The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School

The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School

July 10, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 188

About this episode

Kelsey discusses the essential questions students have in the first days of school and how to create a safe and connected classroom environment.

Fresh off the Summer Refresh, Kelsey is sharing a special crossover episode from the Teacher Approved Podcast, hosted by sisters Heidi and Emily of Second Story Window. This episode is the perfect classroom-side companion to everything we talk about here at E&R because you can't build a classroom rooted in safety and connection if you don't have that foundation for yourself first. Heidi and Emily walk you through the three questions every student is silently asking in their first three days of school: Am I safe? Am I seen? Am I needed? Answer those, and you've built the foundation your whole year stands on. In this episode: Why a student's brain can't learn until it feels safe and how predictability + clear procedures build that sense of security The Tell, Try, Tally, Talk method for teaching procedures (revisit Episode 75 for the full breakdown) Simple ways to introduce yourself as a real person, not just "the teacher" Day 2: how to help every student feel truly seen, including your quieter, more introverted kids Day 3: turning classroom jobs into meaningful ways for students to feel needed plus how to reflect now on which jobs are actually working Why this…

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