To our new teachers – WELCOME! You’ve joined a fantastic community, and we’re thrilled to have you here 😊
To our returning teachers – WELCOME BACK! This year brings exciting innovations like Magic School AI, but we’re also staying grounded in the essentials: strong classroom management and keeping our students engaged.
Are you ready to meet your new group of students? The first week is a golden opportunity to build meaningful connections that set the tone for the entire year.
📚 Featured Resource: Edutopia on Connecting with Students
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, this article offers evidence-backed strategies to help you build trust and rapport with students from day one. It’s a favorite of mine, and I think you’ll find it both inspiring and practical.
👉 Evidence-Backed Ways to Connect with Students in the First Week
🎥 Bonus: Edutopia’s Video Tips
Prefer a quick visual overview? This short video outlines four simple ways to start building relationships with students in your first week back.
👉 4 Ways to Start Connecting With Students in the First Week Back (YouTube)
🧠 Extra Insight: How You Begin and End Matters
How do you start your class? How do you wrap it up? The first and last few minutes of a lesson can be just as powerful as the content in between. Whether you’re looking to spark curiosity at the start or reinforce learning at the end, these routines help students stay engaged and reflective.
👉 14 Effective Opening and Closing Routines for Teachers
From “rapid review” huddles to “two-dollar summaries,” this article offers creative ways to bookend your lessons with purpose. Try mixing a few into your weekly rhythm – you might be surprised by how much they elevate your classroom energy and student understanding.
Have a great year 🙂
Barbara
M-TRACT 