For many educators, it is the beginning of a new school year – or will be very soon. For both students and teachers, it is an exciting time of preparation, new beginnings, and anticipation. Whether you’re a veteran educator or just starting out, the beginning of the school year can feel both exciting and daunting. For students, especially multilingual learners, there may be a level of anxiety involved about doing well in school, fitting in, and feeling welcome.
To help you get off to a strong start, here are ten tips to ensure a successful year for both you and your students.
- Use Welcoming Words and Actions
Your attitude and behavior as a teacher have a profound impact on how students see themselves as learners, directly influencing their academic performance. Simple gestures like a smile, eye contact, or a kind word can make a world of difference, helping multilingual learners – and all students –feel valued and included in your classroom.
- Learn and Pronounce Students’ Names Correctly
A student’s name is a core part of their identity, and pronouncing it correctly shows respect and recognition. I know from personal experience how embarrassing it can be when a teacher mispronounces your name or makes a comment such as, “Oh, this is a tough one. Let’s see if I can say it.” Such comments usually incite laughter from other students. Take the time to learn the correct pronunciation and say their names with the same care you would with any other name, like “Emily Thomas.”
- Engage Parents and Guardians Early
Strong communication with parents and guardians is vital for student success. Positive communication and interactions between schools and their parents and families can enhance student outcomes, enrollment, attendance, and behavior. Reach out to them early in the school year to establish a connection. Consider sending a welcome letter or email to introduce yourself and outline your expectations for the year. Using tools like classroom websites, newsletters, or apps like ClassDojo can help keep parents informed and involved throughout the year. For many multilingual parents, texting is most effective and apps like TalkingPoints translates messages into multiple languages.
- Reflect Students’ Cultures and Languages in the Classroom
Display visuals and items that represent the diverse cultures and languages of your students. Photos, posters, and bilingual labels can create an inclusive environment. In elementary classrooms, displaying each student’s photo and name can reinforce that every child is recognized and valued. This idea can be adapted for older students as well.
- Be Mindful of Back-to-School Activities
Consider the diverse backgrounds of your students when planning back-to-school activities like sharing summer experiences. While some multilingual learners may come from affluent backgrounds, many may not have had the opportunity to attend summer camps or take vacations. Instead, focus on inclusive activities that allow all students to share and participate.
- Display Schedules, Routines and Rules for Clarity
Students thrive in environments with clear and consistent expectations. Post your classroom rules, procedures, and daily routines in a visual format that is easy for multilingual learners to understand. Be sure to explain, demonstrate, and reinforce these expectations regularly until they become second nature to your students, setting them up for success.
- Show Understanding Toward Absences
While it’s natural to feel disappointed if students aren’t present on the first day of school, it’s important to remember that absences are often beyond their own control. Don’t criticize students who return late. Instead, offer support and understanding while kindly letting them know the importance of regular attendance.
- Take Care of Yourself
Teaching is incredibly rewarding but also demanding. To be the best teacher for your students, it’s important to take care of yourself. Set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance and make time for yourself each day: take a walk, read a good novel, listen to relaxing music. Self-care activities are essential for rejuvenating yourself, and the result will be a more effective and resilient teacher in the classroom.
- Prioritize Relationship Building
Establishing strong relationships, from the classroom to colleagues in your building and beyond, is essential for new teachers and experienced teachers alike. Getting to know your students and their families can be rewarding and creates a sense of community that benefits everyone. Make sure that you seek out supportive, like-minded colleagues in your building and connect with them regularly. It’s also possible to create meaningful relationships with teachers that you meet virtually, such as in online chat groups. The point is to avoid isolation. Building relationships with those in your sphere is essential for your well-being – and theirs.
- Reflect and Be Flexible
As the school year unfolds, take time to reflect on what’s working well and where you might need to make adjustments. What might you do to make lessons more comprehensible for your multilingual students? Is there sufficient language practice to increase English proficiency? Be open to changing your practices to better meet your students’ needs. We’ve found in our research that regular reflection and a willingness to adapt instruction helps teachers grow as an educator and provides a richer learning experience for students.
The beginning of the school year is an opportunity to set the stage for a successful, enjoyable, and fulfilling year. By being prepared, building strong relationships, and taking care of yourself, you’ll be well on your way to another great year.
