Fast Llamas,

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?  After many trainings—like Quantum Learning’s concept of clean beginnings and tradition, the Fundamental Five approach to Framing the Lesson, and the Strong Start strategies outlined below—I finally put everything into practice. That’s when my classroom became truly efficient. It took effort on my part, but once the routines were established, students consistently did what was expected of them every day. The results were 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.

 Hey all fast llamas!

Today, I thought a good place to start talking about in terms of classroom culture and management is to start at the literal beginning.  The first interaction you have with your students as they enter your classroom... the threshold.

In Teach Like a Champion 2.0, Doug Lemov describes this as "the first opportunity to set high expectations", and I couldn't agree more. Getting it right and keeping it right are much easier than trying to fix it once it has gone wrong (I love this statement).

Here's what it looks like, sounds like and feels like:
Remember Everything Speaks - first impressions matter!  be purposeful and use this moment intentionally (lagniappe)
1.  Choose how you will greet students - this sets the tone for the rest of class.  Will you use it for rapport building? Academic success? Character building?  (a mix?)
2.  Stand astride the door if you can... so you can see what's happening in your classroom and outside.  (this may not always be possible, but, it is the goal)
3.  Greet students, remind them that they are in your class now (sending a message that no matter what expectations they are coming from, your expectations are in play now, and you expect their best).  I like to give each badge a "tap" with my finger or pencil.  It's like a mini-high five!
4.  Send a warm, strict message, you are glad they are here, but, we are here to learn... business with a smile
5.  Use this time to:
    *build rapport, "nice game last night", "looking for great things from you today", check badges or "cool shirt"; You are MODELING how to talk to Speak with good Purpose...
    *build academic success, "we have a quiz today, be sure you review your warm-ups", "flash cards" 
    *build character - how to shake hands, make eye contact, high five, side hug or fist bump (ask kids what they want), talk about the 8 Keys of Excellence (all Labay kids will be trained through science classes by the end of September)

6.  Split time between greeting and talking to kids in the class... you literally have eyes on everything. calling attention to it, sends a message to students that you are watching, monitoring and helping them be successful.

The ultimate goal of Threshold is twofold:
1.  help you establish a personal connections with your students though a brief individual check in (use their name)
2. Reinforce your expectations for what students should be doing as they enter your class.  

Set a goal to level up your Threshold and monitor the results you see in your classrooms Use Threshold to build academic success and build rapport!

Next week... We will talk about Starting Strong!