Remote Welcoming Rituals

Dear Educators,

In these strange times, one relatively simple strategy we can provide ourselves and our students is a daily greeting activity. We are social beings and connection is vital for our well being. Please use the resources below to find creative ways to ensure students are connected both to you and to each other.

The way that you do it is much less important than doing it as consistently as you can. Try starting with a way that you already are comfortable with (Blend, Class Dojo, Seesaw, etc.) Connection is the goal, now more than ever.

With warmth,

Austin ISD SEL Department

As you plan for Welcoming Rituals remotely consider a few important factors:

What kind of technology access do your students have?
When will you do "live" aka synchronous welcoming rituals (ex. zoom, teams, etc.)?
When will you do welcoming rituals where students respond in their own time (ex. flipgrid, class dojo, padlet, etc.)?
What are the pros and cons for both types of Welcoming Rituals?
When do you want students to do a greeting with only you? When do you want students to do public greetings where they can respond to each other?