Attendance - I am here.
What is Attendance?
Attendance may seem like a routine classroom task, but in this program, it becomes a moment of connection and readiness.
As the teacher calls each student's name, the student responds with a thumbs up, and says “Here,” “Present,” or “Check.”
For some students who need more excitement, student who opt to can jump up as high as they can and say "here".
This simple ritual helps each child begin class centered, attentive, and engaged.
For a more energetic version, students are invited to jump up as high as they can and say 'here'.
The significance comes from the teachers emotional response to the student- the eye contact, the vocal tone.
As the teacher calls each name, the student gives a thumbs up and responds clearly. If a response is too quiet, too loud, or overly playful, the teacher gently guides the child to try again with balance and awareness—for example: “I love how you said 'Check.'" Can you do that again while giving a thumbs up?” This friendly correction helps children find a comfortable and confident middle ground between energy and composure.
Why is Attendance Important?
Deeper Dive
From a developmental and emotional perspective, this practice helps children establish a sense of safety, focus, and connection. The combined use of eye contact, gesture, and tone activates the body's social engagement system, supporting calm alertness and readiness to learn. The interaction is ideally with the teachers whole brain and not just their left brain. It is responding with tone, prosedy and nuance. Over time, children internalize an important message: being present means more than simply showing up—it means being grounded, attentive, and fully engaged.