Every person within a classroom’s walls is a variable. And while all their unique characteristics create the depth that makes education so rewarding, it can also make reaching the finish line each day a little tricky. Part of getting there is establishing some universal baselines in the form of classroom routines and procedures. With clear expectations, all learners can be themselves while avoiding chaos.
What Are Classroom Routines and Procedures?
Classroom routines and procedures are how instructors teach students how to do things in the classroom. In essence, they are practiced responses to certain cues or situations, giving much-needed structure to school days and making it easier to quickly accomplish those tasks we must repeat over and over again.
Entering the classroom.
Sharpening pencils.
Going to the bathroom.
Recording homework.
And so on.
The end goals of any routine or procedure should be to reduce the decision-making load, lessen the likelihood of disruptive behavior, and maximize time spent on authentic learning. Effective classroom routines and procedures should be clearly defined, consistently practiced, and positively reinforced.
Essential Classroom Routines and Procedures
- Entering and exiting the classroom
- Organizing and putting away supplies
- Bell ringers
- Exit tickets
- Recording assignments and events
- Lining up
- Moving desks
- Sharpening pencils
- Using the bathroom
- Getting water
- Transitions between standard activities
- Giving attention
- Collecting and distributing items
How Classroom Routines and Procedures Encourage Success
Think about times in your life when you’ve been unsure about what is expected of you. How did you feel? Awkward, disordered, and insecure are some emotions that come to mind. It’s the same for students. Classroom routines and procedures help to eliminate the guesswork for children and teens, increasing their sense of security. And they’re especially beneficial for those who struggle to regulate their behavior, either due to their age or because of neurodiversity.
Classroom routines and procedures also help scaffold students toward independence. Rather than constantly asking their teachers what to do and when, they are able to default to the expectation.
Of course, perhaps the most important aspect of classroom routines and procedures is how they facilitate learning. They reduce chaos for students and teachers, allowing the focus to be on learning, and not behaviors.
Custom Student Planners Support Routines and Procedures
The great thing about custom school planners? The custom part! You can easily design them to flow with the classroom routines and procedures established by your school. Need entry and exit ticket spaces? We can make it happen. Bathroom passes? Can do! And of course, they’re always ready for recording assignments, events, and activities.
Ready to support your teachers in creating smooth classroom routines? Let us help you design your custom classroom planners. To get started, request your sample pack today.