This manual, designed to assist the beginning elementary school teacher in New York City, focuses on practical day-to-day matters such as discipline, class management, clerical procedures, lesson planning, and the act of teaching. Advice is given on: (1) school organization and routines; (2) schedules and activities for the first days; (3) student discipline; (4) lesson plans and teaching ideas, in general, and specifically for communication arts, reading, social studies, mathematics, writing, and science; (5) records, reports, and forms; and (6) responsibilities, relationships, and rewards. Appendices include sample floor plans, suggested daily schedules, opportunities for writing across the curriculum, and the local community school district. (JD)