Begin your new school year by incorporating the valuable strategies and suggestions found in these two straight-forward, user-friendly resources.
1) The First 10 Minutes: A Classroom Morning Routine that Reaches and Teaches the Whole Child
A consistent, effective morning routine sets the tone for the
upcoming school day and prepares students for high quality learning. In
this book Steve describes a three-part routine that reaches and teaches
the whole child.Part 1 introduces the morning check-in, an activity that addresses the affective domain by building a sense of inclusion and mutual caring, strengthening teamwork, increasing class bonding, and helping each child feel acknowledged and valued.
Part 2 features three types of class discussions that focus on moral and character development and emphasize strong work habits and social skills. The goals of these brief conversations are to inspire children to maximize their amazing potential, build a sense of purpose, and increase student motivation to learn and succeed.
Part 3 adds a physical component to this routine that both energizes and de-stresses children to help them achieve an ideal mindset for academic learning. After completing this warm-up routine, students will be calm, relaxed, focused, and confident.
(23 pages)
2) The First 30 Days: Start Your School Year With Four Priorities in Mind
Giving the following priorities the time and emphasis they deserve in
the beginning of each school year pays big dividends for you, your
students, and their families. In this book Steve brings these priorities
to life with a wide variety of activities, strategies, suggestions, and
sample pages.- Establish procedures, routines, and expectations so students know how to function efficiently and effectively in your classroom. Keep this training period going until performing these routines and procedures becomes second nature for students. Generally, 4-6 weeks will be sufficient.
- Build a cooperative classroom culture through icebreaking and team-building activities so students feel safe and comfortable and see one another as friends and assets, not rivals.
- Establish a sense of purpose in your class so students understand why it is important to come to school each day and work hard. Children who understand the many purposes of their learning will behave better, work with greater motivation and enthusiasm, and find greater meaning in their work.
- Communicate with your students’ families about the new year. Build a sense of excitement, optimism, and possibility as you share your plans for the coming months. Be proactive. Doing so gives you the opportunity to package your ideas and articulate them in the best possible light. Proactivity increases your credibility, strengthens your voice, and reaffirms your position of leadership.
Steve is hosting a give-away to contribute 5 copies of each book to Kleinspiration readers.
Thus, I will select 5 separate winners to WIN both books!




































My favorite back to school activity is the icebreakers and teambuilding activities.
ReplyDeleteKelly
wilsokelly@gmail.com
My favorite back to school activity is having the kids complete an all about me activity. Helps me get to know them quicker.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite back to school activity is me bags. I give the children bags for them to place five items in that represent them for homework and then we share them the next day. It is a great way to learn some unique things about your students.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite things to do in the morning is morning meeting. It's a great time to emphasize how important our words are and how they can impact others in both good and bad ways.
ReplyDeleteKaren
An Apple a Day in First Grade
My favorite back to school activity is an art activity about getting to know each other.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
Just finished my first day of school. My student's favorite activity of the day was Runde's Room First Day of School Drama Circle. Lots of applause and the item they said they would go home and tell their parents about.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity for fresh ideas!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading the books!
ReplyDeleteSince I'm a new teacher, I don't really have a favorite. I'm going to try an activity with names. I'm a preschool teacher and we will start by looking at what letter our name starts with.
ReplyDeleteDiane Bode
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the give-away this weekend. If you don't come away with one of the prizes, please know that each of my new "Back to School" PDF's is available for $1.99 on my website, www.stevereifman.com. Thanks.
Steve Reifman
Steve,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! I'm excited to see who wins - what a great prize.
Cheers,
Erin
His books look awesome!
ReplyDelete