Nurturing New Beginnings: How Grace and Courtesy Set the Tone for a Thriving School Year

By Morah Jae Jun

The beginning of the school year is an exciting yet pivotal time for both students and teachers. Many parents question as to why we have a tiered orientation. We know you have work, obligations… and frankly, are ready for school to start! We appreciate your patience every year during the orientation period.

To answer your question: Why do we have orientation?

To ensure a smooth transition, the orientation process is designed to gently introduce new students to the classroom setting. This involves a shorter daily work period that emphasizes grace and courtesy lessons, classroom rules, and routines. The goal is to make sure every child feels safe, comfortable, and welcome from the very start.

Grace and Courtesy Lessons: Building a Foundation for Social Skills

Grace and courtesy lessons are an essential part of this orientation, as they equip children with the social strategies necessary to navigate friendships and collaborations. These lessons focus on teaching behaviors that foster a peaceful and cooperative classroom environment.

The way these lessons are introduced is both engaging and educational. Typically, they are presented as group activities, often in the form of role-play. Older children take on the roles of actors or actresses, demonstrating positive behaviors that the teacher wishes to model. Each lesson isolates a specific behavior, such as how to greet someone, share materials, or resolve a conflict. By setting these standards early, we create a classroom culture where everyone knows what is expected and feels confident in their interactions.

Songs and Books: Reinforcing Concepts in a Fun Way

To help children grasp and internalize these concepts, teachers use a variety of songs and books. These tools make the lessons more relatable and enjoyable for young children. Repetition through music and storytelling is not only fun but also an effective way to reinforce the desired behaviors.

These lessons are not confined to the classroom. They extend to the playground, where children interact with special teachers who continue to model and encourage positive social behaviors. Moreover, the principles of grace and courtesy are intended to be carried home, where parents can reinforce what their children are learning at school.

The Role of Teachers: Leading by Example

Teachers play a crucial role in this process. They are not just instructors but also role models. By consistently demonstrating grace and courtesy in their interactions with students and other adults, teachers set a powerful example for the children to follow.

Once the classroom environment is orderly and the children understand and practice these lessons, they begin to experience concentration and independence. With this foundation in place, students are better equipped to function independently, both academically and socially, as the school year progresses.

This orientation process, rooted in grace and courtesy, helps to ensure that each child feels valued, understood, and ready to thrive in their new school environment.