How are you going to start your first day? I liked to stand by the door and personally greet each child with a hug or a handshake.
Note! If your school is still restricting physical contact, a smile or air hug will go a long way.
Think about the routine you want to use each day and just jump right in...
Do you call it circle time or morning meeting or??? Whatever you call it, choose an active song that you like and use it to get the blood going to the brain and release wiggles.
It's important to choose a song and do the same song every day. That way it will become an "indicator activity" and when the children hear it they'll know it's time to get the show started!
These are some of my favorite good morning songs:
Rise and Shine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyAD2OoFuoY
Feeling Fine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bm8lk7lvUg
Time to Get Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39__jCTwNt0
Handshakes
Hopefully, one day soon you will all be able to connect with your children each morning with the sense of touch and a smile from one of my handshakes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaONx6N7-kM
Rules help children feel secure and know what behavior is expected of them. Here are four simple rules stated in a positive way that will be good to start every day.
Rules Rap
Chorus:
The rules, the rules, the rules of the classroom. (Snap fingers.)
The rules, the rules, the rules of the classroom.
Follow, follow, follow directions, (Point index fingers.)
Follow, follow, follow directions. Chorus
Feet and hands, feet and hands, (Point to feet and hands.)
Feet and hands to yourself. Chorus
Small voices inside, tall voices on the playground.
(Quiet voice, then loud voice.)
Small voices inside, tall voices on the playground. Chorus
Work together, don’t fight, or you’ll get in trouble.
(Clasp hands, then hold nose.)
Work together, don’t fight, or you’ll get in trouble. Chorus
YEAH!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z60vA7vVYUY
Rules Rap
Chorus:
The rules, the rules, the rules of the classroom. (Snap fingers.)
The rules, the rules, the rules of the classroom.
Follow, follow, follow directions, (Point index fingers.)
Follow, follow, follow directions. Chorus
Feet and hands, feet and hands, (Point to feet and hands.)
Feet and hands to yourself. Chorus
Small voices inside, tall voices on the playground.
(Quiet voice, then loud voice.)
Small voices inside, tall voices on the playground. Chorus
Work together, don’t fight, or you’ll get in trouble.
(Clasp hands, then hold nose.)
Work together, don’t fight, or you’ll get in trouble. Chorus
YEAH!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z60vA7vVYUY
Hint! If children aren't following the rules move close to them, look them in the eyes, and say, "You know what to do."