From Reflection to Direction: 5 Must-Teach Procedures Every Teacher Needs in Week One
“What do I actually DO on day one?”
It was a question two new teachers asked me after our very first PD of the year.
That question, paired with a powerful encounter I had while out walking, inspired this episode. Hear how a special-needs man whose radiant joy and determination to connect reminded me of the power of emotional regulation and saying Hello FIRST. His example is a vivid reminder for us as teachers: BE THE COMPASS, NOT THE MIRROR in your classroom.
If you’re a new teacher preparing for your first classroom or a veteran looking to refresh your back-to-school procedures, this episode will give you a clear, step-by-step plan for the first week of school.
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
➡️ How to project positive energy and maintain emotional regulation when students bring big feelings into the classroom
➡️ Why connection-building in the first week sets the tone for the entire year
➡️ A day-by-day progression of must-teach classroom procedures:
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Day 1: Voice level expectations + independent start routine
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Day 2: Kinesthetic procedure practice + getting-to-know-you activities
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Day 3: Academic due process + classroom discipline plan
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Days 4–5: Procedures practice game + assessment to reinforce routines
🧑🏫 Why This Matters: The first five days of school lay the foundation for the entire year. By teaching procedures systematically and prioritizing relationships, you’ll build a classroom culture of respect, independence, and joy.
📥 Free Resource: Grab the "Intentional Connection" Poster: → https://tenxteaching.org/resources
✨ Got a teaching story to share? We’re collecting the good, the bad, and the unforgettable moments from the classroom! If you’ve got that one memory that made you laugh, cry, or even cringe a little—and you’re open to hopping on the mic with Mary for a few minutes—we’d love to hear it.
Share your story HERE.
Know a new graduate who needs some help "adulting?" Send them to our affiliate partner, Isabelle McCleary at We Thrive Life. Conquer adulthood together!
👉 If this episode encouraged you, hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a dose of inspiration. Then share it with a teacher friend who could use the reminder that the little things matter. Let's build a community of extraordinary educators who swap stories, trade strategies, and rediscover the joy of teaching.
Credits:
"Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock", is adapted from "Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock" by Music for Creators, used under CC BY 4.0. "Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock" is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by TenXTeaching.
