#  The First Day of Class: Setting the Tone 

 



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The first day of class is a unique opportunity to set a welcoming tone, build community, and communicate your expectations. Early connections and clear guidelines help students feel comfortable and motivated—setting everyone up for a successful semester.

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### Building Rapport

Creating a positive classroom environment starts with building rapport—with and among your students. This fosters engagement, trust, and a sense of belonging. To build rapport and community:

- **Introduce Yourself**: Share your academic background, passion for the subject, and a few personal interests. It helps students see you as approachable and invested.
- **Learn About Your Students**: Ask students about their backgrounds, interests, or why they chose your course. Use introductions, icebreakers, or quick surveys to gather insights.Addressing students by name fosters a sense of respect and belonging—consider using name tents or student photos, especially in larger classes.
- **Acknowledge Nerves:** Recognize that both you and your students may feel a bit anxious. A warm welcome and a touch of humor can set everyone at ease.
- **Encourage Student Interaction**: Use brief icebreakers or partner introductions. Rotate partners to ensure students meet multiple classmates.
- **Promote Inclusivity**: Set the expectation that everyone’s contributions are valued. Establish clear guidelines for respectful discussion.

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### Setting Expectations and Classroom Norms

Clarity about how your class works helps students understand what success looks like and lowers anxiety about the unknown. Strategies for communicating expectations include:

- **Outline Course Structure**: Briefly explain the course’s approach, key assignments, and what preparation will look like.
- **Clarify Logistics**: Highlight critical syllabus details: due dates, grading policies, office hours, and communication channels.
- **Discuss Participation**: Describe how you hope students will contribute—whether through discussions, group work, or questions.
- **Make “Hidden” Rules Visible**: Discuss norms around speaking, active listening, and collaboration. What does respectful engagement look like in your discipline?
- **Classroom Contract**: Collaboratively develop or review key expectations with students, such as punctuality, participation, or internal group work guidelines.
- **Student Feedback:** Let students know you’re open to their questions and feedback about the course or classroom climate.

A little intentional planning for your first class goes a long way. By building rapport and making expectations explicit, you create the foundation for an engaging and inclusive learning environment. See our guide to [Planning the First Day of Class](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lL1fycxQv60Bff0MCS59QN9btYnTjpC97bxZfn2Ii3c/edit?tab=t.0) worksheet for more ideas.



 



###    For more information...  expand\_more  

 

 [BOK GUIDE: The First Day of Class](/file_url/796)

 [Hit the Ground Running, our handbook for new Teaching Fellows](/file_url/312)

 [Lang, James. 2022. "How to Teach a Good First Day of Class." *The Chronicle of Higher Education*.](https://www-chronicle-com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/article/how-to-teach-a-good-first-day-of-class/)

 [Parks, Melissa. 2017. "Simple Strategies to Develop Rapport with Students and Build a Positive Classroom Climate." The National Teaching & Learning Forum 26.5: 4–6.](http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ntlf.30122)