Preparing for lesson one with a new high school class

As the Director of Mathematics at a large high school, young and inexperienced teachers were appointed to my school each year, often in their first year in the classroom. It was my responsibility to bring them into my department and guide them through the beginnings of their career. Below are tips I would give to help you get started with your new classes so that your students are experienced teachers rather than novices.
The first lesson with a new class, even for the experienced teacher, sets the tone of the class for at least the first few weeks.
Below is what a teacher should organize and do in their first lesson at the beginning of the year.

Prior preparation:

ï‚Ÿ The class list is governed as a period roll;
ï‚Ÿ An initial activity;
ï‚Ÿ Room Plan for a seating plan if you are not using the alphabetical plan;
ï‚Ÿ Outline of work for each student plus extras for students not on the list;
ï‚Ÿ Assessment schedule;
ï‚Ÿ List of students with special needs;
ï‚Ÿ Your carry-on box of teaching necessities, including pencils;
ï‚Ÿ Organize the room the way you need it for each class.
ï‚Ÿ Texts, handouts for this lesson;
ï‚Ÿ Check student registration cards beforehand. Take notes on student-related issues. Make an effort to put a face to a name in lesson one.
ï‚Ÿ Photos of each student, if possible from school records;
ï‚Ÿ Plan the entire lesson. Have an activity that all students can do.
ï‚Ÿ Have a list of everything you need to do. Make sure you have extra activities to do to fill the time.
ï‚Ÿ A short and fun activity at the end of the lesson.

Break your plan down into a generic plan that fits all the lessons. Then make sure you have separate files of information for each class you will see on the first day. Then you’ll be ready to start the year “on the right note.”