Staggered Starts, After Recess & Lunch Transition Ideas

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Show Notes:

The bell rings, and chaos begins. Students wander aimlessly, backpacks spill open, voices rise, and you’re already putting out fires before the day has even started. If this sounds like your mornings, it’s time to make a change.

When the school day begins calm, focused, and full of purpose, something magical happens. A consistent morning routine and smooth transitions aren’t just about staying organized - they set the tone for everything that follows. In today’s episode, I’m sharing several practical, low-prep strategies to help you keep your mornings (and your after-recess and lunch transitions) smooth, calm, and productive.

Mornings and transitions can be tricky moments for teachers, but they don’t have to stay that way. By establishing clear routines and teaching students exactly how your classroom runs, you create a structured and predictable environment that leads to more engagement and productivity. Throughout the episode, I highlight different activities students can do during the morning, after lunch, or following any transition. Even better, each one can be completed independently at their desks, keeping them focused and on task.

A strong morning routine and smooth transitions are the backbone of a well-managed classroom. They build consistency, reduce chaos, and help students feel secure and ready to learn. When students know what to expect and feel confident moving from one activity to the next, your classroom becomes a place of flow, focus, and learning from the very first bell. Try implementing a few of these ideas to streamline your morning routine and refresh your transitions. I’m confident you’ll feel the difference!

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• How to turn chaotic mornings and unstructured transitions into calm, productive moments for your students.
• Why establishing routines and predictability in the classroom is essential for your students’ success and sense of stability at school.
• A variety of practical, structured, and engaging strategies your students can participate in each day.
• Why independent silent reading has become a lost skill and how your students can rebuild this daily habit each morning.
• How streamlining your morning routine can positively impact both you and your students.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page
• Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• Classroom Management Hack: Rock-Star Ready Morning Routine
• 12 Transition Ideas: Save Time Moving Between Activities & When Lining Up
• Classroom Management Hack: End of Day Routine
• When Kids Test You in September: How to Reset Routines Without Starting Over

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