Morning arrival routines are important for all children and especially for the child who is an English language learner. When arrival activities are consistent from day to day, children feel confident, they know what to expect, and they know what they are expected to do. They are able to begin their day “on the right foot.”
Morning arrival routines also provide a wonderful opportunity for developing English language skills. Greeting the children along with their parents as they arrive is an important part of the daily routine. It is a time to acknowledge the child and parents while reassuring the child that this is his/her classroom. A welcome chart in both English and the children’s home language should be displayed. Other routines may include a sign-in sheet which should be readily available for children to sign as they arrive.
Dismissal
is as important as arrival time and sets the tone for the child’s return
home at the end of the day. Dismissal time also should be planned and
follow consistent routines and activities. Children can sing a good-bye
song in English and Spanish to end the day while practicing use of the
language.
Both arrival and dismissal provide the opportunity to check in with parents and provide feedback about their child’s progress.
LET'S REFLECT
Which
of the management practices do I already have in place in my classroom?
Which of the activities were most useful in understanding the importance of a well-organized and managed classroom?
How did the videos inform me about routines and transitions?
