Dave Oosterhouse

Making the school year special for your students can have a lasting impact on their learning and well-being. Here are some ideas to help you create a memorable and meaningful year:

1. Build Strong Relationships

• Greet students by name each day.

• Learn about their interests, backgrounds, and goals.

• Host “getting to know you” activities the first week.

2. Create a Welcoming Environment

• Decorate your classroom with students in mind—display their work, use inclusive and positive messages.

• Set up cozy reading nooks or flexible seating if possible.

3. Set the Tone for Kindness and Respect

• Establish class norms together.

• Encourage teamwork through group projects and games.

• Celebrate acts of kindness with a recognition system.

4. Make Learning Fun and Relevant

• Incorporate hands-on activities, experiments, or creative projects.

• Connect lessons to real-world situations and student interests.

• Use technology, music, and art to enhance lessons.

5. Foster Student Voice and Choice

• Let students have a say in some classroom decisions.

• Offer choices in assignments or project topics.

• Encourage goal-setting and self-reflection.

6. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements

• Recognize birthdays, academic progress, and personal growth.

• Hold “student of the week” or similar spotlights.

7. Involve Families and Community

• Communicate regularly with parents/caregivers.

• Invite guest speakers or organize field trips, even virtual ones.

• Encourage family participation in special projects or events.

8. Support Social-Emotional Learning

• Incorporate mindfulness, growth mindset activities, and time for check-ins.

• Teach and model coping ideas for stress or challenges.

9. Be Flexible and Open-Minded

• Be ready to adapt to students’ needs and interests.

• Celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities.

10. Have Fun Together!

• Plan special theme days, spirit weeks, or classroom traditions.

• Laugh, play, and share stories—those moments matter.

Every class is unique, so listen to your students and let their personalities help shape the year. Your care and enthusiasm will set the stage for a truly special school year!

On Wednesdays I will be working remotely from home so the office building will not be open.

Thank you for your understanding