The first day of school often arrives with a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and dread. It’s natural to worry a bit and take a mental inventory of every possible scenario that could transpire over the course of a year in your classroom. While planning for that pivotal first day, consider setting aside the lesson plan, forgoing homework, and dropping the lecture on rules and policies. Your time and energy are better spent making a strong first impression, laying the groundwork for positive relationships with your students, and designing your classroom to be welcoming and inclusive.

Click here to read the article from Edutopia and learn how to create a classroom environment where all students feel they belong.