1 00:00:00,960 --> 00:00:03,660 Heidi: This is episode 215 of Teacher Approved. 2 00:00:05,460 --> 00:00:09,840 You're listening to Teacher Approved, the podcast helping 3 00:00:09,840 --> 00:00:13,560 educators elevate what matters and simplify the rest. I'm 4 00:00:13,560 --> 00:00:14,100 Heidi. 5 00:00:14,300 --> 00:00:17,480 Emily: And I'm Emily. We're the creators behind Second Story 6 00:00:17,480 --> 00:00:20,420 Window, where we give research based and teacher approved 7 00:00:20,420 --> 00:00:23,060 strategies that make teaching less stressful and more 8 00:00:23,060 --> 00:00:26,480 effective. You can check out the show notes and resources from 9 00:00:26,480 --> 00:00:28,940 each episode at secondstorywindow.net. 10 00:00:29,240 --> 00:00:32,060 Heidi: We're so glad you're tuning in today. Let's get to 11 00:00:32,060 --> 00:00:32,600 the show. 12 00:00:36,260 --> 00:00:39,665 Emily: Hey there. Thanks for joining us today. In today's 13 00:00:39,665 --> 00:00:43,385 episode, we are diving deep into the first 20 minutes of the 14 00:00:43,385 --> 00:00:46,805 first day of school, and we're sharing exactly how to use those 15 00:00:46,805 --> 00:00:50,225 crucial opening moments to set yourself up for a successful day 16 00:00:50,285 --> 00:00:53,705 and year. Plus, we'll share a teacher approved tip for 17 00:00:53,705 --> 00:00:57,185 handling those inevitable first day tears. 18 00:00:58,025 --> 00:01:00,530 Heidi: But let's start with a try it tomorrow, where we share 19 00:01:00,530 --> 00:01:02,990 a favorite quick win that you can try in your life right away. 20 00:01:03,230 --> 00:01:05,150 Emily, what's our suggestion for this week? 21 00:01:05,570 --> 00:01:08,870 Emily: This week, try giving yourself a compliment out loud. 22 00:01:08,870 --> 00:01:12,290 I know it kind of sounds silly, but research shows that speaking 23 00:01:12,290 --> 00:01:16,730 positive self talk aloud is more effective than just thinking it. 24 00:01:16,730 --> 00:01:19,670 So tomorrow, when you do something well, maybe you handle 25 00:01:19,670 --> 00:01:22,850 a tricky situation smoothly, or remember to send an important 26 00:01:22,850 --> 00:01:27,035 email, say something like, Good job me, or I handled that so 27 00:01:27,035 --> 00:01:31,715 well. It will feel silly, I'm sure, but your brain needs to 28 00:01:31,715 --> 00:01:33,995 hear that encouragement, especially during busy times 29 00:01:33,995 --> 00:01:34,715 like back to school. 30 00:01:35,255 --> 00:01:38,075 Heidi: I love this. This is so whimsical and it's effective. 31 00:01:38,435 --> 00:01:40,775 And if you find that saying something out loud feels too 32 00:01:40,775 --> 00:01:43,175 weird, you can try writing yourself a quick note in your 33 00:01:43,175 --> 00:01:46,595 planner. Future you will appreciate the reminder that 34 00:01:46,595 --> 00:01:48,620 present you is doing great things. 35 00:01:48,620 --> 00:01:52,040 Emily: If you like this idea or anything else we share here on 36 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:54,560 the podcast, could you take a minute and give us a five star 37 00:01:54,560 --> 00:01:57,860 rating and review on Apple podcasts? That's one way that 38 00:01:57,860 --> 00:02:01,100 new listeners find us. So every rating and review is just super 39 00:02:01,100 --> 00:02:01,700 helpful. 40 00:02:02,680 --> 00:02:05,140 Heidi: Over the years, Emily and I have created an extensive 41 00:02:05,140 --> 00:02:08,140 library of back to school products. So to help you find 42 00:02:08,140 --> 00:02:10,900 the tools that will make the start of your new year easier, 43 00:02:11,140 --> 00:02:14,800 today we are spotlighting our back to school brain breaks. 44 00:02:15,280 --> 00:02:17,500 Emily: Well, since today's episode is about how to make the 45 00:02:17,500 --> 00:02:19,840 first day of school run smoothly, we wanted to share an 46 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:23,860 important tool for the first few days, your emergency time 47 00:02:23,860 --> 00:02:27,565 fillers. So until you get everyone into their new routine, 48 00:02:27,625 --> 00:02:30,445 you have no way of knowing if an activity is going to take five 49 00:02:30,445 --> 00:02:33,385 minutes or 25 minutes. And that's why you need to have some 50 00:02:33,385 --> 00:02:36,565 ready to go time fillers that you can grab at a moment's 51 00:02:36,565 --> 00:02:39,145 notice. And that's where these brain breaks come in handy. 52 00:02:38,840 --> 00:02:41,291 Heidi: We intentionally designed these to work without 53 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:51,249 Unknown: You'll be so relieved to have these on hand at the 54 00:02:41,343 --> 00:02:44,681 technology, so that you can use these on the fly without needing 55 00:02:44,733 --> 00:02:48,071 to prep anything. You just print off the cards of the activities 56 00:02:48,124 --> 00:02:51,097 that sound interesting and you're all ready to go to fill 57 00:02:51,149 --> 00:02:54,330 any unexpected downtime, or, you know, to help kids get their 58 00:02:51,249 --> 00:03:03,525 start of the year, but we also have brain breaks to help you 59 00:02:54,383 --> 00:02:57,512 wiggles out if they've been sitting too long for all of your 60 00:02:57,564 --> 00:02:58,660 rules and procedures. 61 00:03:03,645 --> 00:03:06,165 manage your class all year long. So you can find a link to our 62 00:03:06,165 --> 00:03:07,665 brain breaks in the show notes. 63 00:03:07,665 --> 00:03:11,445 Emily: Okay, picture this. It's 7:30am on the first day of 64 00:03:11,445 --> 00:03:14,085 school. You've been planning for weeks. Your classroom looks 65 00:03:14,085 --> 00:03:17,205 amazing, and you're as ready as you'll ever be, but then the 66 00:03:17,205 --> 00:03:19,305 kids start arriving, and suddenly your mind goes 67 00:03:19,305 --> 00:03:21,765 completely blank. Where do you even start? 68 00:03:22,545 --> 00:03:25,185 Heidi: Yeah, that's a rough moment. When you're standing 69 00:03:25,185 --> 00:03:27,810 there with 20 something little strangers looking at you 70 00:03:27,930 --> 00:03:32,010 expectantly, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the 50 things 71 00:03:32,010 --> 00:03:34,290 that feel like they need to happen at the exact same time. 72 00:03:34,290 --> 00:03:37,230 Emily: So that's why we're breaking down exactly what 73 00:03:37,230 --> 00:03:40,650 should happen in those first 20 minutes of the first day. Of 74 00:03:40,650 --> 00:03:43,890 course, we have some suggested activities, but we're also 75 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:47,550 sharing the why behind each choice and how they all work 76 00:03:47,550 --> 00:03:50,235 together to create the calm, confident start that you're 77 00:03:50,235 --> 00:03:50,835 looking for. 78 00:03:51,380 --> 00:03:54,140 Heidi: Think of this as your game plan. Just like a football 79 00:03:54,140 --> 00:03:58,100 coach scripts the first 15 to 20 plays of a game, we're going to 80 00:03:58,100 --> 00:04:01,040 script those opening minutes so that you can focus on connecting 81 00:04:01,100 --> 00:04:04,220 with your students instead of frantically trying to remember 82 00:04:04,220 --> 00:04:05,180 what comes next. 83 00:04:05,720 --> 00:04:08,480 Emily: Don't worry, you don't have to keep track of 15 to 20 84 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:11,960 football plays. Instead, we're going to organize everything 85 00:04:11,960 --> 00:04:14,825 that needs to happen into five goals. Each of these goals 86 00:04:14,825 --> 00:04:18,185 serves a specific purpose in helping to make the first 20 87 00:04:18,185 --> 00:04:22,025 minutes the key that unlocks a happy and successful first day 88 00:04:22,025 --> 00:04:22,385 of school. 89 00:04:22,385 --> 00:04:24,845 Heidi: So first we'll talk about what those goals are, and then 90 00:04:24,845 --> 00:04:27,305 we're going to walk you through exactly how to achieve each one. 91 00:04:27,305 --> 00:04:31,145 So your first goal is to welcome each student and help them 92 00:04:31,145 --> 00:04:34,505 settle into this new space. Remember, some of your kids woke 93 00:04:34,505 --> 00:04:38,090 up so excited that morning, but others might have really been 94 00:04:38,090 --> 00:04:39,950 anxious about this moment for weeks. 95 00:04:40,460 --> 00:04:43,060 Emily: This is where greeting at the door becomes so powerful. 96 00:04:43,060 --> 00:04:46,120 When you stand at your classroom door and personally welcome each 97 00:04:46,120 --> 00:04:48,940 child, you're sending the message that they belong here 98 00:04:49,120 --> 00:04:51,400 and that you're genuinely happy to see them. 99 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:55,600 Heidi: to be able to say good morning and send them off onto 100 00:04:55,600 --> 00:04:59,080 their routine, but on the first day, your students don't know 101 00:04:59,080 --> 00:05:02,380 anything. So you need to be situated where you can explain 102 00:05:02,380 --> 00:05:04,780 exactly what they need to do when they walk into your 103 00:05:04,780 --> 00:05:05,380 classroom. 104 00:05:05,920 --> 00:05:08,440 Emily: So as you greet each student, you're also giving them 105 00:05:08,440 --> 00:05:11,680 their first mini lesson. Good morning, Sophia. Hang your 106 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:14,920 backpack on any hook with a green dot, then choose a lunch 107 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:17,425 from the chart on the board and find your desk. 108 00:05:17,425 --> 00:05:21,205 Heidi: Keep it simple and specific. It will be helpful to 109 00:05:21,205 --> 00:05:24,145 post these steps on the board, and if you really want to take 110 00:05:24,145 --> 00:05:27,205 the stress level down, consider adding picture cues next to the 111 00:05:27,205 --> 00:05:29,905 words for anyone who might be feeling a little shaky in their 112 00:05:29,905 --> 00:05:31,405 reading ability at that moment. 113 00:05:32,125 --> 00:05:35,365 Emily: And still be prepared to repeat these directions to each 114 00:05:35,365 --> 00:05:38,665 student individually as they arrive. It is tedious for the 115 00:05:38,665 --> 00:05:41,710 teacher, but it's better than leaving kids wondering and 116 00:05:41,710 --> 00:05:45,130 confused. That will only amp up their first day nerves, and we 117 00:05:45,130 --> 00:05:45,850 do not want that. 118 00:05:46,450 --> 00:05:48,910 Heidi: If it's handy, you can have name tags with you at the 119 00:05:48,910 --> 00:05:52,090 door, or you can have them waiting on your students desks. 120 00:05:52,450 --> 00:05:55,450 Consider what makes the best sense for your situation. 121 00:05:55,450 --> 00:05:58,270 Helping your students get their name tags on can be a calming 122 00:05:58,270 --> 00:06:00,918 point of one on one connection, but on the other hand, it might 123 00:06:00,918 --> 00:06:01,007 further complicate an already complicated morning, if you're 124 00:06:01,007 --> 00:06:04,015 holding up the flow of traffic and you have a big line of kids 125 00:06:04,015 --> 00:06:10,255 trying to get into the room. There's not a right or wrong 126 00:06:10,255 --> 00:06:13,435 answer for this, just make sure that you are thinking about the 127 00:06:13,435 --> 00:06:16,915 pros and cons of your different options well in advance. 128 00:06:17,455 --> 00:06:20,395 Emily: Yeah, do yourself a favor by making as many decisions as 129 00:06:20,395 --> 00:06:23,335 possible ahead of time, because you've got enough on your plate 130 00:06:23,335 --> 00:06:26,380 without having decision fatigue draining your energy on that 131 00:06:26,380 --> 00:06:26,860 first day. 132 00:06:26,860 --> 00:06:30,160 And then once you've welcomed your students, your second goal 133 00:06:30,160 --> 00:06:33,760 is to provide an activity that calms nervous energy while 134 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:36,580 keeping everyone engaged. And that is where we circle back to 135 00:06:36,580 --> 00:06:39,820 one of our all time favorite strategies, which is pattern 136 00:06:39,820 --> 00:06:40,240 blocks. 137 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:43,360 Heidi: If you have been with us for a while, you know we are 138 00:06:43,360 --> 00:06:47,200 obsessed with pattern blocks for this exact moment. In fact, we 139 00:06:47,200 --> 00:06:50,665 are so passionate about this, we would recommend investing in a 140 00:06:50,665 --> 00:06:54,985 class set of blocks, even if you never use them a single time to 141 00:06:54,985 --> 00:06:58,705 teach math. And Emily and I really don't recommend spending 142 00:06:58,705 --> 00:07:00,205 money on much for your classroom. 143 00:07:00,660 --> 00:07:04,020 Emily: Yeah, but pattern blocks can be your secret weapon for 144 00:07:04,020 --> 00:07:07,380 inside recess, keeping the siblings of your students 145 00:07:07,440 --> 00:07:10,740 entertained during parent conferences, rewarding your 146 00:07:10,740 --> 00:07:13,860 class with a fun and easy activity, and so much more. 147 00:07:14,280 --> 00:07:17,700 Everyone loves pattern blocks. I've even had to drag teenagers 148 00:07:17,700 --> 00:07:20,760 away from playing with them. They're so versatile, but let's 149 00:07:20,760 --> 00:07:23,220 talk about what makes them especially perfect for the first 150 00:07:23,220 --> 00:07:23,940 morning of school. 151 00:07:23,940 --> 00:07:27,105 Heidi: Well, we have a list of reasons. Of course we do. First, 152 00:07:27,165 --> 00:07:30,465 pattern blocks require zero explanation. Kids see blocks on 153 00:07:30,465 --> 00:07:33,285 the table, they immediately know what to do. Little kids are 154 00:07:33,285 --> 00:07:36,345 going to dive right in. Big kids are going to maybe act like 155 00:07:36,345 --> 00:07:39,225 they're too old for them, but they still get drawn in. There 156 00:07:39,225 --> 00:07:42,165 are no complicated directions for you to give or for students 157 00:07:42,165 --> 00:07:46,005 to follow, and that is crucial to your success when you're 158 00:07:46,005 --> 00:07:48,030 creating new arrivals every few minutes. 159 00:07:48,630 --> 00:07:51,090 Emily: The second reason that pattern blocks are so amazing is 160 00:07:51,090 --> 00:07:54,090 that they're naturally calming. There's something about the 161 00:07:54,090 --> 00:07:56,910 tactile nature of the blocks and the way they invite pattern 162 00:07:56,910 --> 00:07:59,850 making that just settles kids down. Even your most anxious 163 00:07:59,850 --> 00:08:03,030 student can find success building with blocks, and if you 164 00:08:03,030 --> 00:08:07,170 can afford it, a set of wood pattern blocks is even better 165 00:08:07,170 --> 00:08:09,990 than plastic. It just adds to the relaxing vibes. 166 00:08:09,990 --> 00:08:13,095 Heidi: The third reason that pattern blocks are ideal for the 167 00:08:13,095 --> 00:08:16,215 first morning of school is that they are completely open ended. 168 00:08:16,515 --> 00:08:19,815 That means at no point will you have to answer the dreaded, 'I'm 169 00:08:19,815 --> 00:08:23,835 done, now what' question. No one is going to race to the end and 170 00:08:23,835 --> 00:08:27,435 start pestering their neighbors. Kids are happy to keep exploring 171 00:08:27,435 --> 00:08:29,715 and creating for as long as you need them to. 172 00:08:30,555 --> 00:08:33,900 Emily: And the fourth reason is that the prep of pattern blocks 173 00:08:33,900 --> 00:08:36,900 couldn't be simpler. Get some dollar store trays, put a pile 174 00:08:36,900 --> 00:08:39,720 of blocks in the middle of each table or on each desk, and 175 00:08:39,720 --> 00:08:42,840 you're good to go. Really, any container will work for this. 176 00:08:42,840 --> 00:08:45,660 But if you have kids sharing the blocks, it's easier for them to 177 00:08:45,660 --> 00:08:48,900 reach into a container with low sides instead of having to dig 178 00:08:48,900 --> 00:08:50,580 the blocks out of one of those bins. 179 00:08:51,300 --> 00:08:54,480 Heidi: You really, really do not have to stress over this step. I 180 00:08:54,480 --> 00:08:58,065 have gotten as low key as dumping them onto sheets of 181 00:08:58,065 --> 00:09:01,845 paper because I didn't think ahead to get containers. And you 182 00:09:01,845 --> 00:09:05,205 know what? It worked great. Pattern blocks for the win every 183 00:09:05,205 --> 00:09:08,865 time. And look at that. You have your first morning activity 184 00:09:08,865 --> 00:09:12,105 planned, prepped and ready to go in about two and a half minutes. 185 00:09:12,105 --> 00:09:14,925 Emily: If you want to add a little more structure, we do 186 00:09:14,925 --> 00:09:18,165 have a set of back to school pattern block mats that we 187 00:09:18,165 --> 00:09:20,670 designed specifically for back to school. So there's a school 188 00:09:20,670 --> 00:09:23,850 bus and a backpack and all that fun stuff, and there are two 189 00:09:23,850 --> 00:09:26,910 versions of each map. One is more open ended with a blank 190 00:09:26,970 --> 00:09:30,810 outline of the shape so students can explore and see which shapes 191 00:09:30,810 --> 00:09:33,870 can fill the space, and then the other version has outlines of 192 00:09:33,870 --> 00:09:35,310 the specific shape blocks. 193 00:09:35,310 --> 00:09:38,250 Heidi: We did include both sets so you can differentiate as 194 00:09:38,250 --> 00:09:41,026 needed. But when Emily and I taught preschool, we used the 195 00:09:41,026 --> 00:09:41,093 open shapes with our preschoolers, and they can 196 00:09:41,093 --> 00:09:41,715 handle it fine, so I definitely think any elementary age student 197 00:09:41,715 --> 00:09:48,195 should be able to handle it without a problem. 198 00:09:48,780 --> 00:09:51,600 Emily: Plus, the more open ended the task, the more engaged they 199 00:09:51,600 --> 00:09:54,480 will be. And we need to keep them busy for a few minutes so 200 00:09:54,480 --> 00:09:56,580 we can get this new school year underway. 201 00:09:56,580 --> 00:09:59,280 Heidi: One thing I love about this back to school pattern 202 00:09:59,280 --> 00:10:02,040 block set is that each of the mats has a get to know you 203 00:10:02,040 --> 00:10:04,740 question at the top. The questions relate to whatever the 204 00:10:04,740 --> 00:10:07,320 shape is. So for the pizza slice, the question is, what's 205 00:10:07,320 --> 00:10:08,280 your favorite lunch? 206 00:10:08,700 --> 00:10:11,400 Emily: Yep, and that's a simple way to help kids feel welcomed 207 00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:14,745 in class. If they can read, they could talk about the questions 208 00:10:14,745 --> 00:10:17,805 with their neighbors as they work, or when you're walking 209 00:10:17,805 --> 00:10:20,805 around as the kids are creating, it gives you an easy way to 210 00:10:20,805 --> 00:10:22,125 initiate conversation. 211 00:10:22,700 --> 00:10:25,760 Heidi: And we also included some editable slides. If you want to 212 00:10:25,760 --> 00:10:28,760 have something posted for the kids to do, you can easily add 213 00:10:28,760 --> 00:10:31,460 your welcome message and then direct the kids to explore with 214 00:10:31,460 --> 00:10:33,260 the blocks until it's time to get started. 215 00:10:33,960 --> 00:10:36,120 Emily: Okay, that's a lot of information, but don't feel like 216 00:10:36,120 --> 00:10:38,520 you have to remember all this. We also include a Teacher's 217 00:10:38,520 --> 00:10:41,400 Guide to walk you through all the whys and hows. In the show 218 00:10:41,400 --> 00:10:44,700 notes, you will find a link to the pattern block set and to our 219 00:10:44,700 --> 00:10:48,000 Lego activity mats. It has similar activities to the 220 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:50,340 pattern blocks, but might be a little more appealing to your 221 00:10:50,340 --> 00:10:53,400 older kids, assuming you have access to a bunch of basic 222 00:10:53,400 --> 00:10:53,880 Legos. 223 00:10:54,780 --> 00:10:56,985 Heidi: Yeah, but it actually might be easier to track down a 224 00:10:56,985 --> 00:11:00,405 tub of loose Lego pieces than to buy a class set of Lego blocks. 225 00:11:00,405 --> 00:11:01,245 Emily: Good point. 226 00:11:01,245 --> 00:11:04,125 Heidi: You could probably even get donations from your 227 00:11:04,125 --> 00:11:06,945 neighborhood if you want to do this as cheaply as possible. 228 00:11:07,185 --> 00:11:09,825 Emily: But you really aren't obligated to use either pattern 229 00:11:09,825 --> 00:11:13,845 blocks or Legos. Any calming and engaging activity will work as 230 00:11:13,845 --> 00:11:16,545 your first morning of school activity. The key is just 231 00:11:16,545 --> 00:11:19,185 choosing something that's open ended but doesn't require a lot 232 00:11:19,185 --> 00:11:20,910 of setup or explanation from you. 233 00:11:21,870 --> 00:11:24,270 Heidi: Now, once you've welcomed each student and offered them an 234 00:11:24,270 --> 00:11:28,410 engaging activity, the third goal of your first 20 minutes is 235 00:11:28,410 --> 00:11:31,770 to teach the most important procedures. These are the ones 236 00:11:31,770 --> 00:11:34,770 that your students absolutely need to know to be successful 237 00:11:34,770 --> 00:11:38,490 today. And we've said this before, but it bears repeating, 238 00:11:38,790 --> 00:11:42,090 the first thing you need to teach is not your attention 239 00:11:42,090 --> 00:11:42,450 signal. 240 00:11:42,450 --> 00:11:45,210 Emily: We know lots of class management experts recommend 241 00:11:45,210 --> 00:11:48,615 starting with your attention signal, but we disagree, because 242 00:11:48,615 --> 00:11:51,435 we have weirdly strong opinions about this and many other 243 00:11:51,435 --> 00:11:55,215 things. Don't start with your attention signal. Start with 244 00:11:55,215 --> 00:11:58,635 your bathroom procedure. There's always at least one kiddo with a 245 00:11:58,635 --> 00:12:01,335 nervous tummy on the first day, and you definitely don't want 246 00:12:01,335 --> 00:12:03,915 them sitting there worried about what to do if they need to use 247 00:12:03,915 --> 00:12:04,515 the restroom. 248 00:12:05,100 --> 00:12:07,860 Heidi: Plus teaching the bathroom first sends a message 249 00:12:07,860 --> 00:12:10,920 that you care about their comfort and well being. This is 250 00:12:10,920 --> 00:12:13,980 actually a really welcoming way to start. You're essentially 251 00:12:13,980 --> 00:12:17,100 saying, I want to make sure that you feel safe and taken care of 252 00:12:17,100 --> 00:12:17,400 here. 253 00:12:17,940 --> 00:12:20,640 Emily: Keep it simple and clear. Teach the routine you want to 254 00:12:20,640 --> 00:12:23,100 use all year. Make sure they know where the restroom is 255 00:12:23,100 --> 00:12:25,740 located and how to re enter the classroom without causing a 256 00:12:25,740 --> 00:12:26,460 distraction. 257 00:12:26,880 --> 00:12:30,465 Heidi: And you can really just play up the silliness. Get your 258 00:12:30,465 --> 00:12:33,525 most serious face on and tell students you're going to teach 259 00:12:33,525 --> 00:12:36,285 them the most important thing they're going to learn all year. 260 00:12:36,705 --> 00:12:40,185 Just pause and really let the drama build, and then tell them, 261 00:12:40,605 --> 00:12:42,345 let me tell you how to get to the bathroom. 262 00:12:43,740 --> 00:12:46,500 Emily: Yeah, that's a sure fire way to break the ice with kids. 263 00:12:46,920 --> 00:12:49,140 And once that's out of the way, then you can move on to your 264 00:12:49,140 --> 00:12:51,600 attention signal. Choose something that feels natural to 265 00:12:51,600 --> 00:12:54,960 you. Maybe it's a chime, maybe it's a clapping pattern, maybe 266 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:58,320 it's just raising your hand. The key is being consistent about 267 00:12:58,320 --> 00:12:59,340 how you introduce it. 268 00:12:59,820 --> 00:13:02,220 Heidi: You can try something like, when you see me raise my 269 00:13:02,220 --> 00:13:04,680 hand like this, that means stop what you're doing, look at me, 270 00:13:04,680 --> 00:13:07,965 and raise your hand too. All right, let's practice. You keep 271 00:13:07,965 --> 00:13:10,545 building with your blocks, and when you see my signal, remember 272 00:13:10,545 --> 00:13:12,465 to stop, look and raise your hand. 273 00:13:13,185 --> 00:13:16,485 Emily: We did a deep dive into attention signals in Episode 98 274 00:13:16,485 --> 00:13:19,365 where we shared all of our best tips and troubleshooting hacks. 275 00:13:19,365 --> 00:13:21,945 Definitely make sure to go back and check that one out if you 276 00:13:21,945 --> 00:13:24,405 want some pointers or if your attention signal needs some 277 00:13:24,405 --> 00:13:24,645 help. 278 00:13:25,125 --> 00:13:27,225 Heidi: Practice your attention signal a few times while 279 00:13:27,225 --> 00:13:29,910 students are working with the blocks. This gives them a chance 280 00:13:29,910 --> 00:13:32,670 to experience success with the signal while doing something 281 00:13:32,670 --> 00:13:34,890 they enjoy, rather than feeling put on the spot. 282 00:13:34,890 --> 00:13:38,010 Emily: Once you've taught about the bathroom and your attention 283 00:13:38,010 --> 00:13:40,830 signal, tell students that they have five more minutes to finish 284 00:13:40,830 --> 00:13:43,590 their designs while you handle the fourth goal, and that is to 285 00:13:43,590 --> 00:13:46,470 get your administrative tasks out of the way so you can focus 286 00:13:46,470 --> 00:13:48,990 on your students. So this is when you handle all of your 287 00:13:48,990 --> 00:13:52,290 teacher tasks, like attendance, lunch count, any forms that need 288 00:13:52,290 --> 00:13:55,215 to go to the office, all the behind the scenes stuff that 289 00:13:55,215 --> 00:13:56,295 keeps the school running. 290 00:13:56,955 --> 00:14:00,075 Heidi: Here's where having a clear script for the day really 291 00:14:00,075 --> 00:14:04,335 pays off. Write yourself notes like, send attendance, in all 292 00:14:04,335 --> 00:14:08,175 caps, so you don't forget in the chaos of the moment. Trust me, 293 00:14:08,355 --> 00:14:10,695 you don't want to start off the year with the front office 294 00:14:10,815 --> 00:14:12,195 having to track down your numbers. 295 00:14:12,195 --> 00:14:16,560 Emily: Okay, so you got that taken care of. Good. Now here's 296 00:14:16,620 --> 00:14:20,340 a real veteran teacher hack. Don't be in a rush to jump into 297 00:14:20,340 --> 00:14:23,400 the day. Once you've sent in your attendance and dealt with 298 00:14:23,400 --> 00:14:26,340 your tasks, just take a moment and pause. This is our fifth 299 00:14:26,340 --> 00:14:28,740 goal. If the kids are still engaged with their activity, 300 00:14:28,740 --> 00:14:30,960 take two minutes to step back and just watch. 301 00:14:30,960 --> 00:14:34,620 Heidi: Yeah, this might be your last quiet moment until three 302 00:14:34,620 --> 00:14:38,685 o'clock. So make it count. Observe how things are going. 303 00:14:38,865 --> 00:14:41,205 How are the kids interacting with each other, who seems 304 00:14:41,205 --> 00:14:44,925 comfortable, who might need some extra support? Maybe even snap a 305 00:14:44,925 --> 00:14:48,645 quick candid photo of the last moment when it's all still 306 00:14:48,645 --> 00:14:49,365 peaceful. 307 00:14:50,205 --> 00:14:52,665 Emily: And this is the perfect moment to give yourself a little 308 00:14:52,665 --> 00:14:56,025 internal high five. Look around at your beautiful classroom, see 309 00:14:56,025 --> 00:14:59,325 your students engaged and calm, and acknowledge how much work 310 00:14:59,325 --> 00:15:01,185 you put in to make this moment possible. 311 00:15:01,710 --> 00:15:04,470 Heidi: You prepared for this, you planned for this, and it is 312 00:15:04,470 --> 00:15:08,130 working. You can imagine Emily and me there in spirit cheering 313 00:15:08,130 --> 00:15:11,730 you on. You deserve to take a few seconds to appreciate that 314 00:15:11,730 --> 00:15:16,410 success before diving into the conveyor belt of busyness that 315 00:15:16,410 --> 00:15:17,430 is about to kick off. 316 00:15:18,080 --> 00:15:20,360 Emily: When it's time to transition, prepare students 317 00:15:20,360 --> 00:15:23,300 with a cue in advance. In one more minute, we're going to 318 00:15:23,300 --> 00:15:26,360 clean up our blocks. This preview of what's coming reduces 319 00:15:26,360 --> 00:15:28,880 anxiety and gets them into the rhythm of listening for 320 00:15:28,880 --> 00:15:29,600 directions. 321 00:15:30,380 --> 00:15:32,780 Heidi: Once the minute is up, make use of that attention 322 00:15:32,780 --> 00:15:35,720 signal you just taught. Make sure everyone is focused on you, 323 00:15:35,720 --> 00:15:38,240 and then explain how you want them to clean up and what they 324 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:41,705 should do after. This transition becomes your first opportunity 325 00:15:41,705 --> 00:15:44,765 to practice following directions as a group, which sets you up 326 00:15:44,765 --> 00:15:46,265 beautifully for the rest of the day. 327 00:15:46,265 --> 00:15:50,465 Emily: So let's recap what those first 20 minutes might look like 328 00:15:50,465 --> 00:15:53,825 when you put all five goals together. First, you're 329 00:15:53,825 --> 00:15:56,645 welcoming and settling. You're going to greet students at the 330 00:15:56,645 --> 00:15:59,585 door, give them clear directions for what to do when they enter, 331 00:15:59,585 --> 00:16:02,405 and then they're going to be hanging up backpacks, making 332 00:16:02,405 --> 00:16:04,805 lunch choices, and managing anything else that needs to 333 00:16:04,850 --> 00:16:05,390 happen. 334 00:16:05,930 --> 00:16:08,990 Heidi: Next you're making sure everyone is calmly engaged. That 335 00:16:08,990 --> 00:16:12,350 might be sitting down to explore pattern blocks or Lego mats or 336 00:16:12,350 --> 00:16:13,730 another open ended activity. 337 00:16:13,730 --> 00:16:16,970 Emily: Once everyone is in their spot and the bell rings, wait 338 00:16:16,970 --> 00:16:19,550 for any announcements, and then start your third goal, 339 00:16:19,550 --> 00:16:22,610 establishing essential guidelines. Teach your bathroom 340 00:16:22,610 --> 00:16:24,710 procedure first and then your attention signal. 341 00:16:24,710 --> 00:16:26,990 Heidi: Tell your students they have a few more minutes to 342 00:16:26,990 --> 00:16:29,855 explore with the blocks while you attend your fourth goal. 343 00:16:30,095 --> 00:16:33,455 Handle administrative tasks, take attendance, make your lunch 344 00:16:33,455 --> 00:16:36,575 count, and observe how the group is settling in. Don't forget to 345 00:16:36,575 --> 00:16:39,875 pause to appreciate this moment that you have worked so hard to 346 00:16:39,875 --> 00:16:40,475 create. 347 00:16:40,475 --> 00:16:43,415 Emily: And as your first 20 minutes wrap up, cover your 348 00:16:43,415 --> 00:16:47,195 fifth goal and set students up for a successful transition. Use 349 00:16:47,195 --> 00:16:49,700 your attention signal to bring them together and give them 350 00:16:49,700 --> 00:16:53,060 clear directions for cleaning up and transitioning to the next 351 00:16:53,060 --> 00:16:53,780 activity. 352 00:16:54,440 --> 00:16:57,680 Heidi: And just like that, you have accomplished five crucial 353 00:16:57,680 --> 00:17:00,800 goals. Your students feel welcomed and safe and you're 354 00:17:00,800 --> 00:17:03,140 ready to move into the rest of your carefully planned day. 355 00:17:03,380 --> 00:17:06,260 You've set everyone up for success and opened the door to a 356 00:17:06,260 --> 00:17:08,240 calm and confident first day of school. 357 00:17:09,080 --> 00:17:11,300 Emily: We'd love to hear your best first day of school 358 00:17:11,300 --> 00:17:14,345 suggestions. Come join the conversation in our Teacher 359 00:17:14,345 --> 00:17:16,145 Approved Facebook group. 360 00:17:17,405 --> 00:17:20,105 Now for our Teacher Approved Tip of the Week, where we share an 361 00:17:20,105 --> 00:17:22,745 actionable tip to help you elevate what matters and 362 00:17:22,745 --> 00:17:26,465 simplify the rest. This week's teacher approved tip is have a 363 00:17:26,465 --> 00:17:29,105 plan for first day tears. 364 00:17:29,405 --> 00:17:32,645 Heidi: Oh yeah, you know how it goes. No matter how perfectly 365 00:17:32,645 --> 00:17:36,050 you plan those first 20 minutes, someone might still end up in 366 00:17:36,050 --> 00:17:38,690 tears. That is just to be expected. 367 00:17:38,960 --> 00:17:42,500 Emily: Yeah, especially in the younger grades. First, remember 368 00:17:42,500 --> 00:17:45,140 that tears on the first day are usually about big feelings, not 369 00:17:45,140 --> 00:17:48,260 about you or your classroom. Kids might be sad about leaving 370 00:17:48,260 --> 00:17:51,260 mom, worried about making friends, or just overwhelmed by 371 00:17:51,260 --> 00:17:52,160 all the newness. 372 00:17:52,820 --> 00:17:55,520 Heidi: The way to manage this is to have a comfort plan all ready 373 00:17:55,520 --> 00:17:59,000 to go. Maybe it's a special stuffed animal in your classroom 374 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:01,013 that gets to sit with the student. Maybe it's a quiet 375 00:18:01,013 --> 00:18:03,365 corner with soft pillows, or maybe it's just sitting next to 376 00:18:03,365 --> 00:18:06,365 you while the rest of the class continues with their activity. 377 00:18:07,085 --> 00:18:09,485 Emily: Keep in mind that often the best comfort is just a calm 378 00:18:09,485 --> 00:18:12,545 routine. When that crying child sees other kids happily building 379 00:18:12,545 --> 00:18:15,605 with blocks and following simple directions, they usually start 380 00:18:15,605 --> 00:18:16,805 to feel more secure too. 381 00:18:17,405 --> 00:18:20,105 Heidi: Trust the process. Your thoughtful planning and calm 382 00:18:20,105 --> 00:18:23,885 energy will help even your most anxious students settle in. And 383 00:18:23,885 --> 00:18:24,282 remember tears on day one don't predict how the rest of the year 384 00:18:24,282 --> 00:18:24,343 will go. 385 00:18:24,343 --> 00:18:24,710 Alright, to wrap up the show, we're sharing what we're giving 386 00:18:24,710 --> 00:18:32,450 extra credit to this week. Emily, what gets your extra 387 00:18:32,450 --> 00:18:33,050 credit? 388 00:18:33,470 --> 00:18:36,050 Emily: Well, I've got some high art to tell you about, because 389 00:18:36,050 --> 00:18:39,770 I'm giving extra credit to the new Netflix family movie, K 390 00:18:39,770 --> 00:18:45,950 Popdemon Hunters. I had heard all the buzz about it, and my 391 00:18:45,950 --> 00:18:48,170 daughters both watched it on their own, and they're nine and 392 00:18:48,215 --> 00:18:51,875 15, and they both loved it. So I was like, Okay, let's just watch 393 00:18:51,875 --> 00:18:54,215 it. So we watched it last night for movie night, and I have to 394 00:18:54,215 --> 00:18:57,335 say, I went in with very low expectations, but it was 395 00:18:57,335 --> 00:18:58,415 actually really good. 396 00:18:58,835 --> 00:18:59,615 Heidi: Good. 397 00:19:00,095 --> 00:19:02,915 Emily: The characters are like interesting and nuanced, and the 398 00:19:02,915 --> 00:19:05,795 music is super catchy. But the biggest surprise for me was that 399 00:19:05,795 --> 00:19:10,355 it was actually very funny. I rarely find kids cartoons 400 00:19:10,355 --> 00:19:13,940 actually funny, but this was legitimately funny. So if you 401 00:19:13,940 --> 00:19:16,820 need an idea for family movie night, check out k pop demon 402 00:19:16,820 --> 00:19:19,280 hunters. And even without kids Heidi, maybe you should give it 403 00:19:19,280 --> 00:19:19,580 a watch. 404 00:19:19,580 --> 00:19:21,380 Heidi: I didn't realize it was animated. 405 00:19:21,380 --> 00:19:24,380 Emily: Oh yeah. What are you giving extra credit to, Heidi? 406 00:19:24,740 --> 00:19:28,400 Heidi: Well, I'm giving extra credit to not an animated movie. 407 00:19:29,360 --> 00:19:32,420 It's very different. I'm giving extra credit to my new Laurel 408 00:19:32,420 --> 00:19:36,605 Denise planner. I have not had an official planner, planner, 409 00:19:36,605 --> 00:19:39,785 grown up planner, since I started teaching, and that's so 410 00:19:39,785 --> 00:19:42,365 funny, because all through high school and all through college, 411 00:19:42,365 --> 00:19:45,965 I was a dedicated Franklin Covey girl. I had the binders for each 412 00:19:45,965 --> 00:19:46,745 year, the whole bit. 413 00:19:46,745 --> 00:19:49,565 Emily: Oh yeah, I think I still have some of those in my closet 414 00:19:49,565 --> 00:19:53,525 at mom and dad's house, like the past, the past years, because it 415 00:19:53,525 --> 00:19:56,345 was so important to keep my what I wrote on them in high school. 416 00:19:56,945 --> 00:19:59,870 Heidi: Oh, absolutely, of course it was. But since then, I just 417 00:19:59,930 --> 00:20:02,510 haven't found anything that I could keep up with. I think when 418 00:20:02,510 --> 00:20:04,790 I was teaching, I just used my plan book. 419 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:08,420 Heidi: And I've tried different things over the years, but what 420 00:20:05,030 --> 00:20:05,330 Emily: Yeah. 421 00:20:08,420 --> 00:20:11,660 I ended up using was just a notebook that was basically one 422 00:20:11,660 --> 00:20:14,960 long row for the week with like, a to do list for each day. And 423 00:20:14,960 --> 00:20:18,140 that worked well, but I hated that I didn't have a calendar 424 00:20:18,140 --> 00:20:20,720 that I could reference. Stuff would catch me off guard all the 425 00:20:20,720 --> 00:20:27,985 time, because I couldn't see the month at a glance. So I would 426 00:20:27,985 --> 00:20:28,008 have to, like, remember to look at my phone and see what's going 427 00:20:28,008 --> 00:20:28,565 on, and I didn't always see that. But this planner keeps 428 00:20:28,565 --> 00:20:31,385 that same format with the long row for the week, with the 429 00:20:31,385 --> 00:20:34,745 little to do list at the bottom, but there's a monthly calendar 430 00:20:34,745 --> 00:20:38,825 at the top. It's exactly what I needed, and I have actually been 431 00:20:38,825 --> 00:20:42,065 able to stay on top of using it. Haven't fallen to my bad planner 432 00:20:42,065 --> 00:20:44,825 habit of, like, trying something for a few weeks and never 433 00:20:44,825 --> 00:20:45,605 keeping up with it. 434 00:20:45,785 --> 00:20:47,645 Emily: Oh yeah, every time for me. 435 00:20:47,645 --> 00:20:51,530 Heidi: Yeah. But I am like, six weeks into this one, and it has 436 00:20:51,530 --> 00:20:54,830 been great. I love it. There's a link to it in the show notes if 437 00:20:54,830 --> 00:20:56,990 you also need a grown up planner. 438 00:20:57,230 --> 00:20:58,730 Emily: Maybe I need to check it out. 439 00:20:58,730 --> 00:21:01,550 Heidi: Yeah, I will say it does take up a lot of space on my 440 00:21:01,550 --> 00:21:04,130 desk, so that is the downside. I would, like half the size would 441 00:21:04,130 --> 00:21:04,730 be perfect. 442 00:21:04,850 --> 00:21:05,270 Emily: Yeah. 443 00:21:05,270 --> 00:21:06,950 Heidi: But you know how things go. 444 00:21:08,690 --> 00:21:11,510 Well, that's it for today's episode. Remember that being 445 00:21:11,510 --> 00:21:14,069 intentional with those first 20 minutes can help the rest of the 446 00:21:14,069 --> 00:21:17,255 day flow much more smoothly. With clear goals and a solid 447 00:21:17,255 --> 00:21:20,555 plan, you can create a calm, confident start that sets 448 00:21:20,555 --> 00:21:21,815 everyone up for success. 449 00:21:22,175 --> 00:21:24,335 Emily: And make sure to check the show notes for links to our 450 00:21:24,335 --> 00:21:27,995 back to school pattern blocks mats, first day Lego mats, and 451 00:21:27,995 --> 00:21:30,695 our brain breaks to help you avoid any unexpected time. 452 00:21:30,935 --> 00:21:33,155 Because when you've planned this thoroughly, you can focus on 453 00:21:33,155 --> 00:21:35,495 what really matters, which is connecting with your students. 454 00:21:37,595 --> 00:21:40,760 Heidi: We hope you enjoyed this episode of Teacher Approved. I'm 455 00:21:40,760 --> 00:21:41,300 Heidi. 456 00:21:41,420 --> 00:21:44,660 Emily: And I'm Emily. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow 457 00:21:44,660 --> 00:21:47,240 or subscribe in your podcast app so that you never miss an 458 00:21:47,240 --> 00:21:47,660 episode. 459 00:21:48,080 --> 00:21:50,420 Heidi: You can connect with us and other teachers in the 460 00:21:50,420 --> 00:21:53,600 Teacher Approved Facebook group. We'll see you here next week. 461 00:21:53,780 --> 00:21:54,500 Bye for now. 462 00:21:54,500 --> 00:21:55,460 Emily: Bye.