The First Ten Minutes: How Do You Start the Day?

The way a class starts often determines how the rest of the period goes. Some teachers use a warm-up question on the board, others begin with a quick check-in or a brief review of yesterday’s material. The goal is to create focus quickly while also making students feel seen and ready to learn. Routines like greeting at the door, a consistent seating plan, or a two-minute mindfulness exercise can help transition from hallway noise to classroom attention. What does your opening routine look like, and how has it evolved? Do you use technology, paper, or simply conversation to get students engaged? How do you handle late arrivals without losing momentum? Share your practical approaches, what has not worked, and how you adapt your start for different age groups or subjects. Let’s exchange ideas that make those first ten minutes count.