The week before your students arrive, we recommend you make certain to address the following:

Place decorative and inspirational posters in the back of the classroom.

Prepare a back wall or ceiling space to post students' personal assignments.

Prepare a section of wall toward the back for displaying student work.

Plan how you will greet students as they enter the classroom the first day and each day.

Display your initial "Concepts-on-the-Wall."

Post initial announcements and assignments.

Bring plants into the classroom.

Set up a water station or a means for students to get drinks whenever they are thirsty.

Set up a music system for CDs or MP3 players with a remote.

Select and prepare your music that WILL create your needed atmosphere.

Skirt display and projection stands.

Prepare a personal task for students to do as they enter your classroom.

Check for clear visibility of all visuals from everywhere. Sit in each student's seat and put your eyes at the typical student eye level. While still seated, to predict whether students' views might be blocked by classmates seated in front of them, put your hand out in front of your face at the height and distance of other students' heads. Make adjustments to equipment and room arrangement as needed for visibility.

Commit to not getting angry or taking anything personally.

Make a personal commitment to being responsible for students' success.

Set up your Knowledge Wall (or Bank, Cave, Closet or Folder/Binder system).

Develop a plan for student involvement in the room layout and set-up.

Make sure the entire classroom is neat, organized, and in good repair.

Make sure you have a system developed to keep the classroom neat, organized, and in good repair.

As always, comments, suggestions or questions may be sent to us at this email.

Spence Rogers and the Peak Learning Systems Team