The first week of school is all about setting the tone. It’s your chance to create structure, build trust, and introduce routines that will carry your class through the entire year. The truth is, academics can wait a few days. Strong systems cannot.
If you’re wondering what to focus on, here are six high-impact routines every teacher should put in place during the first week.
Routine 1: Greet Every Student at the Door
Start strong by connecting with students before they even enter the classroom. A simple “Good morning” or a personalized handshake can make a big difference. This small habit builds community, sets a positive tone, and helps you take the emotional temperature of your class from the very first minute.
Routine 2: Teach and Practice Every Procedure
Do not assume anything. Teach students how to enter the classroom, line up, transition between subjects, ask for help, and pack up at the end of the day. Go slow, model exactly what it should look like, and give students plenty of chances to practice.
This takes time, but it saves you hours of correcting behaviors later in the year. Students thrive when the expectations are clear and consistent.
Routine 3: Anchor the Day with Predictable Routines
Establish morning and end-of-day routines early. For example:
- Greet students
- Unpack quietly
- Begin a morning warm-up or journal
- Circle up for end-of-day reflection
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These consistent moments help students feel secure and focused. I use a daily morning slide with a greeting question to kick things off and give students a chance to connect with one another.
Routine 4: Introduce Your Expectations and Norms
Take time to clearly explain your classroom expectations. Focus on what you want to see, not just the rules. Explain why it matters.
If you’re looking for support, I created a Classroom Management Bundle that walks students through expectations, rules, common routines, and classroom procedures. It includes editable slides and visuals you can customize.
👉 Check it out here on Teachers Pay Teachers
Routine 5: Practice Voice Levels and Attention Signals
Teach what different voice levels sound like in your classroom and practice each one. Also choose your attention signal and teach it early. The goal is to get students’ attention without raising your voice.
Routine 6: Build Relationships and Create a Safe Space
Classroom management starts with connection. Use the first week to get to know your students and let them get to know you. Community circles, partner card activities, team-building… it all matters. When students feel safe, they follow directions easier, take risks in learning, and treat one another kindly.
Strong classroom management doesn’t come from being strict. It comes from being consistent, clear, and connected.
Want ready-to-use resources that will help you teach these routines with ease?
Grab my Classroom Management Bundle here and take the guesswork out of your first week plans.
