Starting the School Year with Intention

Creating the foundation for a successful and well-managed classroom.

How the school year begins often determines how it ends.

A strong start is crucial, setting the tone for a successful year, while a weak start can be nearly impossible to overcome.

A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures… and new challenges.

– Denise Witmer

First impressions are important

To maximize the crucial first impression on the first day of school, teachers should greet students warmly, be intentional with body language, and create a well-organized, welcoming classroom environment that balances prepared resources with space for future student contributions.

Child psychologist Haim Ginott noted that the teacher is “the deciding element” of the climate in the classroom. Don’t take this responsibility lightly.

Work on building relationships

Take the time to get to know your students. Building relationships means getting to know your students for who they are, how they learn, and how they should be taught. Building relationships with students also means building trust.

Building relationships during the first weeks of school involves getting to know students through surveys, icebreakers, and circle discussions, while also modeling authentic reflection by sharing how you’ll address their needs and improve based on feedback.

Set precedence and clear expectations

It’s crucial to establish clear expectations for respectful attention, confidentiality, and active listening to build a strong community.

By delaying the syllabus until relationships are formed, the focus remains on creating a solid foundation that fosters deeper learning and minimizes management issues throughout the year.

This foundational work allows for deeper learning and smoother classroom management as the year progresses.