I'm First
I am always in my classroom before any of my students arrive, this gives me an opportunity to be there when they start to come into class. I find that i can then greet students as they enter my classroom which is an icebreaker for them and myself.
I agree that being there in class to greet your students on the first day of a class can be used as an icebreaker. It can also allow a student to ask questions about the class prior to the official class start. However, on occasion, some instructors use this time to enforce rules and regulations as a method of conditioning a student prior to starting the class. This tends to be a turn off and sends what I consider a negative message. Students need to feel "Welcomed".
I can't agree with you more. I have found this to be the best way helping students feel more comfortable when they first enter the classroom. As a professional, it's the only way to be, organized and efficient and the students recognize it and will respect you for it.
Danny
Our school also recognizes the value of meeting and greeting the students at the door before class starts in as such they have made it a school policy to do so.
I here ya brother! The students on the first day are always interested to see what you are like. not you meaning "you" but you in general. Ya know.
