Preparing for the First Days of School with Explicit Expectations
As the new school year approaches, it’s essential to establish a positive learning environment from day one. Setting explicit expectations helps create a structured and supportive classroom where students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. This preparation involves clear communication of behavior, academic, and engagement expectations. Here’s how you can prepare for the first days of school using Finita’s Explicit Expectations to ensure a successful start.
1. Document and Display Expectations
One of the most critical steps in preparing for the first days of school is to document and display your expectations clearly. This ensures that all students can refer back to them throughout the day. Follow these steps:
Write or Print Expectations: Clearly write or print your engagement expectations and display them prominently in the classroom. This makes them visible and accessible to all students.
Explain the Why: Align your expectations with a Rule of Awareness, helping students understand the reasons behind each rule or routine.
2. Use TWRLS for Engagement
Integrating the TWRLS (Thinking, Writing, Reading, Listening, Speaking) method into your lessons helps reinforce engagement expectations and supports diverse learning styles. Here’s how to incorporate TWRLS:
Thinking: Encourage students to think critically about the routines and why they are essential.
Writing: Have students write parts of the routine in their notebooks to reinforce memory and understanding.
Reading: Ask students to read and underline each step they understand, promoting active engagement.
Listening: Use activities like Timed Pair Share to encourage students to listen to each other’s understanding of the routines.
Speaking: Have students explain when and how the routine can be practiced, reinforcing their learning through verbal communication.
3. Reference and Reinforce Expectations
Consistently referencing and reinforcing your expectations helps maintain a positive learning environment. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Celebrate Positive Behaviors: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate when students meet the expectations. This positive reinforcement encourages continued adherence to the rules.
Address Deviations: Use the expectations as a guide for redirection when students deviate from them. This helps maintain a consistent and predictable environment.
4. Model Explicit Expectations
Modeling expectations is crucial for students to understand what is expected of them. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Begin with the Behavior: Identify the specific behavior or engagement you expect from students.
Define When and Why: Describe both the teacher’s behavior and the student’s need, explaining why the expectation is essential.
Describe the Steps: Outline the process students should follow, making sure each step is clear and logical.
Give it a Name: Name the procedure so it becomes a recognizable system in the classroom.
Ensure Alignment: Check that all elements of the flow map are closely linked and logically connected to support students in developing the routine.
5. Plan for Success
Effective planning is key to implementing explicit expectations. Use these strategies:
Understand Standards: Ensure that your expectations align with grade-level standards and build on previous learning.
Backward Design: Plan with the end in mind, identifying desired outcomes first and designing lessons and assessments that lead to those outcomes.
Differentiate: While maintaining consistent learning objectives, vary your methods to meet the diverse needs of your students.
Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training to stay updated on best practices and strategies for maintaining explicit expectations.
Conclusion
By preparing explicit expectations and integrating them into your classroom routines from the very first day, you set a foundation for a successful school year. Clear expectations help create a structured and supportive environment where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn. Reflect on your current practices, incorporate these strategies, and share your experiences and questions in the comments below.
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