After the summer holidays, teachers in Odense must be ready to receive students ten minutes before the bell rings.
Several elementary schools in Odense Municipality have had good experiences with having an adult in the classrooms ten minutes before the bell rings at 8:00 a.m.
After the summer holidays, the system will be introduced at all elementary schools in the municipality, so there will be an adult present at 7:50 a.m.
Odense Municipality writes this in a press release.
It should help create structure and calm, says Councillor for Children and Youth Susanne Crawley Larsen (R).
“It has long been my wish that the teachers be present in the classroom when the students arrive.”
“This is happening now and hopefully will help ensure that every class has regular morning routines that provide structure and calm in the classroom.”
“It is something that is absolutely necessary for some children, but which is certainly good for all of them,” the councilor says in the announcement.
One of the schools that has good experiences with the advanced meeting time for teachers is Seden Skole.
In many of the youngest classes, the teacher greets each student at the door, ‘so they can look each other in the eye,’ the press release states.
In the oldest grades, for example, the teacher sits at a table and is available to those who ‘need to lighten their hearts,’ it continues.
Headteacher Marianne Justesen calls it ‘a small gesture that makes a big difference’.
“It is safe for children and parents to know that there is an adult to welcome them in the class, and it ensures that all children are seen from the morning.”
“And if it’s been a dull morning at home, or the child has something on their mind, there is a possibility that the teacher can clear it up before the focus is on the lesson,” says Marianne Justesen in the announcement.
Students are still required to arrive first so that they are ready for class at 8:00 a.m.
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