How to Be Absolutely Prepared for a New Student at Any Time

One thing that will inevitably happen during your teaching career is you will get a new student after the school year has already started. This can be very stressful, but with a little preparation, you can focus more on your new student and less on the added items on your to-do list.

My Experience with New Students

A few years ago, my classroom resembled a revolving door.

I was hired two weeks into the school year… there was a surprising amount of kindergarten enrollment and they added an extra position at the last minute. I had three days from the time I was hired to get everything moved into my room, set up, and be ready to teach on Monday.

I started the year with 17 kindergarteners. It was awesome. However, after the first month of school, my kindergarteners were constantly welcoming a new friend or saying goodbye to a loved classmate. You see my principal had parents volunteer to move students to the new kindergarten classroom. Since most kids were finally getting settled in their classrooms, many of the parents that volunteered to switch classes knew they would not be staying long.

Throughout the year my number of students fluctuated between 16 and 25. One thing that I needed, but never had time to focus on was prepping materials to have on hand for when I welcomed a new student to our class.

Every time we had a new student, I was scrambling during lunch or planning time to find all the necessary forms and handouts to send home with them. Each time I thought to myself “Get your act together! Make a few extra copies and get some packets ready for if another student comes.” I never did though.

Not only was it stressful each time a new student came (filling in curriculum gaps, building connections quickly, restructuring groups, finding a new chair, etc.), but it was also time-consuming to gather all the materials.

The Solution I Needed for New Students

I’ve created this set of forms to help you be prepared if/when you receive a new student this year.

In this download, you’ll find four forms:

1. Student Information – If you only use one form, this is the one to use. It has the basic information on your new student like their allergies, guardians, and emergency contacts.
2. Getting to Know You – This form pairs well with the Student Information form because it gives you more insight into your new student. I would recommend printing this on the back of the information form.
3. Can You Lend a Hand? – If you utilize classroom volunteers (which you definitely should!) this form gives parents the opportunity to share how they are willing to help and when they are available.
4. To and From School – This form helps you collect information on how students will get to and from school throughout the week.

I would suggest including a few extra things your new student and family may need to know, such as your homework policy, dress code, etc. There is a list included in the download with other suggested items to include like bulletin board pieces, nameplates, and more.

I also like to send home a letter with reading and math tips, as well as a list of websites the students could use. Check out our suggested learning websites for kids any time of the year!

What do you make sure to send home with new students on their first day? Are there any essential things we forgot to add to our list? Let us (and other teachers) know in the comments so everyone can be as prepared as possible for those new students that will enter classrooms this year.