The new school year is well under way, and educators have been working hard! This is a because of a process called front-loading.
Front-loading, in education, is a process where teachers allocate extra energy at the beginning of the school year. We do this to have a smooth rest of the year. Some examples of front-loading in education are:
- Setting up classroom rules and expectations.
- Reviewing and practicing classroom procedures so they become second nature.
- Practicing appropriate behavior during transition times.
- Setting up and practicing school-wide expectations (e.g. behavior in hallways, assemblies, etc.).
- Teaching classroom policies for things such as: how to turn in work, what to do when a student finishes early, rules for group work, etc.
- Setting up academic expectations.
- Gathering baselines for the beginning of the year.
- Learning students interests, strengths and areas of need.
- Establishing a positive tone for the class.
Front-loading takes a lot of energy It takes a lot of time thought to have a well-run class, but setting up and diligently enforcing classroom standards at the beginning of the year sets the tone for the entire school year. It’s exhausting, but well worth it!
