Opening Routine: First Chapter Fridays

As we return to school this year, Pear Deck has partnered with Facing History and Ourselves to help build community and trust within classrooms, both physical and virtual. With these quick, interactive routines—designed to take five to ten minutes each—educators can foster a sense of belonging and prioritize social-emotional learning every day.

Overview

This routine fosters empathy, perspective-taking, and active listening as you build community around stories and storytelling. When teachers read aloud to students, it can increase students’ comprehension and reduce anxiety, but teachers rarely do so outside of elementary school. Open class on Fridays, or one synchronous class period each week, by reading the first chapter from a high-interest book that reflects the identities and lived experiences of your students.

Source: Facing History and Ourselves