SAN ANTONIO – Teachers anticipate the first day of school just as much as their students.
They have to decorate their room, come up with new lesson plans and most importantly, get their students excited about learning.
Teachers like Marques Rubi said it's all about making students feel comfortable because the first day of school can be intimidating.
Rubi, who teaches reading and writing at Resnik Middle School -- a new school in the Southwest Independent School District -- said teachers have to build a connection with their students so they're not distracted. Students also need to feel comfortable to express themselves during group activities.
Rubi said he wants his students to get excited about learning and often has them working together.
By the end of the school year, Rubi said his classroom will be filled with projects the students have created.
"When they have a piece of paper or some type of material they connect with, and they reference with when it was created, not only do they understand the reason why it was made but they have a personal connection to it hanging on the wall," he said.
The projects will be used as a point of reference as the year progresses, according to Rubi. Group activities and hands-on lessons help students better remember the material as opposed to lecturing, Rubi said.
Rubi said he expects about 20 students per class, which will give him the opportunity to work closely with them by offering more individual attention.