The First Six Weeks of School (3e)

The opening weeks of school shape everything that follows, and The First Six Weeks of School, 3rd edition, gives teachers the tools and structures to make those weeks count. This updated edition honors the trusted Responsive Classroom practices educators rely on while adding new examples, streamlined planning tips, and insights that reflect today’s classrooms and students.

Readers will find detailed guidance on teaching routines, modeling expectations, building strong relationships, introducing academics, and fostering the social, behavioral, and well-being competencies that help students thrive. With sample schedules, teacher language, and classroom-tested strategies, this edition supports teachers in creating a calm, caring, highly engaged classroom environment where students feel known, capable, and eager to learn.

You’ll learn how to:

• Plan a great first day.
• Build a warm, safe, inclusive classroom community.
• Teach routines and expectations that support independence.
• Make every part of the day smooth and predictable.
• Use positive discipline to build prosocial behaviors.
• Present engaging academics that spark motivation.
• Foster community through Morning Meeting and closing circle.

Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, this new edition provides a clear, practical road map for launching a joyful, well-run school year with confidence.

Set your students and yourself up for a successful school year in grades PreK–5. The newly updated 3rd edition offers teachers a clear and practical road map for establishing strong routines, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating an engaged learning community from the very first day. This trusted classic has been refreshed with new strategies for today’s classrooms and is packed with fresh guidance, clearer sample schedules, and updated examples.