LAB ASSIGNMENTS
Prior to beginning your Lab Assignments, choose a grade level you want to teach. With this in mind, complete ten of the following Lab Assignments.
Lab 1: Prepare a list (minimum of 5) of possible first day activities for your class.
Lab 2: Make a list of activities and preparations you will have done prior to the first day of school.
Lab 3: Make a diagram of your classroom arrangement. Remember to include centers, your desk, and any equipment. Write a brief summary as to why you arranged it the way you did.
Lab 4: Write down some things you will tell your students about yourself on the first day.
Lab 5: Make a list of possible rules for your classroom. How will you develop them and decide what they are? How will you teach them to your students? Where will you post them?
Lab 6: Interview a classroom teacher either in person or by e-mail. Prior to the interview write 10 questions you would like to ask the teacher. These may include questions about lesson plans, classroom management, first year of teaching, etc. Include questions with the write-up.
Lab 7: Go to a teacher supply store and make a list of items you would purchase for your classroom. Think about bulletin boards, specific classroom units, and supplies for the classroom. Include the name of the store along with a price list for each item.
Lab 8: What are some classroom jobs your students can perform? How will you monitor and assign these jobs?
Lab 9: Write a letter of introduction to the parents of your students.
Lab 10: Develop a Parent Involvement Plan for your class. How and when will you communicate with parents? How will you involve parents in your classroom?
Lab 11: Develop a lesson plan for your specific grade/subject. Go to www.lessonplanz.com for ideas.
Lab 12: What do you feel your homework policy will be? Write a letter to parents explaining your homework policy.
Lab 13: How will you handle the following situations: student birthdays, student illness, death of a student family member, death of a student, school violence, natural disaster.
Lab 14: Thinking about your specific grade what are some ways you can build a classroom community based on trust and honesty?
Lab 15: Attend a local school board meeting. Write a brief summary of what you saw and heard (minimum 3 paragraphs).