7 Steps To Welcome A New Student 

Each year I get my class list and I hope that I am maxed out so I will not get any new students during the year. We spend so much time at the beginning of the year and daily getting to know each other, it’s hard to get a student MID year. There just isn’t enough time to get everything ready and show them what you have had months to show others.

WELP, it’s January and I was just told that my new student will be here on Monday. It has been a crazy 4-day week and I am glad that I set things in place, so I am ready-ish for her on Monday.

If you have ever gotten a new student, you know how it feels. I am hoping by the time you are done you will have all the tools you need to welcome your new student!

Step 1: New Student Kit

At the beginning of the year when I am getting ready for my new class, I make 3 extras of everything. I don’t really notice it because I am prepping it for everyone else. I put each set in a gallon zip lock bag and set it in a bin by the cubbies. Then if I have any important papers or tools for their desk, I can put the extras in the new student bin as the year goes on.

Something I started this year is a paper trail for nametags, folder covers, and anything else I create and need to print out. I put the paper in the new student bin and anytime I make something on my computer with their name printed on it I can add it to the list with the file name on it. If you are organized you can skip this, but if you are like me you need to write the file name down so you can find it later!

Examples of Student Kits

This should just be what you give all your students the first week of school.

• Pencil box full of pencils, crayons, whiteboard eraser, highlighter, eraser, whiteboard pen, pencil sharpener
• Parent handbook
• Classroom handbook
• Writing folder, desk folder, 120 chart
• Any curriculum
• Name tag
• Take home folder (print cover with name)
• Memory book cover (just as a reminder, will need to print a new one with their name on it.)
  • Curious about EASY memory books? Check out my post about it here.

Step 2: Tell Your Class

A new student will learn more from their peers than from you. I am positive that they are more worried about the kids in the class and making friends than anything else.

Take the time to tell your students, answer questions they have, and see who WANTS to be a buddy. You might have someone in mind, but they might not want that job. Give them scenarios and have them put themselves in their shoes.

Step 3: Assign a Buddy

Take note of who volunteered and think about which student will follow the rules, be a good role model, and be a student that will be kind and not bossy. Once you pick a student take time during the day (I talked to them at recess) about what their job is and how to make them feel welcome.

Make sure if you have any specials teachers, that you email them and let them know you have a new student. Then, I also introduce them to the new student the first day we have that special.

Jobs of a buddy

• Introduce themselves and sit by them
• Go through their desk with them and help them get materials out quickly
• Share the rules with them as they come up
• Take them to the bathroom
• Be a good role model and follow our classroom rules and jobs
• Show them how to
  • Turn in their papers
  • Morning tubs
  • Pencils
  • Pack up

Have 2 different kids volunteer to sit with them at lunch and play with them on the playground. Then if your helper is absent the other person will be ready. But of course encourage everyone to play and be friendly and welcoming!

Step 4: New Student Desk Set Up

In your new student bin, you should have any folders and tools they will need. In my student bin. Find a desk and chair from another teacher or custodian then I set it up by their new buddy. Then, I make their name tag and write a note on their desk. I usually say _______ I am so glad you are in this class! You are our missing piece.

Step 5: Welcome Gift

Each year I have a theme in class if you don’t you can find MILLIONS of ideas on Pinterest. This year at the beginning of the year I put some s’more cereal in baggies and said this class is s’more fun with you in it. I made a baggie of it and put it on their desk for our snack time!

The other kids were excited to talk about how they had that on their first day. It was a great memory and connection for them to share. Even some of my shy kids were talking to the new kid!

Step 6: Meet the Parents

Depending on how your school handles this, you could have a phone or email conversation with the parents before they start, or it could be right when they walk in the day they start.

At our school, it is the day they start. We only have a few minutes and I want to make sure they know how to contact me and stay up to date with our class.

Make sure to introduce myself to the parents and new student. Next, I smile a lot and make sure most of it is directed at the new student. Then, give them a parent folder and tell them that they will have a great day and to contact me with any questions or feel free to set up a conference.

In the parent folder, I put:

• log in information for ClassDojo and ParentSquare (or whatever you use for communication)
• Meet the teacher paper
• Parent Handbook
• Class Packet

Step 7: Be Fun, Welcoming, and Fair to Your New Student

I can only imagine how nervous I would feel to start a new school where everyone already has friends and knows what to do. Having a buddy helps, but I try to incorporate some of the class’s favorite games like Blooket and brain breaks to ease them into the day. I check on them throughout the day, as well as their buddy to see how things are going. TRY to slow down and take the day slowly. No one wants to feel like they are lost.

Just because they are new doesn’t mean you do not hold them to your rules and expectations. I will give more reminders and warnings, as well as go over rules and procedures more often during the first week, but I will not stand for disrespect or putting others in danger. This sets the tone for them just encase they are trying to see where the line is.

Getting a new student during the year is not easy for anyone, but these 7 tips it can help you stay organized, the parents feel included, and most importantly help the new student build bonds with the rest of the class! Do you have any new student tips to share?