We have the same routine every morning when the kids come in. Piano music is playing, they turn in their homework, hang up their things, and then do "boardwork." Each morning I write something we're working on on the board and they have to copy it and complete any instructions or questions. It might look like this:
"Boardwork" was required at a private school that I taught at, and I love it, so I had my husband make me this great line-guide for writing on the board. He's the best. What do your students do when they first come into class?