6 Top Tips For a Great First Week in Middle School Science!

There is nothing quite like the beginning of the new school year for a teacher! Whether this is year 1 or year 21, the first week of school is a whirlwind of excitement, especially for middle school science teachers.

For many teachers we start off thinking “I’ve got this” but before you know it, our Outlook Calendar is filing up, we are learning all about our new students, setting up our classroom, diving into curriculum and suddenly we feel very overwhelmed.

The good news is with the right strategies and a positive mindset, you can turn that first week into a memorable and successful start to the school year. Let’s talk about six practical tips to help you survive and thrive during those crucial first days.

1.     Embrace the Excitement

The first day of school is like the opening night of a much-anticipated movie. There’s a buzz in the air, and you can feel the energy. Use this excitement to your advantage. Start the week with an engaging activity that sparks curiosity and sets the tone for the year. The SOLO Cup Challenge is a fantastic, low-prep, and budget-friendly activity that encourages teamwork and problem-solving from day one. It’s a great icebreaker and a fun way to introduce students to the collaborative nature of science and to get them chatting with each other and you!

2.     Be Organized and Prepared

Be as prepared as you can be for that first week of school. Go to school before your first in-service day to get your room ready so you don’t feel rushed on your first day back. Work on your lesson plans for the first few weeks of school so you know what you need to get from your lab closet.  Having your copies done for at least one week ahead (preferably more) is one easy way to minimize your stress. Who knows what day the copier will jam, and I can guarantee it will jam the one day you desperately need copies! We have all been there before!

 3.     Establish Routines Early

The first day of school I spend some time reviewing class expectations and routines. Doing this from Day 1 helps students understand what is expected of them and creates a structured learning environment. Spend time during the first week explaining classroom procedures, such as where to turn in papers, what your bathroom policy is, and how to will get your students attention when you need them to quiet down in a lab setting. Consistency in these routines will pay off throughout the year.

4.     Build Relationships

Although routines are important, nothing can take the place of getting to know your students. Activities like the “All About Me” worksheet are perfect for this. They allow students to share a bit about themselves and feel valued in your classroom.

After we review the syllabus and classroom procedures, we do the SOLO Cup Challenge as a great icebreaker activity! It is a great informal time for them to chat with each other and with you! Start to learn their names- I try to make connections if they have a pet or do a sport, so it helps me to remember! Building these strong relationships early on will help you create a positive classroom culture and make it easier to manage your class.

5.     Stay Flexible

No matter how well thought out a lesson plan can be, things can and will go wrong. Technology stops working, a website won’t load or the data you were hoping to get in a lab is not coming out as expected.  Just roll with it and go with the flow. Be flexible and if needed, switch gears and try something different. Flexibility is essential to a stress free teacher life.

6.     Take Care of Yourself

And last but not least…. Be sure to take care of you! The first week can be physically and emotionally draining. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks when needed. A well-rested and healthy teacher is more effective and better able to handle the demands of the first week.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the planning? I’ve got you covered. Check out my First Week of School Middle School Science Lesson Plans. These ready-made plans are designed to engage your students and make your first week a breeze. With activities that build classroom community, teach the Scientific Method, and have them making paper airplanes to reinforce the Scientific Method,  you’ll have everything you need to start the year on a high note. Save time, reduce stress, and focus on what you love – teaching science!