Getting to know your students

It’s that time of year again!

New class rosters are in your hands, and students will be coming through those classroom doors before long! It’s time to get to know your students and read their student files.

Why is it important to read though student files before the start of school?

To identify any students with exceptionalities – both those with needs and those who are gifted. If the student is on an IEP/LSP (specialized learning plan), you will be able to identify what accommodations are required for that student to be successful, as well as any support services (speech and language, physiotherapy, OT, etc) that are in place and may be during school hours. By identifying those kids with exceptionalities before school starts you will not only be prepared for those students who need a little extra TLC, but you are also providing them from the very first day, the best classroom environment for learning that you can!
To identify any allergies that will be in your classroom this year. It is important to know who has an allergy and who carries an EpiPen. That way on the first day of school you can inquire with the family or student where the EpiPen is stored (backpack? office? on the child?) and make note. This is good information to include in substitute teacher folders too. It is also helpful to post any class allergies at the door so that any visitors entering the room are aware too.
To identify if any of your students have court orders recorded on their file. Sometimes your students will come from broken homes or situations where a court order may be required. For example, a parent may not be allowed contact with their child, and this is very important information to make note of, especially when it comes to making phone calls home, dismissal, and volunteering.
To record a list of contact numbers for each child. This will speed up phone calls home during the year.
To record birthdays – celebrating a child’s birthday is a fun way to make a student feel special. You can make a “birthdays of our class” wall space. You can have little surprises for their birthday (ex: birthday pencil, birthday pin). You can have special jobs for the birthday boy or girl (ex: helper of the day). Whatever works in your grade and your classroom to celebrate the student’s birthdays is great!