By Shannon and Beth at Southern Schoolhouse
By Days 4 and 5, the classroom may start to feel more familiar, but the most important work continues. You’re still reinforcing expectations, building relationships, practicing routines, and gradually layering in academics. You’re creating a safe, consistent environment where students feel connected and confident, all while staying fair and consistent as you introduce the full daily schedule.
These days are about putting routines into action. Students begin applying what they’ve learned about expectations, the classroom, and their new grade level. It’s also the right time to follow your full daily schedule and introduce academics in their regular format—building a smooth transition into the weeks ahead. The goal is to ensure that by Monday, your class is ready to move forward with confidence and consistency.
Keep these priorities front and center as you finish the first week.
Practice and Repeat
- Review key routines daily (entry, transitions, supplies, clean-up)
- Reflect and reteach what is still shaky, consistency is everything
Build the Academic Bridge
- Introduce light academic tasks and model how that time will be structured.\
- Model expectations for independent work and group work
- Begin to follow your daily schedule
Grow the Classroom Community
- Continue team building activities
- Celebrate small wins and positive behavior (see article for suggestions)
- Make a space for student voice and connection
Prep for Monday Momentum
- Ensure students know the schedule
- Organize materials and spaces
- Reflect: What went well? What needs adjusting?
The first week won’t be perfect and it’s not supposed to be. These first five days are about learning what works, adjusting what doesn’t, and growing alongside your students. Reflect on the routines, the relationships, and the small wins. Teaching is a process of constant refinement, so give yourself grace, make the changes you need, and keep building the classroom your students deserve.
