Instructional Playbook

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Classroom Adjustment: Morning Greeting

Protocol Select a combination of greetings you will use. Greet students at the entry of your classroom. Use student’s first name when greeting them. Use a positive facial expression and genuine demeanor during your interaction. Offer variety - handshakes, high-fives, fist bumps, waves, verbal greeting Document morning greeting using a calendar or data sheet so that you can hold yourself accountable. After 10 days, review notes and reflect , and assess the effect of the intervention. Positive greetings at the door of classroom increased students’ academic engagement by 20% and decreased disruptive classroom behavior by 9%, according to a study published in the Journal of Positive Behavior and potentially adds an extra hour of learning per day. Teacher should greet students individually by name, as well as use a non verbal greeting, and make positive and pre-corrective statements encouraging good behavior or suggesting how the student should begin the day. This approach promotes a sense of belonging in the classroom, builds a sense of community, and reduces students’ and teachers’ stress levels as they begin the day.

Level of Teacher Effort

Low High Medium

Target Students

Considerations

Works well with all students, but may be especially helpful for: Chronically absent students Students with externalizing behaviors Students who socially withdraw Students experiencing trauma or instability Students with limited positive adult relationships at home Students with low self esteem

Some students may feel uncomfortable with handshakes or high-fives, so allow students to determine how you greet them at the door. Remain warm and consistent, do not take rejection personally. If you have a lot of students, greet them all, but prioritize 5-10 that are most in need