Have students greet you professionally by shaking their hand as they come in the classroom on the first day!

Have students greet you professionally by shaking their hand as they come in the classroom on the first day! 
(tip orginally posted on CS Teaching Tips)

Goal:

• Teach students to introduce themselves professionally by shaking hands, making eye contact, speaking clearly, and smiling.

Reason:

• Help students realize they are learning professional skills in the classroom that matter outside the classroom.
• It’s important that students practice vital professional skills in the classroom.
  • Professional introductions are a skill they will use over and over again.

Action:

• Greet each student at the door on the first day and make them give you a firm handshake, say their name clearly, smile, and make eye contact in order to gain entrance into your classroom.
  • If students don’t get it right the first time, send them to the end of the line to try again.
  • It takes some students multiple tries to gain entry; a lesson they won’t forget.
• Once every student succeeds at the professional introduction and makes it into class, lead a discussion about the process they just went through.
  • Highlight the essential elements of a professional introduction, 1) a solid handshake, 2) eye contact, 3) clear voice, and 4) a smile.

This tip was originally published CS Teaching Tips