Harry Wong - First Days of School

 According to Harry Wong, the first days of school are crucial for setting the tone for the entire year and establishing a successful learning environment. 

1. Teach and Rehearse Procedures

Goal: Build routines through modeling and repetition.

• Activity 1: Procedure Stations

  • Set up “stations” around the room (e.g., turning in work, asking for help, group work norms). Students rotate in small groups, reading a posted scenario and practicing the expected procedure.

• Activity 2: “What Would You Do?” Scenarios

  • Project or hand out short “what if” scenarios (e.g., “You forgot your homework. Now what?”). In pairs, students decide the best response based on your procedures, then share with the class.

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2. Establish Expectations and Consistency

Goal: Clarify classroom norms and make them stick.

• Activity 1: Co-Creating Norms

  • Ask students to brainstorm what a respectful, productive classroom looks like. Then share your own non-negotiables. Combine them into a class agreement you revisit often.

• Activity 2: “The Why Behind the Rule” Discussion

  • Instead of just listing rules, present each one with a short explanation or real-world example (e.g., “Why no phones during discussion?”). Invite student input and reasoning.

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3. Build Relationships

Goal: Create trust and emotional safety.

• Activity 1: “One-Pager” Student Profiles

  • Students create a simple page with their name, interests, goals, and a fun fact. Display them (with permission) or refer to them as you learn names and build rapport.

• Activity 2: “2-Minute Connections”

  • Spend 2 minutes with each student (over a few days) asking informal questions or following up on something they shared. This builds personal connection without requiring a whole class period.

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4. Create a Positive Classroom Environment

Goal: Establish a space that signals purpose and belonging.

• Activity 1: Student Voice Wall

  • Reserve part of your wall or whiteboard for rotating student quotes, jokes, recommendations, or goals. It gives them ownership and keeps the space dynamic.

• Activity 2: Classroom Tour with Purpose

  • Walk students through the room as if it's a living system: where things are stored, how group work is set up, how to access resources, etc. Ask questions to engage them in the layout’s logic.

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5. Start Teaching Right Away

Goal: Establish that learning begins on Day One.

• Activity 1: “Mystery Text” Engagement

  • Begin with a short, intriguing text (poem, paragraph, image, or artifact). Ask students to annotate or respond. This signals that your class is about thinking and curiosity.

• Activity 2: Low-Stakes Writing

  • Prompt: “What makes a great classroom?” or “What’s something you’re proud of learning?” Collect and read for tone and voice—not grammar—so you can begin to learn their skills.

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6. Communicate That You Are Organized and Prepared

Goal: Show students that this is a high-functioning space.

• Activity 1: Syllabus Walkthrough with Purpose

  • Rather than reading your syllabus aloud, frame it as “Here’s how this class works best for you.” Emphasize supports, grading clarity, and why you designed it this way.

• Activity 2: Bell-Ringer Routine Launch

• Start a consistent beginning-of-class routine (e.g., “Do Now” or “Lit Lifter”). Train students how it works and why it matters. Use the same format daily from the start.\

Here's a summary of what should happen during the first days of school according to Harry Wong:

• Establish routines and procedures: Clearly define and consistently implement routines and procedures from day one. This includes routines for entering the classroom, turning in homework, asking for help, handling absent students, passing out and collecting papers, and transitioning between activities.
• Build relationships: Use introductory activities and icebreakers to get to know students and create a positive and welcoming atmosphere where students feel safe and valued. Greet students at the door with a smile, showing you care and recognize them.
• Plan and structure the day: Have a well-structured plan for the first day that includes engaging activities and clearly communicates objectives and expectations. An agenda or daily plan posted on the board helps students know what to expect and fosters a sense of order.
• Teach and practice procedures: Don't just state the procedures; explicitly teach them and have students practice them multiple times until they become routine. Reinforce correct procedures and reteach incorrect ones as needed.
• Focus on classroom management: Effective teachers manage their classrooms, not just discipline them. This involves being proactive, with procedures in place to prevent most problems from occurring.
• Set positive expectations: Have a firm belief that every student can learn and grow. Set high standards and provide the necessary support for students to achieve them.
• Maximize instructional time: Get students working immediately upon entering the classroom with a bell work or "do now" assignment. This helps maximize learning time and reduces disruptions. 

In essence, Wong's philosophy for the first days of school emphasizes that a well-managed and organized classroom with clear procedures and positive expectations creates the foundation for a successful and engaging learning environment where students can thrive.