About this episode

This episode discusses common mistakes teachers make at the beginning of the year that lead to chaos and how to avoid them by teaching routines effectively.

The teachers running the smoothest classrooms aren't usually the ones with the cutest classrooms. They're the ones who spent the first few weeks intentionally teaching children how the classroom works. In this episode, we dive into five common mistakes teachers make at the beginning of the year that often lead to behavior challenges, difficult transitions, dependence on adults, and classroom chaos later on. Plus, what to focus on instead to build a classroom that runs smoothly all year long. Topics Discussed: Why teaching routines matters more than teaching academics during the first weeks of school The difference between telling children what to do and actually teaching a skill Why opening every center and material right away can create unnecessary chaos How independence develops through intentional instruction and practice Why many behavior challenges are actually teaching opportunities Related Resources: Procedure Card Visuals Visual Schedule Cards Rules & Expectations Transition Time Toolkit Related Blogposts/Episodes: The First Day of Preschool: What to Prep (and What to Forget) Why Planning for Classroom Management before Day 1 Makes Sense How to Teach Classroom…

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