Greeting students at the beginning of class each day makes each student feel important and recognized and creates a positive learning environment. This is especially important for middle school students who are often dealing with a lack of self-confidence. Teachers can stand at the door and verbally welcome each student to class or give a simple high-five as they enter. Another option is to greet the whole class with a good morning, or encourage students to spend the first few minutes of class greeting each other.
Starting class with a song can get students' attention and help them get focused. According to the 2004 study, "The Benefits of Incorporating Music in the Classroom" completed by teacher and author Audrey Merrell, music can keep students engaged and reduce discipline problems. Music can be played as students enter the classroom to create a comfortable and enjoyable environment. Teachers can use a specific song to signal to students that class is about to start and make it part of the routine to be in their seat by the end of the song. This allows the teacher to easily get all students focused for class without having to say a word.
Many teachers use a "bell ringer," or short beginning of class assignment, to get students on task. This may be a question about a previous lesson, a journal writing, a couple of math problems or a small assignment that students are expected to start on as soon as they enter class. The bell ringer may be written on the board and the students should make it a routine to look on the board at the beginning of each class. Students will be expected to get to work immediately and therefore no time is wasted in getting students settled.
Students should be familiar with beginning-of-class procedures such as sharpening pencils, turning in homework and collecting missed assignments. Small bins or folders can be used for students to turn in assignments and a daily assignment board can be posted for students to check for make-up work. Teachers should provide a specific location in the classroom for these tasks to be completed and familiarize students with when and how they should be done. Completing these procedures before class will allow for more instructional time and reduce interruptions.