The Best Classroom Routine
You Didn't Know You Needed
Classroom routine and procedures are the backbone of any effective lesson. Some say it’s good classroom management. And they wouldn’t be wrong…
After all, a good classroom management plan consists of routines and procedures that meet the needs of the students and the teacher.
But what exactly are those routines and procedures?
After all, a good classroom management plan consists of routines and procedures that meet the needs of the students and the teacher.
But what exactly are those routines and procedures?
Good question.
It’s not always easy to know. And sometimes you just don’t know until you’re in the mix of things. Then when you reflect on your lesson, you can identify what procedures you need for the next time.
But sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know.
Over the years I’ve had a lot of experience figuring out what routines and procedures I need and what my students need.
And there’s one that stands out above the others. The one procedure I couldn’t run an effective classroom without.
Take away all my other procedures, but please leave this one. That’s how strongly I feel about it’s effectiveness. And that’s the procedure I want to share with you today.
Routines for Starting Class
The way you start your class is EVERYTHING.
Your actions. Your students’ actions. It all sets the tone for the rest of the class period.
So here’s my secret to starting class efficiently, which allows the rest of my class period to run super smoothly…
First, it starts by training my students to read the directions on the board as soon as they enter.
From there, they find their seats, and get started on what I call “Do Now” work.
Now you may be thinking – I already have my students do Bell Ringers and I don’t think it’s all that spectacular.
And I would agree with you. Traditional Bell Ringers and Warm Up Questions are not the answer.
And that’s NOT what I’m suggesting.
Everything in the “Do Now” work section of their instructions involves preparing them for the day’s lesson.
What homework to turn in.
What materials they need to gather.
Where to put their extra materials.
What to write in their planner for the day.
What many fail to see, is that these actions are mentally preparing students for learning. They become a way to train the brain in terms of what to expect next – learning.
Your actions. Your students’ actions. It all sets the tone for the rest of the class period.
So here’s my secret to starting class efficiently, which allows the rest of my class period to run super smoothly…
First, it starts by training my students to read the directions on the board as soon as they enter.
From there, they find their seats, and get started on what I call “Do Now” work.
Now you may be thinking – I already have my students do Bell Ringers and I don’t think it’s all that spectacular.
And I would agree with you. Traditional Bell Ringers and Warm Up Questions are not the answer.
And that’s NOT what I’m suggesting.
Everything in the “Do Now” work section of their instructions involves preparing them for the day’s lesson.
What homework to turn in.
What materials they need to gather.
Where to put their extra materials.
What to write in their planner for the day.
What many fail to see, is that these actions are mentally preparing students for learning. They become a way to train the brain in terms of what to expect next – learning.
Routines and Efficient Class Time
My “Do-Now” procedure also helps me to be extremely efficient with my class time.
I am able to greet my students at the door when they enter. While I stand in the entry way – for the most part I do not have to worry too much about my students who are already in the room.
This procedure helps to set the expectation that it’s time to learn as soon as you enter.
Then as soon as the bell rings, I close the door, greet my class and launch into my lesson.
I am able to do this only because my students are all set up and ready to go. I don’t have to wait for paper shuffling or someone to find their pencil.
Those tasks have already been taken care of.
I am able to greet my students at the door when they enter. While I stand in the entry way – for the most part I do not have to worry too much about my students who are already in the room.
This procedure helps to set the expectation that it’s time to learn as soon as you enter.
Then as soon as the bell rings, I close the door, greet my class and launch into my lesson.
I am able to do this only because my students are all set up and ready to go. I don’t have to wait for paper shuffling or someone to find their pencil.
Those tasks have already been taken care of.
Classroom Routines and Procedures
Instead of having students answer Warm Up Questions and complete Bell Ringer Assignments, consider implementing the “Do Now” strategy instead.
Let’s face it, those warm ups and bell ringers are just extra work for you anyways. And believe it or not, they probably are the source of some stress for your students
But with the “Do Now” procedure you are helping your students get in the frame of mind for learning.
You are helping them to develop productive habits like clearing their desk before they start working. Having all the materials they will need on hand before they begin a task. They are also developing triggers that help them gear up for learning.
A lot less work for you, and much more valuable for your students.
So give it a try – and tell me what you think. Snap a picture of your “Do Now” tasks and tag me on Instagram @teachlikemidgley
Let’s face it, those warm ups and bell ringers are just extra work for you anyways. And believe it or not, they probably are the source of some stress for your students
But with the “Do Now” procedure you are helping your students get in the frame of mind for learning.
You are helping them to develop productive habits like clearing their desk before they start working. Having all the materials they will need on hand before they begin a task. They are also developing triggers that help them gear up for learning.
A lot less work for you, and much more valuable for your students.
So give it a try – and tell me what you think. Snap a picture of your “Do Now” tasks and tag me on Instagram @teachlikemidgley
This post was originally written by Hillary Midgley and published at Study Skills Unleashed
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Welcome! I'm Hillary Midgley, a veteran 6th grade teacher.
I create educational materials and develop curriculum for other teachers. I specialize in teaching students how to learn through my Study Skills Curriculum. I have established fundamental classroom systems and structures for teachers to help them streamline their classroom. And my passion is teaching ancient history through engaging activities with foundations in academic skills. Here you will find resources on all of these topics and more. Learn more about me here.
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