How students enter the classroom is a huge predictor of how the day will go. For example, if students enter the classroom and skip around talking loudly to friends, the day will continue with this chaoticness. However, if students calmly enter the class and genuinely know the expectations, their minds and bodies will be ready to learn. This is why settling-in time sets the emotional tone for the day. While this may be just a small chunk of the school day, it is a huge aspect of how it progresses. So, it is vital to implement a thoughtfully structured settling-in time that focuses on friendship, community, and kindness.
What is Settling-In Time?
“Settling-in” time is that transition from home to school. During this time, children say goodbye to their parents, return their school-to-home book bags, and care for meaningful community life. They greet their teacher with important news, practice fingerspelling and name writing practice, and water their vegetable sprouts. They also check on the turtle, make birthday cards, greet their friends, and respond to name graph questions. By settling in, they are part of a unique community of learners and friends. This is a disciplined and structured time for social learning and building life skills: speaking, listening, friendship, and collaboration. Best of all, a thoughtfully structured settling-in time sets the emotional tone for the day in the best way possible!
Time Factor
Every teacher is in a rush against the clock. However, there are essential morning duties to take care of. This includes greeting students, checking folders, and submitting lunch counts. During this time, students also need to settle in. Typically, this whole process takes about 25 minutes. However, this time makes a massive difference in setting a positive, productive tone for the entire day.
Example Activities
Every classroom is different, so settling-in time will vary based on the age and dynamic between students. However, there are great activities that help unite the class and prepare everyone’s mind and body for learning.
We love to share important news, such as losing a tooth. It is fantastic to see how students all support each other.
We also practice our best name writing by picking up a name ticket model. It is amazing to compare this model from the first day of school to the last. Check out Nellie Edge Teacher Resources for the perfect handwriting activities.
We handle all morning items. So, as soon as the buzzer goes off, students finish their morning work, clean up, and head to the carpet. This creates a fantastic system to begin our morning meeting.
Teachers can use any activities they feel work best for their classroom. Good time management means more time for choosing activities and having a structured day.
Extra Time
All students finish their morning activities at different paces. So, it is crucial to have extra activities ready to ensure calmness and organization remain. Personally, I have activities on tables or easel paintings for students to work on. They can also read with a buddy, continue working on a writing project, help another classmate, or play an educational game. Students know our library is always open, and they love reading with friends. Honestly, having a bit of extra time allows them to discover new passions, which is always amazing to see.
It is incredible to see how settling-in time sets the emotional tone for the day. Students will enter the classroom and know exactly what to do during this time. Thankfully, this means teachers can welcome students as they begin their consistent routines that build friendships and learning.
