At the chalk face: High expectations from the first minute
A great lesson doesn’t start when the bell rings — it starts long before!
In this episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave dive into what it really means to have high expectations from the very first minute of your lesson.
From meet-and-greet routines at the door to establishing calm, purposeful starts, they share practical strategies to help you set the tone right from the start — and keep it consistent.
Whether you’re an NQT finding your feet or an experienced teacher looking to fine-tune your classroom flow, this episode is packed with relatable stories, humour, and tips that actually work.
💡 Learn how to:
Create high expectations without being “strict”
Master the art of meet-and-greet
Use Smart Revise quizzes and starter tasks effectively
Build smooth transitions between lesson phases
Stay consistent, calm, and in control — every time
If you’ve ever wondered how to make the first minute count, this episode’s for you!
🎓 Watch, learn, and join the conversation in the comments — how do you set high expectations from the first minute?
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About Smart Revise -
Smart Revise is the continual revision platform built by teachers, for teachers.
• Personalised retrieval practice that saves marking time.
• Auto-marked quizzes, homework, and mock exams.
• Used by tens of thousands of students across the UK.
Discover how Smart Revise boosts attainment and frees up your evenings:
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