Welcome Crew

Round 2:

Switch roles. Partner B is now the Newcomer looking hesitant near the pencil sharpener. Partner A initiates the greeting.

Teaching Name Pronunciation Etiquette

A student's name is tied deeply to their identity. Address common anxieties around unfamiliar names directly:

• Never treat a name as strange or difficult: Avoid phrases like "Whoa, that's impossible to say!" or "Do you have a shorter nickname?"
• Respectful clarify phrasing: Model saying: "I want to make sure I say your name correctly. Could you please say it once more for me?"
• Private practice: Encourage students to repeat the name quietly to themselves until confident.

Pre-Arrival Host System Checklist

Desk & Materials Ready Ready an empty desk with notebook, pencil, and classroom schedule before arrival.

Two-Day "Welcome Pair" Assign 2 thoughtful peers as designated navigators (hallway, lunch line, lockers).

Closing Reflection Prompt for Class Circle:

"What is one greeting phrase you will personally commit to using when a visitor or new classmate joins our room?"

Welcome Crew Facilitation System End of Lesson 1 Teacher Guide

Don't Do This:

"Fine, be that way!" or walking away scoffing and telling others "They're mean."

Say This Instead:

"No problem at all! The offer stands anytime you want to jump in."

Respecting someone's space IS including them. Always leave the door unlocked!

Differentiation: Provide sentence frames for developing writers or ELL students on the board.

Coaching Graceful Response to Declined Invitations

When students reach out and hear "No thanks," they may feel embarrassed or resentful. Frame this proactively:

• Normalize the decline: A new environment causes sensory and emotional exhaustion. A "no" rarely means "I don't like you."
• Teach the Grace Exit Line: "Cool, maybe next time!" accompanied by a relaxed nod.
• The Follow-Through: Re-invite two days later so the student knows the door remains wide open.

Teacher Recess & Lunch Observation Checklist

Circle Formation Check Look at standing groups on the playground. Are they closed loops or open wedges?

Cafeteria Perimeter Check Are any students sitting alone with 2 or more vacant seats around them? Prompt student ambassadors.

Debrief Question for Closing Circle:

"If you were new, which would you prefer: someone directly asking you to play, or someone giving you an open invitation to join when ready? Why?"

Welcome Crew Facilitation System End of Lesson 2 Teacher Guide

Interrupt the Moment

"Hey, let's keep it respectful," or step in: "They're with us, come on over."

Check In Privately

"Hey, that wasn't cool what they said. Are you alright? Want to walk with me?"

Our classroom is a safe harbor for everyone. Welcome Crew in Action!

The Quiet Ally: Sit with them after an incident and affirm: "I heard that; it wasn't right. I'm glad you're in our class."

Facilitating the Class Welcome Pact (15 Mins)

Distribute the Welcome Pact Worksheet. Have each student sign and commit to three personal action commitments:

• Individual ownership: Each student writes out their specific action for greetings, lunchtime inclusion, and conflict support.
• Wall Display Ceremony: Post a master copy near the doorway where every student signs their name as an official guardian of classroom hospitality.
• Quarterly Renewal: Revisit the pact whenever a new student is anticipated or at semester change.

Long-Term Welcoming Rituals

Two-Week Check-in Schedule a private 3-minute conference with the new student at Day 10 to identify any social hurdles.

Shifting Buddy Roles Rotate assigned buddy pairs after the first week so the new student builds bonds across multiple friend groups.

Final Debrief Reflection:

"What is one thing we want any new student to say about our room by the end of their first week?"

Welcome Crew Facilitation System End of Lesson 3 Teacher Guide