You always hear that what you do on the first day of school sets the tone for the rest of the year. And I also believe the first impression you give matters. How many of us judge of a book by its cover – even though we know we’re not “supposed to”?
Here’s the funny thing. I have found that when I reach the end of the school year and show students photos from the first day – even week – of school, they barely remember what happened. Why is that? Did I not make the first few days memorable enough? Or was it because of all the nerves associated with starting sixth grade: a new school, six teachers a day, lockers, changing classes, new friends, no class bathroom breaks. Whatever the cause, I want to make this year different.
So how can you make a stand out first day memory but also provide a safe environment? Well. this year NASA is coming to my rescue! There was some obvious planning between my school district and NASA when August 6th was chosen as both the first day of school and the scheduled landing of the Mars Science Laboratory/Curiosity Rover on Mars. (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little.) Curiosity is scheduled to land on Mars at 1:31 am EDT on August 6. Now this is a big deal! Real science happening (and I was at the launch of MSL). I am also hoping we can bring in information from Curiosity as it makes its findings throughout the year.
So on the first day of school, I’ll be wearing my blue flight suit in complete space geek mode, and we’ll be talking about Mars and the science MSL will do. We’ll watch videos from the launch and Mars in a Minute. We’ll also work on hands on activities. Hopefully, the landing will have been a success, and we can follow information about it. It will be exciting and memorable. I can’t wait!
How do you make the first day of school memorable?
