Tier 1 · Universal
Greet students at the door
Welcome each student by name as they enter and give a quick direction for the first task.
How to do it
- Stand at the door as students arrive.
- Greet each student by name with a smile, handshake, fist bump, or wave.
- Give a quick precorrection or the first task: “Grab your notebook and start the warm-up.”
- Notice students who seem upset and check in quietly.
- Make a special point of welcoming students who had a hard time yesterday. It shows a fresh start.
Why it works
- Improves engagement at the start of class
- Lets you spot students who are having a hard day
- Signals that every student belongs
When to use it
- Every day at the start of class
- Especially after conflicts or bad days
- In classes where the start is chaotic
Tips and pitfalls
- Post a “do now” task so students have something to start right away.
- Let students choose their greeting.
Helps with
Not working after a fair trial?
Check that it’s been used consistently for 4–6 weeks and that your data shows the pattern. If so, look at the next tier of support for this behavior.
Tier 2 · Targeted