Entering a classroom is an important part of a student’s daily routine. Teaching kindergarten students how to enter the classroom with respect and mindfulness sets the tone for a positive learning environment. This blog post will provide educators with an engaging no-prep activity, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to help teach students how to enter the classroom calmly and respectfully.

Introduction

Kindergarten is a critical time for students to develop essential social-emotional skills that will support their academic and personal growth. One such skill is learning how to enter a classroom in a way that promotes a positive and focused learning environment. By teaching students how to walk slowly and quietly, sit at their desk calmly, put away their belongings, and pay attention to the teacher, educators can help foster a sense of respect and responsibility in young learners.

No-Prep Activity: The Quiet Entry Game

This activity requires no materials or preparation from the educator and is designed to help kindergarten students practice entering the classroom in a calm and respectful manner.

1. Before the activity begins, explain to the students that they will be practicing entering the classroom like Josh, who walks slowly and quietly, sits at his desk calmly, puts his backpack away quietly, and pays attention to the teacher.
2. Have the students line up outside the classroom door.
3. When you give the signal, the students will enter the classroom one at a time, practicing the steps they learned from Josh’s example.
4. As each student successfully completes the steps, praise them for their effort and remind them of the importance of entering the classroom in this manner.
5. Repeat the activity as needed to reinforce the skill.

Discussion Questions

After completing the Quiet Entry Game, use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversations and reflection among your students:

1. Why is it important to enter the classroom quietly and calmly?
2. How did it feel to practice entering the classroom like Josh?
3. What other respectful behaviors can we practice in the classroom to create a positive learning environment?
4. How can we remind ourselves to enter the classroom in this way every day?
5. How does entering the classroom calmly and quietly help us get ready for learning?

Related Skills

In addition to teaching kindergarten students how to enter the classroom calmly and respectfully, there are other social-emotional skills that can be introduced to support their development. Some related skills to consider include:

• Active listening: Encourage students to listen carefully to their teacher and classmates during discussions and activities.
• Respecting personal space: Teach students the importance of maintaining an appropriate distance from others and respecting their personal boundaries.
• Cooperation and collaboration: Help students learn how to work together in groups and take turns during activities.
• Self-regulation: Guide students in managing their emotions and behaviors in the classroom setting.
• Responsibility: Teach students how to take responsibility for their actions and belongings.

Next Steps

Teaching kindergarten students how to enter the classroom calmly and respectfully is an essential social-emotional skill that sets the stage for a positive and focused learning environment. To help support your students’ development in this area and explore other related skills, we encourage you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can provide you with additional activities, videos, and lesson plans to enrich your students’ social-emotional learning journey.