John, how are you? Professor Sana

Dos and Don’ts of Greeting Students

Greeting students at the door helps you to build relationships, which translates into a more productive classroom. However, your actions need to be delivered with a sincere and light intention. When students know that they are truly welcome in your classroom, they will respond in ways that may surprise you.

Do:

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  Position yourself at or just inside your door
  
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  Make it known that you are happy that they are there
  
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  Provide positive direction/guidance for the class period
  
• 
  Tell students what your expectations are for the day
  
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  Give them a sense that this is a new day
  

Don’t:

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  Lose sight of what’s happening in the hallway
  
• 
  Bring up past transgressions
  
• 
  Take student behavior personally
  
• 
  Bring your personal concerns to class
  
• 
  Be a drill sergeant
  

Building community starts at the classroom door and students who know what to expect in your classroom are more likely to be engaged learners.