Part of kicking off a new year involves teaching your rules, expectations, and procedures.  Who am I kidding?!  It's pretty much the most crucial piece to beginning a successful school year.  I focus on classroom management heavily those first six weeks.  That may seem like a long time, but I have found it pays off in the long run.  My classroom is always known for how self-sufficient it runs.  Is it perfect?  Not at all.  We have the same problems arise as the next classroom, but it's limited.   I also want to make sure that not only do I have a strong classroom management plan, but I also want to build an inviting, fun classroom environment.  I don't spend the first day reading over the rules and telling what my expectations are by lecturing and talking all day.  I want my students to be engaged from the start, so I teach my expectations through children's books, classroom discussion, and by attaching a fun little craftivity to break up the day.   W...