Mornings can set the tone for your entire day as an educator. Whether you’re having a productive start or a chaotic rush, how your morning unfolds can influence your mood, which can influence how you interact with your students. That’s why it’s essential to have a consistent morning routine.
Just as you create a routine for your students to ensure mornings go smoothly, you too need to establish a solid, structured routine.
Here are a few ideas to help you create routines, so your mornings go smoothly and help you feel prepared to take on the day.
Before School: Setting the Tone for the Day
The time you have before you get to school is your chance to build a routine you enjoy and like waking up to. It’s your time to establish a positive mindset that will carry you through the day.
Your goal is to create daily morning habits that help you feel good without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Here are a few suggestions.
Wake Up Earlier
To wake up earlier you must start with a good night’s sleep. Your morning routine will not be effective if you are not well-rested. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Waking up early gives you time to ease into your day.
Start by waking up fifteen minutes earlier than you normally do, then slowly increase the time depending on how much you want to accomplish in the morning.
Investing in yourself by getting up earlier each day will help not only physically (healthier diet, skin, and body) but mentally (better concentration, sleep, and overall well-being) as well.
Take a Moment for Yourself
One of the benefits of getting up earlier than everyone in your household is having time for yourself. These few minutes of peace can be sipping your coffee and watching the news or practicing a quick meditation.
This time with yourself can help you center your thoughts and start your day with clarity. Even as little as five minutes a day can help set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Move Your Body
When you wake up earlier you eliminate the excuse of not having time to move your body due to the day’s commitments. Many people feel too exhausted to work out after a long day, but by starting your morning with exercise, you’ll get it done early and boost your energy levels for the rest of the day.
You don’t have to go for a run or even hit the gym, just a little morning movement can boost your mood, get your blood flowing, and improve your focus and productivity for the day.
Review Your Day
Spend a few minutes of your morning reviewing your day.
Whether it’s jotting down a few to-do’s or mentally preparing how you will present your first lesson, getting a clear picture of the day ahead can make everything feel more manageable.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, focus only on a few essential tasks to help you feel more in control.
Eat a Balanced Breakfast
As you may heard, time and time again, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That is why it’s so important not to skip it.
As a busy teacher, it’s easy to just run out the door without eating. However, you need the energy food gives you to be a productive teacher. Consider meal prepping a grab-and-go breakfast option.
There are many influencers like @Teachertastes that have great healthy breakfast options you make ahead of time.
At School: Creating a Productive Start
After you have set the tone for a positive, productive day at home, it’s now time to carry that energy into the classroom. Here is how to establish a routine that helps you feel prepared and ready to take on the day.
Get to School Early
Consider getting to school at least 10-15 minutes earlier than you typically do. This extra time can make a world of difference in your day.
Whether you’re using the time to work on lesson plans, organize your classroom, or just visit with your colleagues, this extra time will help you settle in before the rush or day starts.
Set Up Your Classroom
A well-organized classroom creates a sense of calm, not only for you but for your students as well.
Ideally, it’s best to ensure your classroom is set up before you leave for the day, but since you’re at school early take some time to lay out the materials you prepped the day before, write your daily schedule on the board, and arrange the decks or chairs the way you want them for your first lesson.
This small act can help you feel more confident and show students you are ready and prepared for the day ahead.
Review Your Lessons
Take a few minutes to review your lessons. This final check will either reinforce your plan or give you time to make any last-minute adjustments.
You can also use this time to review any behavior management strategies or IEPs you may have, or even review any other student accommodations you may have.
Take a Few Minutes to Yourself
The school day can be unpredictable, and sometimes, more preparation is needed for the unexpected. That’s why taking a few minutes to yourself each morning is so important.
This time will be valuable to you and will help you prepare for everything you can’t prepare for.
Greet Students and Colleagues
A warm greeting can go a long way toward setting a positive tone for the day. Take a moment to say hello to your fellow teachers and staff, even if it’s just a quick wave or smile in the hallway. Then, when your students begin arriving, be sure to greet them as well.
By starting the day by establishing a positive rapport, you are helping to build a sense of community within the classroom.
It’s essential to create a morning routine that suits your style. If you’re not a morning person and don’t find value in waking up early, that’s perfectly fine.
If your ideal morning involves relaxing with an espresso while watching your favorite DVR shows, go for it. The key is to establish a routine that’s effective and works for you.
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