First Weeks of School

Articles

“There’s something fresh and exciting about a new school year—a sense of boundless optimism and crisp new beginnings. And every year, the first few weeks present us with a wonderful opportunity to help students transition smoothly back into school routines and start to connect with each other. It’s an ideal time to begin showing them that school is a safe place, that they’re important members of the classroom and school communities, and that they can look forward to an engaging, challenging, and fun year of learning.”

— from The First Six Weeks of School

You can find our latest articles on the first weeks of school below.

Explore our approach, fostering safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms. We prioritize social, emotional, and academic growth, guided by principles.

Classroom Management & Discipline Special Times in the Year
Keep Learning Going During Holiday & Vacation Times

Suddenly, it seems like the class is falling apart. Classroom routines that were going smoothly just a few weeks ago now seem rough around the edges. More and more children are forgetting to follow classroom rules. The noise level is higher, and academic productivity seems lower. What's going on?

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Discipline Teacher Language
When Children Are Defiant

I once taught a second grader who sometimes subtly refused to go along with what we were doing. For instance, if we had to leave the classroom and John didn't want to go, he'd get in line—but then walk as slowly as possible. The more his classmates and I urged him to walk faster, the slower he would go. At each deliberate step, I could feel my blood pressure rise. But in that moment, I could do little. I couldn't physically make John walk faster; nor was he ready to rationally discuss his feelings or options. Rarely did a student's behavior get to me, but John's resistance always did.

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Middle School Middle School Teacher Language
Reinforcing Language: Giving Middle Schoolers Supportive Feedback

Teacher language—the words, tone, and pace we use when we talk to students—may be the most powerful of all our teaching tools. After all, language permeates nearly every interaction we have with students; we use words to exchange friendly greetings, give instructions, deliver content, and check understanding.

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First Weeks of School

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