1st Day Organization Checklist

Below is an organizational checklist to help the teacher prepare for the first day in a physical education class. All of these items will help ensure that the start to the school year goes smoothly and efficiently, maximizing the student’s learning time. Many if these items will also help ensure there are no surprises for the teacher that will negatively impact students or the learning environment.

1. Class lists:

• Review class lists to be prepared for number of students in each class.
• Review any IEPs or 504s to be prepared for any needed modifications.
• Create attendance lists in alphabetical order for efficiency.

1. Emergency/First Aid:

• Review plan for lockdown and fire drills.
• Confirm emergency bag is complete and in secure location.
• Check and stock all first aid kits.

1. Posters and signs:

• Confirm all posters and signs are put up (including rules, safety, locker room in/out times, fitness definitions, sports-themed, motivational, etc…).
• Set up squad line markers to ensure students know where to line up.

1. Forms

• Make copies of all forms to hand out to students the first week of class, including physical education expectations and guidelines, locker room expectations, grading policy, uniform policy and make-up slips.

1. Locker room:

• Check that all lockers are working and the locker room area is clean and in safe condition.
• Organize locks for hand out on the first day.

1. Gym and field areas:

• Check that the gym and field areas are in good condition and cone off any unsafe areas.

1. Equipment and storage areas:

• Check and organize all fitness equipment, fix or throw out any broken equipment.
• Organize and clean all equipment storage areas.

In addition, the teacher should review the first day plan/script, including:

• Squad lines and attendance procedures.
• Locker room rules, safety rules and expectations.
• Assigning of lockers and locks.

The first day of a physical education class should be kept as simple and straightforward as possible to ensure the students are all familiar and comfortable with the physical education class environment. Students want a safe, predictable and nurturing environment – one that is consistent (Wong, 2009, p. 3).
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References
Wong, K. and Wong, R. (2009), The First Days of School. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong