Classroom Routines:
The Key to Classroom Organization
Classroom routines help to create a nurturing environment. Providing a student centered classroom with expected routines and a predictable classroom set up means students will be able to focus and learn.
Routines help with time management in the classroom. They also help children to know what is expected of them and how to perform independent tasks.
The classroom set up, management and classroom organization are all part of effective classroom routines.
Predictable schedules, rules and transitions are all a part of creating a nurturing classroom.
Develop a sense of ownership with students by providing students an opportunity to contribute to these areas at the beginning of the year.
One of the most important things about establishing classroom management is that students must be taught the routines.
Optimal Environment
for Classroom Routines
When teachers create a nurturing environment, they are showing students that they are valued. An organized classroom that students understand how to use reduces stress in children and the teacher.
Focus on classroom organization at the beginning of the year: - Plan activities to personalize students' entry into your room (be at the door, welcome letter)
- Meet with all the parents early on - they want to see you and know who will be working so closely with their child
- Classroom set up: arrange materials in a predictable manner that are easy for students to access
- Organize and label all materials. Labeling is essential for students who are learning a second language and are in the preproduction or early prediction stages.
- Make the classroom feel like home. Adding a few plants, softer lighting and dedicated areas for a reading library can help.
- The classroom set up should include a personal space for each child that belongs to them only. Examples of this are name tags on desks, lockers, pouches over the back of each chair, and a book box for each child's independent reading from IPICK or Reading Karate.
- Develop a predictable daily schedule that you post in the classroom. If your students are non-readers, use pictures to show the order of the day.
- Develop a classroom discipline plan that follows your management plan and students can easily understand.
- Give students specific jobs and responsibilities makes it a student centered classroom.
- Design the classroom so that there are areas for both social interaction and quiet areas not associated with punishment.
- Create a positive environment by regularly using classroom awards to promote motivation.
Facilitating Transitions with
Classroom Setup and Routines
Plan a predictable daily schedule with activities that are appropriate in length for your age group.Schedule longer blocks of time in the classroom to minimize transitions.Give a "heads-up" before a transition is going to occur. Classroom management ideas always include a way of letting students know when a change is coming so they can anticipate redirection.Develop transition activities to help children switch gears (a song, calling students in order, a quick game).Ask students to repeat instructionsUse multi-modal signals to prepare children for transitions. This is particularly important for different kids learning styles.Always practice transitions through modeling and repetition. Show the students desired and undesirable behaviors.
Essential Activities that Require Classroom Routines
- Beginning the day
- Entering and exiting the classroom
- Heading papers
- Sharpening pencils or retrieving supplies
- Collecting and handing out papers
- Leaving the classroom for a bathroom or drink break
- Signaling the teacher during guided reading time
- Asking a question
- Tornado, hurricane, fire or lock-down procedures
- What to do when finishing work early
- Lunch and attendance count
- Snack time, if needed
- Cleaning the room; when to perform classroom jobs
- Dismissal
Remember to always have copies of your classroom routines for both students and parents.
To get the best results, you must review the expectations and routines, discuss them and provide lots of practice for kids to internalize your expectations about your organized classroom.
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