Welcoming to Class

When your students walk into your classroom, they already decide what the class will be like and how they will act in class. It's important to set up a positive classroom climate the minute students walk in. You want the students to know what is expected, but feel welcomed at the same time.

In Harry Wong's First Day of School, he makes really good point. He says, "People welcome people." I think is extremely important in welcoming students into the classroom. If the teacher is not at the door welcoming students into class, who (or even what) is? The door, the desk, the whiteboard, the assignment? These aren't pleasant things to be welcomed by. Teachers should make a point to stand at the door and welcome students in.

If a teacher is not at the door to greet and just stays at his/her desk until the bell rings, they'll be seen as "a monster from a dungeon." Class time is already torture for some students, why make it worse and be a monster that is only there for class time? A teacher should welcome at the door and give a friendly smile to not look like such a monster.

In the future, I will definitely take into account things that Wong suggests to do in his book. One of the suggestions that I really liked was taking roll at the door. This way I will be able to actually meet the person and try to put names and faces together better. I also liked how he said that all info they need should be on the board. This way there aren't as many questions to be asked and it is all laid out in front of the students.

On the first day of school, I will be sure to welcome my students in and create as positive of an environment as I can.