As you probably already know, the first two weeks of school are crucial in setting the right tone for the year.  If a positive classroom climate isn’t created, where students don’t feel accepted, safe, and respected, it makes for one long year.  Setting the right tone is intentional and takes some forethought, but it is definitely worth it.  For me, the tone I want to set for the year is for every student to feel safe and comfortable in the class, to know that ideas can be freely shared without feeling scared or ashamed.  I want my students to know that I deeply care for them, both in their personal well-being and their success in my class, and that I will do everything I can to help them be successful. So with that in mind, I think about how I can create a warm and inviting classroom where students are relaxed and ready to learn.  Here are five things I do, some at the beginning of the year, and some throughout the year, to set …