A Strong Start to the Elementary School Day

Imagine the excitement students have as they walk into the classroom, eager to discuss the unique adaptations of hammerhead sharks instead of diving straight into learning effective paragraph structure. The intriguing facts about sharks captivate their attention, sparking curiosity and the desire to ask questions, talk with peers, and, in general, learn more.

Making the first 30 minutes of the day exciting provides a strong foundation for teaching skills, as students see the relevance and application of gaining knowledge through reading and structuring their thoughts through talking and writing. Ultimately, facts precede skill in motivating students, showing them the purpose behind learning and how to apply their new skills effectively through reading, writing, and talking. A number of studies also show that students learn substantially more this way.

This research supports all students in their learning; however, the biggest boost is for students who come from lower-resourced backgrounds who may not have access to learning about science and social studies at home or on breaks. Without a solid understanding of content, students struggle to transfer their learning to new contexts, making it harder for them to develop critical thinking skills.

We can transform the first 30 minutes of the day into a catalyst for learning knowledge and skills at high levels throughout the school day.

5 Ways to Harness the Power of the First 30

1. Anchor work toward unusual information in science and social studies. Start the day with a captivating concept that piques students’ curiosity. For instance, introducing students to the peculiar mudskipper—a fish that can live both in water and on land—can spark their interest in science. This unusual idea serves as a springboard for exploration and inquiry, encouraging students to ask questions and seek answers.

However, the benefits of this approach extend far beyond just the realm of science. Through this process, teachers can leverage prior knowledge and focus on reading, writing, and talking skills that support students in reading complex texts, making predictions, and expressing their ideas through writing.

Sample approach: Begin with a short video or presentation about the platypus. Engage students in a discussion about how these creatures possess unique adaptations that don’t fit exactly with characteristics of mammals. Encourage them to think about other animals with unique adaptations and how these characteristics help them thrive.

2. Link to various perspectives. Broaden students’ understanding by presenting multiple viewpoints on historical events, cultural practices, or scientific discoveries. For example, the Battle of Little Bighorn, known as the Battle of Greasy Grass by the Lakota, offers an opportunity to explore history from different cultural perspectives. As you plan the day and week, incorporate lessons on primary and secondary sources as well using appropriate in-text citations.

Sample approach: Present primary source materials and accounts from both the U.S. Army and the Lakota regarding various conflicts. Facilitate a discussion on how perspectives shape our understanding of history, and encourage students to compare and contrast different narratives.

3. Create friendly controversy. Stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills by introducing friendly controversy around real-world issues. Propose solutions to larger global challenges that are tangible local issues for students, such as addressing the problem of litter across the school campus, and encourage students to debate and discuss these ideas respectfully.

Sample approach: Pose a question like “What are the best ways to reduce our carbon footprint at our school?” Divide students into groups to research and present different solutions, such as renewable energy or reducing plastic use. Hold a class debate to evaluate the pros and cons of each solution.

4. Integrate content knowledge and relationship building. A common myth is that building relationships and content knowledge are separate affairs. However, building content knowledge and fostering relationships go hand in hand. By discussing interesting topics and engaging in collaborative activities, students not only learn about the subject matter but also connect with their peers and teachers.

These connections create a supportive learning environment, making students feel valued and more willing to participate. Group discussions and debates encourage teamwork and communication, helping students build relationships while deepening their understanding of core content.

Sample approach: When teaching about the Vietnam War, have students share personal family stories and perspectives related to the war or a conflict. Beforehand, lots of relationship building should have already taken place to ensure that students feel comfortable being vulnerable in front of their classmates. This type of activity allows students to learn about the war’s complex history while building respect and empathy for different viewpoints. Engaging in respectful discussions and debates fosters effective communication, active listening, and critical thinking skills.

5. Finish the day by transferring learning to authentic tasks. Building the day on a foundation of core content knowledge allows students to acquire and apply skills in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics more effectively. They are not just learning in isolation but are constantly making connections to real-world contexts and transferring their learning to authentic tasks. This integrated approach prepares them for lifelong learning and problem-solving.

By regularly engaging in this type of reflective practice, students develop the habit of transferring their learning to authentic tasks and contexts. They begin to see education as a means to develop essential skills for lifelong learning and problem-solving, rather than just acquiring isolated facts.

Sample approach: At the end of the day, gather students in a circle or have them turn their desks to face each other. Explain that they will spend a few minutes reflecting on a situation in their daily lives where they could apply what they learned today. For example, if they learned about persuasive writing techniques, how could they use those skills to advocate for a cause they care about or to communicate more effectively with family members?

Transforming the first 30 minutes into a time for building student content knowledge is a powerful strategy that benefits the entire school day. By anchoring work to interesting ideas, linking to various perspectives, and creating friendly controversy, we engage students in meaningful learning that supports their development in background knowledge and builds relevance for learning ELA and mathematics.