Super-Start Your September: 3 Powerful Tips to Continue a Great Start to Your Year!
Written by: Abigail Carter
As August rolls out, most teachers have crossed off procedures, parent nights, scheduling, and getting to know their new students off the BTS (Back To School!) checklist.
But, don’t let that beginning of the year momentum stop there! As September says hello, teachers everywhere are still gearing up for a fresh school year full of possibilities. Starting strong sets the tone for months of learning, growth, and success. Here are three impactful ways to keep that supercharge going all year long
“Starting strong sets the tone for months of learning, growth, and success.”
1. Involve the Community
Your classroom thrives when it’s connected to the world beyond school walls. Reach out to local organizations, businesses, and community leaders early on. Invite guest speakers, arrange field trips, or start service projects that link curriculum with real-life experiences. This not only enriches learning but shows students their education matters in the wider world. I love to partner community with the reading stories that my students are exposed to with my school’s curriculum. Do you have a story that has a dog in it? Invite the owner of a local dog bakery in to speak about their profession and bring their furry friends as well! Chances are the community partner will gain more business after speaking to students as well!
A favorite community activity that my grade level did last year was based on a STEM project we completed during an ice cream unit. We invited a local ice cream parlour in and they did a demonstration on how to make ice cream using dry-ice…complete with ice cream samples for all students! The shop passed out coupons for families to come in and enjoy treats at a discounted price, so it was a win-win for all!
2. Engage Parents
Building strong partnerships with parents is a game-changer. Host a welcoming back-to-school night or create a simple newsletter introducing yourself and your plans for the year. Mail the newsletter one week in September versus emailing it – parents love to receive something more personal in the mail and it is a nice surprise! (PRO-tip: Ask your school secretary or office administration to mail the letters for you when they send out their items. Chances are your postage will be covered!) Encourage two-way communication by using apps or email to keep parents informed and involved. When parents feel connected, students feel supported and motivated. I look forward to planning several “class parties” during the school year as well. In the Fall, I invite my students and families to join me for a pottery-making class at a local pottery spot. We just meet for an hour (siblings are welcome to, parents cover their own cost), and I always have a great turn-out. In the spring, I plan a movie date or a park meet-up. It is fun for students to see their teachers outside of school, and it lets parents know that you care about their children outside of school doors.
3. Foster Creativity
Creativity fuels curiosity and joy in learning. Dedicate time early in the year for creative projects, brainstorming sessions, or open-ended challenges. Whether it’s art, writing, or problem-solving, giving students space to express themselves builds confidence and critical thinking skills that last all year. I enjoy giving my students an open-ended survey at the beginning of the school year that allows me to learn about the creative activities they are interested in doing. I am always surprised at their answers and a simple online survey can be created quickly and sent out as a morning task after entering the classroom
“I enjoy giving my students an open-ended survey at the beginning of the school year that allows me to learn about the creative activities they are interested in doing.”
A fun new creative writing tool that I have implemented (even in 1st grade!) is called We Will Write. It is completely free (for now) and very user-friendly for educators. After logging in, you can choose a series of images that students will view and then write creatively about. They are put into teams and then eventually will vote on what creative responses are the best. My students are extremely engaged when we do this activity, and I enjoy reading their creative responses. They quickly come to realize that the more creative they are in responding, the higher the chance is that they will be voted to continue on!
Continuing a great start to the school year with these three strategies helps create a positive, engaging atmosphere where students, families, and the community come together. Here’s to a Supercharged September that sets the stage for an amazing year ahead!
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