Radio
First Day of School
Source: NBN/CP RadioWire
Jul 29, 2003, 11:40

The first day of school is a make-it or break-it day for students and teachers alike.  It can literally set the course for the whole school year. All parents want their child to be successful in school, but do parents and educators appreciate the pivotal nature of that first day?  Award-winning teacher and author Harry Wong says not really.  The number one problem facing our schools, according to Wong, is that too many parents, teachers and children aren�t properly prepared for the first day of school:

�Early August is the perfect time for parents and teachers to plan for that first day of school. A few weeks before school begins, parents should start waking their children earlier, so that kids ease into the school schedule and are alert on the first day.  The most important thing teachers can do is to have the first day completely scripted in advance before the students walk through the door. They may not admit it, but trust me, students want to have a teacher and a classroom that is structured with procedures. Procedures are essential to their succeeding in school. On the first day, students need to know exactly what the classroom procedures are, such as how to enter the classroom each day.  Once they can do these procedures, then real learning can occur.

Harry Wong�s advice and tips for having a successful first day have been developed into a free brochure being distributed this Saturday, August 2, at all Sam�s Club locations throughout the U.S., as part of a special open house for teachers and daycare operators. The tips found in this brochure are based on the techniques found in Wong�s book, �The First Days of School.�