increasing number of new families as far as the Philippines, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bangladesh, and many African and European countries as well. Many of the parents have grown up in their perspective cultures and appreciate the opportunity to share their heritage. We have experienced some very interesting instruments and dances in this way. It’s always exciting to continue the celebration of a multicultural society! If you take nothing else from this post, I promise, this is the one that does prep work for you!
3.) Communication Logs
I know you’ve heard this a thousand times, but communication logs are SO. IMPORTANT. Not only is it a record of contact with parents regarding certain issues, it helps you identify which parents belong to which student/s. When I meet with a parent for the first time, I immediately jot down something that will help me remember them. Something like “tall”, “purple hair”, “car pool”, “volunteer”, beside their student’s name helps me to associate and make meaningful connections in the future. Plus, writing it down frees up your brain space so you don’t have to second guess whether or not you know who this person is. One brief comment on communication, while we’re here: write down the method of communication. If it is in an email, perfect. Make note of the email and file it somewhere with your log. This could be digitally or as a printed copy (which is ideal for a paper trail). It could also be a phone call, but then record the when and the what of the conversation.
Even with all of these systems in place, why am I nervous for the first day of school?. Now it’s a happy-nervous. Perhaps excitement because I feel prepared!