Margret Stöckler
Well, sometimes the start of school feels a bit like being thrown in at the deep end, doesn't it? And that's despite the fact that we all prepare as best we can for all demands, write plans, craft materials, laminate, organize, sort out, dust...
Especially when you're about to take over a new – perhaps even your first – class, the tension is high. Often, anticipation and nervousness mix – at least that's how it was for me last year, even though I've been teaching since 1999. You can't plan everything in advance, you don't know what will come and, most importantly, how it will be... and a lot of course depends on the children. In recent years, I've observed that it's becoming increasingly important as a teacher to be fully present. Children demand a lot of clarity, need a lot of guidance with clear structures, rituals that provide security and create calm – both internally and externally...
The best way to create this calm and clarity is if you feel strong and secure yourself – I achieve this best when I know exactly what I want. And although I otherwise like to make many spontaneous decisions, when it comes to little Oups, I plan even the details down to the last.
If you are not yet familiar with the materials, you can find out more here.
Still during the holidays, the children receive a letter from me informing them that Oups and I are waiting to meet them.
It's time! Time to get to know each other
Before the first day of school, I prepare a few things:
I hang this self-painted picture on the wall:
It shows our planet Earth. In the upper right corner, I've placed a picture of the Heart Planet and a small field glass – Oups always used it to look down at us before he decided to come to us and help us fight less and help each other more...
I also like to prepare a circle of chairs. If the chairs are marked with name tags or name symbols, the children can look for their chair and sit down there when they first enter the classroom. You could also place these welcome cards. You can find them here.
While searching, the first small contacts are made, I help here, I help there, and I use the chance to make the first encounter a supportive and positive one. When everyone is seated, you might find yourself almost pierced by curious glances, and many children's eyes nervously and excitedly flitting through the room. This was actually the moment I was most looking forward to on the first day of school. And then I said the following sentence: "Phew, children, are you as excited as I am?" From then on, the ice was broken for most of the children, and we discussed the excitement of the last few days, waking up in the morning, and most of the children spoke up.
Afterwards, perhaps you'll have a small movement game or time to find seats in the classroom... Perhaps right at the beginning – or maybe a little later – the children's gaze will fall on the treasure chest that I've placed not far from our circle of chairs... If not, I'll ask the children: Do you remember the letter I sent you during the holidays? Do you remember who I told you about? ...
So, together, we remember the little friend who is probably waiting somewhere and wants to meet us.
Carefully, I carry the locked box into the center of our circle. Oups is waiting in it to meet the children. I tell the children that he is a little shy and therefore wants to stay in his hiding place a little longer...
Next, I read the children the book "Oups, who are you?"
Then I whisper to Oups in the box and ask him if he's ready to come out...
Veeeery slowly, the lid of the box is lifted, just a little bit... it has to be completely quiet in the classroom, otherwise Oups won't come out of his safe hiding place.
On the first day, Oups stays on my lap and I answer the children's questions, but perhaps I also ask a few questions "on Oups' behalf" and use this opportunity to get to know the children a little better...
For example: "Oups just whispered to me that he was so excited last night that he almost couldn't fall asleep." Oups is most looking forward to singing. Are you too? What are you most looking forward to?"
Now Oups tells the children why he has come, what he wants to help the class with, what he is looking forward to,...
The first song "Hello, Oups" (music download) can now be sung with the children, either to music or with guitar accompaniment. You can find more about this song in the blog post Our "Hello Oups" earworm.
Afterwards, the children receive their Oups – workbooks and are allowed to design the first page by drawing a picture of their new friend, Oups.
The next steps I describe in the blog post "From a strong "I" to a strong "We" with Oups". Here you can read how Oups continues in the classroom and how he helps us build a peaceful, strong community.
If the children want to look into the box immediately, I would, for example, simply reverse the program and completely engage with the dynamic of the little newcomers. Of course, there are countless ways to start with Oups, my explanations here are only meant as suggestions. As always, I would love to read about your ideas. Feel free to share them in the comments or by e-mail to m.stoeckler@werteart.com
