ThresholdDescription
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Threshold takes place at the beginning of the day when a teacher greets each student by standing in the threshold of the classroom. This practice allows a teacher to reinforce classroom expectations daily while personally checking in with each student before learning begins. “The most important moment to set expectations in your classroom is the minute when your students enter, or if they are transitioning within a classroom when they formally begin their lesson…It’s the critical time to establish rapport, set the tone, and reinforce the first steps in a routine that makes excellence a habit,” (Lemov, 2010).
- Reflect at the end of each day on each student’s progress and/or behavior.
- Write down or make a mental note of something to share with each student in the morning as they are being greeted at the doorway.
- At the beginning of the class, the teacher stands at the doorway waiting to greet each student.
- The teacher greets each student by name and with a handshake (high-five, fist bump, or a class secret handshake) as he/she appears at the doorway.
- As students are being greeted, include any mental notes made and/or remind students of the school/classroom expectations and/or procedures as they enter the classroom individually. These quick reminders should take no more than 5-10 seconds per student.
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Alerts
Threshold is a practice that allows for teachers and students to personally interact daily. It is not the time to begin on a “negative” note, but rather a time for positive reinforcement of set expectations.
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Quick Tips
It is helpful to have an activity prepared in advance for students to begin working on after they enter the class (such as Do Now) while the teacher is in the doorway. Threshold can be an opportunity for teachers to ensure that students are meeting school/classroom expectations such as dress code, being prepared for class, and completion of homework. It also allows the teacher to get a sense of how students are feeling prior to the day/period starting.
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Resources
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Other Strategies
Morning Meeting
After the students enter the classroom, the teacher calls a 5-minute meeting. The morning meeting is a time for the class to greet each other and share news with the whole group. This quick meeting can take place on a carpet, in assigned seating, at table groups, or with students being huddled together in a special location. In addition to the greetings and news, the teacher can use this opportunity to set the expectations/schedule for the day. Morning meeting can be done before or after the Do Now.
Personalized Written Greeting
In advance, prepare personalized messages for the students on strips of paper (ex. Jose, I like the way you have been organized and prepared for the lessons this week). This can be done periodically (for the whole class all at once with less frequency or by group/individual students more regularly and rotating until everyone has received a note). The notes can be typed, handwritten, or creative, but should be similar.
