From Beach Chair to Classroom Chair: Gearing Up for a New School Year
The beach chair is officially folded up and tucked away, and in its place are 24 student desks, stacks of whiteboards, and the unmistakable scent of freshly sharpened pencils. Yes, it’s that time of year again—when sunscreen and novels give way to flair pens, crisp new crayon boxes, and the familiar 5:00 a.m. alarm.
In my little town, teachers head back to school in less than a week. As I reflect on the end of summer, I’m filled with anticipation for what’s ahead: a brand new group of students, new personalities, new possibilities. Each new year brings the opportunity to try something different—new instructional strategies, fresh ideas, and creative activities that challenge both me and my students.
But before we dive into academics, there’s one crucial element that sets the tone for everything that follows: classroom management.
After 28 years in the classroom, I can confidently say that a well-managed classroom isn’t just about rules and procedures—it’s about relationships, trust, and creating an environment where students feel safe to take risks. When the foundation is strong, everything else—from deep thinking to academic growth—falls into place.
Here’s how I build that foundation every year:
1. Building Relationships
If I had to choose one non-negotiable priority at the start of the year, it would be building strong relationships—with both students and their families. In fact, I could write an entire blog series just on this topic. When students feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to engage, participate, and thrive.
Before school even begins, I launch a project called Book Buddies. Friends and family members “sponsor” each student by purchasing a book and writing a short, encouraging card. On the first day of school, students walk in to find a gift bag on their desk containing their special book and card. Watching their faces light up with surprise and joy never gets old—it’s a powerful way to start building connections from the very first moment.
I also make personal phone calls to each student before the school year starts. That brief conversation goes a long way in easing first-day jitters and beginning a positive home-school partnership.
Once school is underway, I send out interest surveys to both parents and students. I ask about hobbies, sports, strengths and challenges, and goals for the year. I use this information to:
1. Show up at games or performances to cheer them on,
2. Tailor my teaching strategies,
3. Stock our classroom library with books that match their interests.
Relationships matter. They always have, and they always will.
2. Building a “Thinking” Collaborative Classroom
Over the years, I’ve learned that when students are deeply engaged in collaborative problem-solving, behavior issues all but disappear. That’s why two key components of my classroom are Number Talks and the Building Thinking Classrooms model.
These routines encourage students to think critically, reason out loud, and learn from one another. Instead of working in isolation, students share strategies, challenge ideas, and build confidence through collective learning. When students are doing the thinking, they’re also doing the learning.
And as a bonus? Classroom management almost takes care of itself.
3. Building a Safe Environment
Finally, and most importantly, I work to ensure that every student feels safe—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Students need to know that it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, mistakes are part of learning. Whether it's grappling with a tough math problem or sharing a personal narrative, I want them to feel secure enough to take risks, to try again, and to grow.
Creating this type of environment doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistency, empathy, and a whole lot of listening. But the rewards? They’re immeasurable.
So as I pack away the flip-flops and set up my seating chart, I’m reminded that a new school year is more than a reset—it’s a fresh opportunity to build something powerful with 24 young minds.
Here’s to year 29. Let’s make it the best one yet.
