Rule #2-Greet them at the door

If it were up to me, every teacher would HAVE to shake the hands, say hello using that kid's name, and look into the eyes of every single student in their classroom EVERY SINGLE DAY.  <--Fortunately for me BOTH of my past principals have made this a requirement, because they're awesome.   This is also a rule in my FAVORITE teaching book, Teach Like a Champion.  

Ewww, they're so germy and gross.  That's why they made soap.  Get over it.

And let me tell you, after shaking about a billion hands, I KNOW some are less pleasant than others.  Oh the things we do for these children!

Why is this necessary? 

When you do that you will get to know so much about them.  

You'll know how many days in a row he's been wearing that shirt.

You'll know whether they just rolled out of bed or have had time to start their day.

You'll know if they had a fight on the playground. 

You'll know if they forgot their homework.

You'll remind them to smile, tuck in that shirt and get ready for the morning.
You'll hand them their morning Ritalin.  Ha!  Just wanted to make sure you're reading.

You're kids won't get to shuffle into your class, half-awake.
They may have wanted to do that but that's how our class family does business so they pull it together. 

"Good Morning Randy."
"Ugh..."
"Oh, you're not quite ready.  Go to the end of the line."

Line comes back around to Randy.
"Good Morning Randy."
"Good Morning Ms. Cartier," he says with a smile because he knows he only gets one chance to do it wrong.  

Get up, boys and girls.  

Welcome to a new day.

THIS classroom is a safe place. You're here.  You're home.  You're in your safe place.  Now, let's get ready to learn.