The first days of school set the tone for everything that follows. New routines, new faces, new possibilities… and, if we’re honest, a bit of nervous energy for both students and teachers. What if we could channel that energy into something intentional? What if, instead of jumping straight into content and rules, we began by asking the kinds of questions that help us and our students feel truly seen?
When we start the year with hope, we start by imagining how we want to grow. That’s where questions come in.
The Power of Intentional Questions
Questions are more than conversation starters, they’re invitations to connect. They signal curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen. When we ask the right questions, we build trust and help our classroom community see itself as a place where everyone belongs.
Here are a few you might ask yourself before students even walk through the door:
- What do I want my classroom to feel like this year?
- How do I want my students to feel when they enter this space?
- What values will guide my daily decisions?
And here are a few you might ask students in those first days:
- What’s something you’re proud of from the past year?
- What helps you feel comfortable in a group?
- What’s a skill you’d like to grow this year — in or out of school?
Journaling Prompts for Reflection and Connection
Journaling can be a quiet, low-pressure way to help students and teachers alike reflect on these questions. You can share prompts as morning work, exit tickets, or part of a weekly routine.
For Teachers:
- “This year, I want to make space for…”
- “A moment last year when I felt proud of my teaching was…”
- “One change I can make to better connect with students is…”
For Students:
- “Something I wish my teacher knew about me is…”
- “The best kind of group I’ve been part of made me feel ___ because…”
- “When I imagine the end of the school year, I hope I will have…”
Cultivating Belonging from Day One
Belonging doesn’t happen by accident – it’s built through intentional actions, big and small. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Create visible representation. Decorate your space with student work as soon as possible, and include visuals, languages, and references that reflect your students.
- Use names often and correctly. Make learning and pronouncing every student’s name a priority.
- Share stories. Let students hear about your own learning struggles, successes, and moments of growth. Invite them to share theirs in low-stakes ways.
- Set collaborative norms. Involve students in deciding what respectful, productive classroom interactions look like.
Thinking Locally: Thriving School Communities
Your classroom is part of a bigger ecosystem — your school community. Whether you’re in a small rural school or a larger district, think about how you can contribute to its health and connection. Maybe it’s joining a committee, partnering with a colleague for a cross-class project, or simply inviting families to contribute to classroom life.
Belonging ripples outward. When teachers feel connected to each other, it shows up in the hallways, in staff meetings, and in the way students experience school.
A Hopeful Start
As you step into this new year, remember that every question you ask — of yourself, of your students, of your colleagues — shapes the story you’re writing together. Begin with questions that spark curiosity, invite honesty, and open the door to belonging.
If you’re looking for more ways to strengthen connections, deepen understanding, and lead with empathy, consider exploring our professional learning opportunities this Fall Semester starting on September 29, 2025. Some courses that may interest you include:
- Social & Emotional Learning: Creating Class Culture to Promote Learning
- The Democratic Classroom: Empowering Students in Collaborative Learning
- Teaching the Exceptional Child in the Regular Classroom
- Bridging Worlds: Empowering Multilingual Learners in Your Classroom (ESOL)
- Teaching Children of Poverty
And more! Our courses are designed to help educators create classrooms — and schools — where every learner can thrive.
This year is a blank page. Let’s fill it with hope, purpose, and community.
About the Author
Sadie McFarlin is the Communications and Marketing Director for the New England Institute for Teacher Education.