Hey there, awesome teachers! The start of a new school year is the perfect time to set the stage for a smooth and successful year by establishing those all-important classroom routines and procedures. Here are five easy ways to get your classroom running like a well-oiled machine while keeping things fun and engaging.
1. Kick Things Off with a Welcome Routine
Start every day with a consistent routine to welcome students. This could be a simple greeting at the door, a quick check-in activity, or a morning warm-up or bellringer. The key is to make this routine something students can count on every day. Start this on the first day of school!
ON DAY 1: Greet each student with a smile as they enter, then have them start on a "Do Now" activity that's waiting for them on their desks. This sets a positive tone and gets them focused from the get-go.
This All About Me One-Pager is a great "Do Now" activity that engages students with minimal teacher prep so that you can focus on getting to know the students!
2. Use Visuals to Reinforce Routines
Visual aids are your best friend when it comes to establishing routines. Slides, posters, and anchor charts can all serve as constant reminders of what’s expected.
ON DAY 1: Create a colorful poster or anchor chart that outlines the steps for transitioning between activities. Hang it in a prominent spot and refer to it often. Over time, students will internalize the process just by seeing it regularly.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Practicing routines and procedures is essential to making them stick. The first rule I teach students is how to enter the classroom. I say it, model it, have students say it, and with younger students, line them up and practice it.
You can even turn routine practice into a fun activity by using role-playing. This not only makes the practice more engaging, but also helps students understand the importance of following procedures.
ON DAY 1: Model or have students role-play different scenarios, such as how to ask for help, enter the classroom, or get supplies.
4. Incorporate Routines into Fun Activities
Blend your routines with engaging activities to make them stick. This way, students practice procedures without even realizing it because they’re having fun.
DURING WEEK 1: Classroom Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items or areas to find (e.g., pencil sharpener, homework bin, classroom library). Send your students on a scavenger hunt to find important areas and items, helping them learn the layout. Once the hunt is over, explain your routines and procedures for these areas over the course of a week.
5. Use Consistent Positive Reinforcement
Recognize and reward students who consistently follow routines. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in encouraging good behavior and making routines second nature.
ON DAY 1: Use a simple reward system, like giving out "routine stars" or "procedure points" when you see students following the established routines.
DURING WEEK 1: Accumulate these points for small rewards or privileges, like extra recess time or a homework pass. For secondary students, free time and candy (if allowed) work great.
Wrapping Up
Establishing routines and procedures doesn’t have to be a chore. By making it fun, consistent, and visual, you’ll help your students understand and internalize what’s expected of them. Try these classroom procedures and examples during the first two weeks and watch as your classroom transforms into a productive learning environment that keeps you sane. Happy teaching!
