Stop focusing only on the lesson plan and start focusing on the most critical moments of your class: the first seven minutes.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful shift that happens when teachers prioritize grounding the room over pushing through. We explore why those initial moments set the tone for all the learning that follows, especially for multilingual learners.

Key Takeaways:

• It's about the Nervous System, Not Competence: The class often feels "off" not due to a classroom management failure, but because students (and you) are still transitioning and their nervous systems are activated. Learning can't fully land until the room settles.
• The Power of Grounding: Learn what "grounding" actually means—it's not about silence or perfect behavior. It's an invitation to settle, which can be physical (a breath, a stretch), emotional (naming the room's energy), or cognitive (a predictable routine).
• Save Time Later: Grounding the first seven minutes saves time later in the lesson because you spend less time redirecting, repeating yourself, and trying to recover attention.

If you are ready to change how you begin class, grab your free resource, The First 7 Minutes: Start the Class Grounded (Even If Your Students Aren’t). Find the link below..

I want to hear from you!

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to transitioning from one class to the next? Share with us in the comments or send a message on Instagram, Facebook, or email!

Here is What You Will Hear in This Episode:

• Three ways of grounding and what they can look like at the start of the class
• Why it is incorrect to assume that chaotic start of class is always classroom management failure
• The First 7 Minutes practice that you can use in your classroom right away

Simply Ieva Offers:

• 1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up Session

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Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources:

• Simply Ieva website
• My TpT store
• Accommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist

Related episodes:

• Here is Why You’re Drained (or Energized) by Teaching
• How to Beat the Mid-Year Slump in the EL Classroom

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