When it comes to setting the tone for the classroom, the simplest way to begin is with the entrance to the classroom. First impressions can change the idea that students have for their teachers and can truly brighten their day. A technique that I would like to implement in my classroom is the Threshold technique.

During this process, the teacher meets and greets their students at the door, which sets the expectations for the classroom before they cross under the threshold. By taking a few moments before class is expected to begin and making the effort to present themselves in a personable way helps the students view the teacher as a person versus only thinking negative thoughts. Establishing this presence reminds the students of where they are currently, the feelings that are given by the teacher, and the level of respect and behavior that is expected as a student in the classroom.

I choose this option because of the ability to separate yourself from other teachers, making yourself personable, and allowing the students to see a bright and excited face rather than dragging into the classroom. It is also a great way to let your personality shine through. If it is a special holiday or topic for that day, you might make a ritual of celebrating it and integrating that holiday or topic into the curriculum as an interactive and personal experience.

No matter how the teacher chooses to use this technique, it can be a change of environment for the student to “wake up” their brain instead of floating and dragging through classes.

Resources

Friedburg, Mike.What Do Great Teachers Do Differently to Manage Classrooms?. (2015). Livesleepteach.blogspot.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016, from http://livesleepteach.blogspot.com/2015/07/what-do-great-teachers-do-differently.html

Lemov, D. & Atkins, N. (2014). Teach like a champion 2.0. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass.

 

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