The Morning Routine That Will Make You a Better Teacher

Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unprepared at the start of each day? Imagine beginning your mornings with a simple yet powerful routine that can transform your teaching abilities and create a more positive classroom environment. I’ve written before about setting an evening routine, today I want to focus on an morning routine.

In this post, we will explore a morning routine hack that has the potential to elevate your skills as an educator and set the tone for success in your classroom. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can maximise your impact on your students and create a more focused and successful teaching experience.

Let’s dive in and discover how you can become a better teacher and have a calmer, more in-control day starting from the moment you wake up.

SETTING THE TONE FOR SUCCESS

One powerful way to set the tone for success in your day, and therefore your classroom, is by incorporating mindfulness and intention setting into your morning routine. By taking a few moments to centre yourself, focus on your goals for the day, and channel positive energy, you can cultivate a mindset that will positively impact your teaching and the overall atmosphere of your classroom.

I find that in order to effectively set the tone for each day, it helps to set an intention for your day when you first wake up. I journal each night and set an intention each evening for how to improve the following day. Then, when I wake up, one of the first things I think of is what my intention is and how I can remember that throughout the day. It’s not always easy, but as you begin to regularly do the habit, it becomes easier.

Next, let’s further explore how practising mindfulness and setting intentions can enhance your teaching abilities and create a more enriching learning environment for your students.

MINDFULNESS AND INTENTION SETTING

By starting your day with mindfulness and intention setting, you can better focus on the tasks at hand, enhance your connection with your students and colleagues, and approach challenges with a clear and positive mindset. This can lead to improved communication, increased patience, and a greater sense of empathy toward others. With this strong foundation in place, you are better equipped to handle the demands of teaching and create a supportive and engaging environment for learning.

Setting aside time for mindfulness and intention setting also allows you to reflect on what is truly important to you as a teacher and how you can best serve your students. This self-awareness can help you stay true to your values, prioritise your tasks, and make decisions that align with your goals for your classroom. By incorporating these practices into your morning routine, you are setting yourself up for a successful and fulfilling day of teaching.

This intentional focus on mindfulness and setting positive intentions can create a ripple effect in your classroom, inspiring your students to adopt a similar mindset and approach to their learning. As you continue to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and intention throughout your day, you will find yourself more present, engaged, and connected with your students. This strong foundation can enhance your teaching abilities and create a more enriching learning environment for everyone in your classroom.

By incorporating mindfulness and intention setting into your morning routine, you are not only investing in your own well-being and success as a teacher, but you are also setting a positive example for your students. This intentional practice can help you start your day on the right foot, stay focused on your goals, and create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and growth.

As you continue to prioritise mindfulness and intention setting in your morning routine, you will find that your teaching abilities are enhanced, your connection with your students deepens, and your overall impact as a teacher is strengthened. With this strong foundation in place, you are ready to move forward and engage your body for an even more successful day of teaching.

MOVING YOUR BODY

Engaging in physical activity is another important component of a well-rounded morning routine for teachers. Moving your body through exercise, stretching, or yoga can help release tension, improve your focus, and boost your energy levels for the day ahead.

By incorporating movement into your morning routine, you are not only taking care of your physical health but also priming your mind for a productive day in the classroom. To make it easier to wake up and actually move your body (especially if you’re someone who loves to hit snooze until the last minute), make it easier by having what you need ready for you. For example, if you plan to go for a run first thing, set out your running gear so it’s easy to put on and go. If you plan to do a yoga flow, lay out your yoga mat and blocks so it’s easier to simply begin.

Moving your body first thing in the morning is not only great for your physical health (for obvious reasons), it’s also wonderful for your mental health and for providing yourself with some “me time” before the craziness of the day ensues. Especially as a teacher, where others need things from you consistently throughout the day, it’s nice to start your day with some time for simply yourself.

As you prioritise moving your body in the morning, you’ll set yourself up for success in all aspects of your teaching. Next, we’ll explore how nourishing your body with a healthy breakfast can further enhance your teaching abilities and overall well-being.

NOURISHING YOUR BODY

In addition to moving your body, nourishing your body with a healthy breakfast is essential for setting a positive tone for the day. Just as physical activity helps to fuel your energy and focus, a nutritious breakfast will provide your body and brain with the essential nutrients they need to function optimally.

This will look different for you depending on what your morning looks like, when you get hungry, and so on. For example, on mornings I start the day with hot yoga, I don’t eat something before or right after class because it makes me feel sick, so I have electrolytes and green juice powder until I get hungry around 10am. However, on days I start my days with walking my dog, I’ll often have greek yogurt, protein powder, and fruit right after the walk before I head off to work. As long as you find something that works for you and you are putting something nutritious in your body (think smoothies, oatmeal, overnight oats, egg bites, fruit, and so on) first thing, you’re on the right track.

By taking the time to nourish yourself in the morning, you are not only caring for your well-being but also preparing yourself to be the best teacher you can be. As you establish a routine of feeding your body right at the start of the day, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way in the classroom. Stay tuned to learn how preparing for the day ahead can further enhance your teaching effectiveness.

PREPARATION FOR THE DAY AHEAD

Another essential aspect of optimising your morning routine as a teacher is the preparation for the day ahead. This includes taking a few moments to review your lesson plans, gather any materials or resources you may need, and visualise how you want the day to go. By setting clear intentions and organising your thoughts before stepping into the classroom, you’ll be better equipped to handle any unexpected challenges that may arise.

Additionally, this preparation allows you to approach the day with a sense of purpose and focus, ensuring that you are ready to engage with your students in a meaningful way. By taking the time to prepare for the day ahead, you are setting yourself up for success and creating a positive learning environment for your students.

I like to leave my room each evening with everything prepared for the following day. I almost prepare as if I’m expecting a substitute and laying everything out for them – except I’m doing it for myself! This always makes my mornings much less stressful as I walk into a room that’s prepared and I don’t need to frantically run around looking for what I need. Starting out on a calm foot is always a much more pleasant way to start the day.

By being intentional and purposeful in your morning routine and your preparedness for the day, you are not only supporting your body and mind but also setting the stage for meaningful connections with your students throughout the day.

CREATING CONNECTION WITH YOUR STUDENTS

Creating a connection with your students is crucial for fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. One way to do this is by greeting each student warmly as they enter the classroom, showing them that you value their presence and are excited to see them. You can put up a poster or visuals asking students how they want to greet you entering the classroom each day (high five, smile, hug, handshake, dance, or so on). This sets a positive tone and also starts with a routine they become used to, also knowing not to enter the classroom until you come to greet the class.

Additionally, taking the time to ask about students’ day, weekend, or interests can help build rapport and trust. Having a solid foundation of trust with your students makes it much easier for them to engage in lessons and to find academic success. By fostering a strong connection with your students, you are creating an environment where they feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to learn.

Next, let’s focus on how implementing consistency and discipline in your morning routine will further solidify the foundation for a successful day in the classroom.

IMPLEMENTING CONSISTENCY AND DISCIPLINE

Consistency and discipline are key elements in creating a successful morning routine as a teacher. These aren’t things you’ll see on typical morning routine lists, but other people aren’t teachers! As teachers, we know how much the class behaviour can impact our own moods, so ensuring we’re on top of classroom management each day can mitigate this.

By establishing a consistent schedule and sticking to it, you set a positive example for your students and show them the importance of structure and routine. They need to see the importance of a routine and know what your expectations are.

Further, implementing discipline in your morning routine, and by this I mean being disciplined with tasks you need to complete, you keep things from piling up. Whether it’s setting aside time for lesson planning, grading, or preparing materials, discipline helps you stay organised and focused, allowing you to start the day off on the right foot.

Consistency and discipline not only benefit you as a teacher but also create a sense of reliability and dependability for your students, helping them feel secure and prepared for the day ahead. Maximising your impact as an educator starts with setting a strong foundation through consistency and discipline in your morning routine.

MAXIMISING YOUR IMPACT AS AN EDUCATOR

As discussed previously, by starting each day with intention and purpose, you demonstrate to your students the importance of organisation, focus, and diligence. Your morning routine not only sets the tone for your day but also sets the example for those around you.

Through a mindful and structured approach to your mornings, you can create a positive and productive learning environment that benefits both you and your students. It is through these small daily habits that you can truly make a lasting impact in the lives of those you teach.

Not only will you actually perform better as a teacher when you have a morning routine that sets you up for success and puts your physical and mental health first, you will set a strong example for your students. We can say all we want about being healthy, but our students see what we do (and they often don’t listen to what we say!). Make sure you’re being a good example and really prioritising your health.

In conclusion, incorporating these morning routine ideas into your daily practice can truly support and enhance your teaching experience. By setting the tone for success, practising mindfulness, prioritising physical and mental well-being, and fostering strong connections with your students, you are on the path toward maximising your impact as an educator.

Take the first step today towards becoming the best teacher you can be, and watch your classroom transform into a space where both you and your students thrive. As the saying goes, “The future of the world is in your classroom today.”

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