Beginnings and Endings: How to Hook Students and Make Learning Stick

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Welcome to Season 2 of the Making Schools Work podcast! In this episode, Daniel Rock, Jason Adair and Ashley Shaw kick off the season by exploring one of teaching’s most powerful truths: beginnings and endings matter.

From first-day activities to closing strategies, the hosts dive into research and classroom-tested ideas that help teachers capture students’ attention, build curiosity and leave lasting memories. Along the way, they share personal stories, classroom examples and practical tips that educators can use tomorrow.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why first impressions shape students’ view of your class — and how to flip expectations on Day 1.
• The “peak-end rule” and what it means for lesson planning and memory.
• Easy ways to hook students at the start of a lesson or unit.
• Strategies for ending lessons, units and school years so learning sticks.
• How teachers can create emotional “peak moments” that build connection and curiosity.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach or school leader, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you open and close learning experiences — and why those moments matter more than you might think.

Listen to this episode if you’ve ever wondered:

• How do I make my lessons more memorable?
• What should I do on the first day of school besides go over rules?
• How can I end a lesson or unit in a way that really sticks?

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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