Starting the Year with Purpose: Routines, Responsive Classroom, and Our Core Values

The beginning of the school year is a time filled with excitement, possibility, and energy. For all our Lower School students, it is also a moment of transition—new classrooms, new teachers, and new friends. Establishing clear routines at the start of the year helps children feel secure and supported as they navigate these changes. When students know what to expect, they can focus their energy on learning, exploration, and building relationships rather than worrying about uncertainty. From how they enter the classroom to the way they transition throughout the day and share lunch together, predictable routines provide a safe and steady framework where students can thrive both academically and socially. 

 

At Brimmer and May, we ground these routines in the principles of Responsive Classroom, which emphasize teaching social-emotional skills alongside academics. Morning Meetings, positive teacher language, and interactive modeling all play a role in helping children understand expectations and build respectful, caring communities. These practices not only make transitions smoother but also set the tone for collaboration, empathy, and mutual respect. By embedding these strategies early in the year, we empower students to develop the independence and responsibility needed to grow as learners and as people.

 

Equally important is the alignment of routines with our School’s Core Values. Whether it is showing respect during a classroom discussion, demonstrating responsibility during transitions, or practicing kindness with a new classmate, our values come alive through daily habits. Our weekly Gators, given at SHARE, provide an opportunity for us to highlight students who exemplify these values, celebrate their efforts, and remind our whole community of the joy that comes from living our values.  

When routines, Responsive Classroom practices, and Core Values are woven together from the very first days of school, we build a foundation for a year of joyful learning, meaningful growth, and authentic connection.

As we begin this journey together, our shared commitment to routines, Responsive Classroom practices, and Core Values ensures that every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. By starting strong, we set the stage not just for a successful school year, but for the kind of learning that helps students find success far beyond the classroom.