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Running Head: LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature Review:
The First Six Weeks of School Chapter One
Heather Coates
National University

Running Head: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract
This literary review is based on the first chapter from The First Six Weeks of School by
Paula Denton and Roxann Kriete. This book assists teachers with setting up their classroom for a
successful year. The first chapter of this book focuses on week one of school: what goals to set, a
sample schedule, and setting the tone in the classroom environment.

Running Head: LITERATURE REVIEW

In the first chapter of The First Six Weeks of School, Denton and Kriete discuss the
importance of setting expectations for the rest of the school year. The beginning of this chapter
discusses the importance of ensuring that students feel welcomed and safe being in their new
classroom. It is the teachers job to ensure that students feel welcomed and safe. Something as
simple as welcoming each student individually at the door opens the opportunity for a warm safe
environment. Providing students with an activity allows the teacher to walk throughout the
classroom and talk with each student.
Setting up a successful classroom environment includes focusing on setting routines and
procedures prior to enforcing rules or learning curriculum. Denton and Kriete explain that
although we do not want to leave children with anxiety of our expectations, placing rules can be
off-putting and take attention away from the routines being put in place. Repetition of routines
and procedures will naturally bring about expectations and rules. Modeling expectations to
students allows them to see behaviors that are appropriate based on each activity. Practicing
different activities and utilizing positive reinforcement allows the teacher to set guidelines all
while the students remain feeling safe and comfortable in the classroom.
Creating a schedule that reinforces what is being taught allows for routines and
procedures to be implemented throughout the year. If a teacher jumps into teaching curriculum
so that they dont fall behind takes the attention off of expectations of behaviors in the
classroom. By jumping ahead and introducing material before students are ready, behavior is
more likely to be an issue further in the year. Without setting clear expectations and routines for
students, the teacher is creating a classroom with a lack of structure and boundaries.

Running Head: LITERATURE REVIEW

Implementing classroom activities little by little allows for a more successful classroom.
When showing students new activities or choices in the classroom, the teacher is modeling
acceptable behavior and actions. Increasing the activities available allows students to master the
appropriate behaviors of one activity before moving on to the next. This increases the likelihood
of a smoother and more successfully run classroom later on in the school year.
Including students in the creation of rules and appropriate behaviors allows for greater
success of student actions. Modeling expectations one day, and then asking what students
noticed about the modeled expectations holds students accountable for their own behaviors.
Creating rule charts while students are present allows students to feel as though they take part in
the creation and set up of their own classroom.
Denton and Kreite walk the new teacher through the first day of school in a primary
classroom in the first chapter. Allowing and ensuring students feel safe and comfortable in their
own classroom is one of the greatest priorities a teacher has. Implementing routines and
procedures prior to teaching curriculum allows for greater success throughout the rest of the
school year.

Running Head: LITERATURE REVIEW

References
Denton, P., & Kriete, R. (2000). The First Six Weeks of School. Greenfield, MA: Northeast
Foundation for Children.