School is about to start where we live, and all teachers know that the beginning of the school year is all about teaching routines and expectations. Doing a good job with this, in the beginning, will help set up your classroom for success. When I first started teaching, I remember another teacher telling me she doesn't smile or laugh/joke around with the kids until around Thanksgiving. (Keep in mind this was 4th grade.) I never was able to do that, but I tried to be firm and set the … [Read more...]