Maximizing the Opening of the School Day

by Marian Brovero

You might be ready to eliminate the remnants of stressful demands with superior organization minus the overkill.  Demeanor is important.  You appear confidently calm, and sure enough, everyone thinks you are.  If you can convince other teachers (a tough audience), you can trick yourself.

Children honor routine.  If you must change, ask their permission, in a casual manner.  "We" includes the kids when talking about your class.  Make it feel that way.

The day officially begins.

• Opening exercises:  the pledge (the class leader truly leads), a song is chosen by a new person each day, a poem, one read by you and one by a student.  Here’s the perfect place for a microphone. (Mine came from a rock-n-roll son who moves on musically.) Next, A New & Good Time (formerly, Show & Tell).  Children have a deep need to be heard and listened to.  Provide that opportunity.
   
• Group prep for today’s skills and written work.  Maybe a word family of the day or the Word of the Morning.

All this plus the explanation of what’s expected is accomplished on the floor with your class in front of you.  Be clear and succinct.  Leave notes on the board for all as a reference.  Talk about what to do when the work is through.  You have talked enough.  Use signs for a while!

Your true work is about to begin.  Everyone must proceed independently (or have a buddy for guidance.)  You have small group instruction and students with whom you need to work.

Refinements will always be necessary.  The manner by which your routine works dictates the next step forward.

You have gathered and harnessed the entire class’s energy in your favor.  Your office, excuse me, your classroom is humming now.  Worthwhile learning through planning, routine and awareness will delight any principal.  Why not invite him/her in to observe!  That’s the perfect twist.