When I think back on my first years in the classroom, I kind of cringe when I think about how I used to start class. Think... LOTS OF TIME WASTED. And it wasn't that I didn't know time was flying by, I just didn't have the skills to get started. Madeline Hunter had taught me about the lesson cycle, but, how to start? Quantum Learning shares that the brain love's clean beginnings, endings, and craves tradition. Llama Training tells us to have sharp systems. Fundamental Five tells us to Frame the Lesson and Teach like a Champion says to have a Strong Start. It wasn't until I learned all of the things and put them into practice that my class got efficient. It took effort, on my part... but, the students did what was asked of them on a daily basis once it became an established routine. Amazing.In Strong Start teachers design and establish an efficient routine for students to begin class. You are shaping the opening minutes, being proactive and creating energy. This time allows for learning goals to be discussed and review of content to be a routine occurrence (a tradition).
Remember, they are entering your class and you are greeting them and setting expectations. Once they enter, there is an established routine of picking up papers, sharpening pencils, turning in work and getting to their seat.
Once bell rings students should have a short review of previously learned material. This is in the form of a warm-up question at Labay. (some call it bell work, a Do Now, etc...) We want students to not lose, through disuse, what they have previously mastered. Adding to the warm-up is a review of Content Posters or Anchor Charts. Remember 10-24-7. We are always recapping!
Things to consider:
1. Set a timer for students to complete warm-up,
2. Walk around while they finish, (you can take attendance on TAC quickly and then get back to the power zone, I tried unsuccessfully to use my phone to take attendance... maybe you could be better at it)
3. Count down once timer goes off... "pencils down and tracking me in five... four... " this creates urgency... when down to one, students are ready
4. Some teachers check answers, some don't... the latter usually have students turn in their weeks warm-ups for a grade. Students get feedback later.
5. Go to Anchor Charts and have students say and do as you do to recap important info for the unit. Have kids stand up. Encourage body mnemonics and having them saying the words. So students are hearing, seeing, doing and saying the words for what you want them to remember. Have students recap with a partner. Set a timer for this too.
Finally the TPO (Three Part Objective) is discussed. The students can read it together, the teacher can read it, or get one kid each day to read it. The important part is that it is read and talked about out-loud everyday. This is the goal for the class period and it is really important students know why they are in class that day. The TPO tells them what they are learning, why they are learning it and how they will show what they learned.
I encourage setting timers so that this doesn't become a 20 minute routine... this should be quick and energetic.
Here's a quick montage of Champion Teachers using timers, setting the pace and creating urgency. Some cool ideas to try.
