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🎯Get a Strong Start Teaching Online: 3 Must-Do Moves for the First Week

A smooth start to the school year sets the tone for everything that follows, especially in the online classroom. Whether you're new to virtual teaching or a seasoned pro, building trust, clarity, and connection early on pays off all year long.

Here are three essential steps to help you start strong:

✉️ 1. Send a Welcome Letter That Connects

Before students ever click into your LMS, send a warm, clear, and visually friendly welcome letter.

Include:

  • 👋 A brief personal introduction (with a photo, if you're comfortable)

  • 📚 A simple overview of what to expect in your class

  • 📬 Preferred communication channels & your response times

  • 🔑 Login instructions and how to get started

🎥 Bonus: Add a short video greeting to help students feel connected, especially in asynchronous or self-paced programs.
📊 Fun fact: A 2014 study found that instructor-generated video content boosted student engagement and satisfaction in online higher ed courses.

🔥 Pro Tip: Use a mail merge tool to personalize letters with student names and course details!

🎁 Find various welcome letter templates on Canva, like this one.

📅 2. Set Up a Student Meeting Calendar

Use the first week to build relationships. Tools like Calendly, Bookings, or a shared Google Calendar make scheduling easy for short intro meetings.

✅ Pro Tips:

  • 🔄 Sync your calendar to avoid double-booking

  • 📝 Make the meeting worth credit in Week 1

  • 📎 Drop your calendar link in your email signature, LMS, and course materials

  • ⏰ Set reminders 1 day + 10 minutes before meetings

  • 🗣️ Add a short text field to let students share what they want to discuss

  • 📧 Send a follow-up email after the meeting with a recap and next steps

💡 These meetings often surface support needs early, and build positive relationships before any challenges arise.

🧠 3. Examine Your Workflow

You’re the boss of your time. Create a visual weekly schedule to stay grounded and focused.

Block off time for:

  • 📧 Email

  • 📝 Grading

  • 🛠️ Course Design

  • 🤝 Meetings

  • 🎓 Professional Development

  • 🧑‍🏫 Live sessions, office hours & student support

Once your ideal week is mapped out:

  • ❌ Don’t book student meetings during your "email" or "grading" blocks

  • 📅 Adjust your public calendars to reflect availability

  • 🧲 Avoid letting email bleed into your most productive hours

🧭 Pro Tip: Treat your calendar like a contract—with yourself.

🎁 Use this CANVA template to create your visual calendar. You can even color code activities based on your roles.  

🚀 Ready, Set, Launch!

Starting strong in the online classroom isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s your superpower. A thoughtful welcome letter, easy meeting access, and a smart personal workflow aren’t just logistics—they’re:

🧩 Relationship-builders
🤝 Trust-makers
⏳ Time-savers

✔️ Connect early

✔️ Communicate clearly

✔️ Protect your time

Set the tone now, and your future self—and your students—will thank you all year long. 💻💬⏰

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