Lynley Williams

Head of Curriculum 

Classroom Entries – The Threshold! ^{TLAC #45}

In 2022/3, our school started looking at a teaching approach that set out particular techniques and strategies for teachers to use, with the central aim of increasing motivation and engagement within the classroom. This program is called Teach Like a Campion (TLAC).

A small band of teachers took on the task of implementing between 5-10 out of 62 techniques into their daily class routines during this period.

One such technique is called ‘Threshold’. This technique is about meeting students individually at the door, and setting and reinforcing positive expectations before learners enter. This is one of the most important moments in the school day, that builds a positive classroom culture. It gives teachers the opportunity to greet each student by name, undertake a visual check-in to see how students are, and reinforces the connection teachers need to have with all students. It’s a quick, simple and effective moment when teachers establish those connections through a brief check-in.

During the Threshold, teachers may give students a high-5, special handshake, or even just a special greeting as a way of building that connection.

The Threshold is often seen as the most beneficial moment in the day and all teachers are expected to use the Threshold each morning to check-in with their learners. Posters are the visual reminders about this technique, and are displayed on the front door of every classroom.

Concurrently with this, teachers may choose to have a second or third Threshold at the beginning of Session 2 and 3 that simply could be a question posed like ‘Name an Australian animal.’

In 2024, the Threshold will be reinforced across the school as a way of building positive connections with learners each and every day.

Further TLAC techniques will be shared throughout the year.

Anthony J Kleidon

Pedagogy Coach