Let’s discuss your class syllabus. Did your eyes just glaze over? That’s what happened when I went over my class syllabus with my students the first year I taught. Your class syllabus does not have to be boring! Here are some ways to keep your students informed and interested (and an editable freebie to get you started.)
1. Keep YOUR SYLLABUS Simple
Do not over-inform. Ask yourself, “What does a student (or parent) HAVE to know about your class to be successful?” Keep to the basics – your contact information, grading and late work policy, homework expectations, supply list, tutoring schedule, and class website. As a math teacher, I even printed a large copy of my tutoring schedule and how to ask for help on the back. It was perfect for a parent to put on the fridge.
I would recommend that you do not include behavioral consequences but rely on the school policies or code of conduct.
Additionally, keep it pleasing to the eye. Do you enjoy reading paragraphs of information in 12 point Times New Roman font? Use headers, text boxes, and images so that specific information is easy to find.
2. Check with Administration and Grade Level Team MEMBERs
Remember that your policies need to be in line with your school’s policies. If your school has a specific late work policy, stick to that. Not sure? Find out. If you are a part of a grade level team, agreeing to the same policies can make it easier for students and parents (and teachers – ha!) to remember.
3. Keep Students Accountable for Knowing the Information
In high school, my Algebra 2 teacher had us take a quiz about her syllabus that counted for a grade on the second day of school. While that might work for some students, playing Jeopardy or any simple point game would be a fun way to start the school year. I divide the room in half for teams, pass out small whiteboards, and ask questions. Students have to use their syllabus to find the answers to the questions. Then, their homework on the first day is to get their syllabus signed by a parent.
Do you write a syllabus for your class? Whether you do and need it to be revamped or would like to have one for this year, you can snag a free, editable syllabus by clicking above. It’s easy to type in the content, and you just need Microsoft PowerPoint.
Lillian says
June 18, 2018 at 7:37 pmIn the picture above, what font is used? I really think I like that font.
Noelle Pickering says
July 6, 2018 at 6:00 amHi Lillian! There are several fonts used and they are all linked in the download. Hope that helps!
Heather Beasley says
June 20, 2018 at 7:56 amI really love your syllabus! In fact, I have tried to download it numerous times, but it has not become available in my email. Please send me a copy of this fantastic syllabus!
Thanks
Tyne Brack says
June 22, 2018 at 10:34 amHi! Did you use your school email? School emails have a really heavy filter, so could you try again using your personal email? Thank you!
Catherine Patalano says
June 22, 2018 at 1:38 pmI am using my persona le-mail and also have not received anything. Would really like this great syllabus!
Noelle Pickering says
July 6, 2018 at 5:59 amHi Catherine! I have no clue why the syllabus isn’t getting to your inbox…sometimes I am baffled by technology. I am going to try resending it you and see if we can get it to work that way. Thanks for your patience!
Nina says
July 29, 2018 at 10:48 pmI thought that I hadn’t received the email either, however it ends up in the “Promotions” folder if you have a gmail account. hope this helps!
Noelle Pickering says
July 31, 2018 at 4:52 pmHi there! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Aaronne Johnson says
June 28, 2018 at 2:21 pmHi
I am trying to download the syllabus as well with no luck and I’m using my personal email.
Please help!
Thanks
Noelle Pickering says
July 6, 2018 at 5:58 amHi Aaronne! I have no clue why the syllabus isn’t getting to your inbox…sometimes I am baffled by technology. I am going to try resending it you and see if we can get it to work that way. Thanks for your patience!
Kari says
June 21, 2018 at 1:19 pmI love this idea! I tried to download the free template, but it just put me in a loop. I think I signed up for your newsletter three times (sorry about that). Is there a trick to get the download to work?
Tyne Brack says
June 22, 2018 at 10:33 amHi! Did you use your school email? School emails have a really heavy filter, so could you try again using your personal email? Thank you!
Anna says
June 29, 2018 at 6:44 pmThe same thing happened to me, I did not use my school account. I used regular gmail. Not coming to inbox or spam folder but love the way the syllabus looks! I made one and now think that it might have too much information, this looks much more concise for students and parents.
Noelle Pickering says
July 6, 2018 at 5:57 amHi Anna! I have no clue why the syllabus isn’t getting to your inbox…sometimes I am baffled by technology. I am going to try resending it you and see if we can get it to work that way. Thanks for your patience!
Rori Abernethy says
June 27, 2018 at 1:45 pmHi,
I think the link is broken. I could not download it as well.
I am looking forward to using the template this Fall!
Noelle Pickering says
July 6, 2018 at 5:59 amHi Rori! I have no clue why the syllabus isn’t getting to your inbox…sometimes I am baffled by technology. I am going to try resending it you and see if we can get it to work that way. Thanks for your patience!
Kelly Parker says
July 18, 2018 at 5:53 pmHello! I tried subscribing so I could get the syllabus but I have not received it!
Noelle Pickering says
July 31, 2018 at 5:06 pmHi there! Several people have mentioned that it ended up in their promotions folder. Hope that helps! I am also sending an email. Thanks for your patience!
Megan says
July 26, 2018 at 1:11 pmHi!
I am having the same problem receiving the syllabus as the other people. I would really like to use this template, it looks great.
Noelle Pickering says
July 31, 2018 at 5:05 pmHi there! Several people have mentioned that it ended up in their promotions folder. Hope that helps! I am also sending an email. Thanks for your patience!
Daniella says
July 30, 2018 at 8:16 pmHi,
I downloaded it with my gmail account and it was put under my “Promotions” folder. Maybe that will help others!
Noelle Pickering says
July 31, 2018 at 4:52 pmHi there! Thanks for letting me know!! 🙂
Phil says
July 31, 2018 at 1:38 pmNo luck downloading the syllabus template. I used my personal email, but it is a no go.
Noelle Pickering says
July 31, 2018 at 4:51 pmHi there! Several people have mentioned that it ended up in their promotions folder. Hope that helps! I am also sending an email. Thanks for your patience!