I am still in shock that it is the end of August, and for many of us, school is back in full swing. With back-to-school comes setting the precedent of your classroom routine, environment, and your expectations. But, with first-graders, that doesn’t come naturally. Procedures and expectations must be explicitly taught. And, then taught again, again, and again! Teaching classroom procedures and routines impact your classroom management and help the year run smoothly. We must spend a lot of time teaching classroom routines, but it can be a bit boring, if I am honest. And, when first graders get bored, it’s not pretty! I want to share five ways you can teach and practice classroom routines in a way your students will not only enjoy but love.
Generate Routines Together
I have found an incredible amount of value in including my students in establishing classroom rules, procedures, and expectations. First and foremost, it is an excellent activity for fostering collaboration. We come together during our morning meeting during those first few days of school, and we brainstorm, discuss, and create as a group. When you allow your students to establish procedures, they take ownership over their environment, and when they contribute their ideas, they are more likely to follow the rules they put in place. It also shows our students that we value them, their opinions, and their ideas. This is one of my favorite things to do with my students, and it’s impressive to see the thought, effort, and excitement they have when they are a part of something bigger for our classroom.
Think Pair Share
I believe that creating a positive classroom environment and building relationships with peers is an important aspect. I love incorporating partner and group work into our daily routine. And, practicing classroom procedures is a great way to include the think-pair-share model. If you are unfamiliar with this strategy, students will work together to answer a question or solve a problem. I will give the classroom a scenario, they will have a few minutes to think to themselves about the answer or idea, and then they will have a few minutes to share with their partner.
What to Do, What Not to Do
I love giving my students the chance to act out the correct and incorrect behaviors. It truly is a great way to reinforce our procedures and routines. Students will model what to do but also what not to do. Students find this one hilarious, and let me tell you, they will be so engaged telling their peers what is expected of them! Again, this activity can be tailored towards your classroom needs, so whether you want to do this as a whole group or small group is dependent on what works for you. It’s just a fun and simple way to drill those procedures without putting your firsties to sleep.
What Would You Do?
One of the best ways to prepare our students is by providing them with examples of various situations. I have created situational cards with different examples such as “you are in the bathroom and see students making a mess at the sink. What would you do?” Providing my students with these examples gives them a chance to think about what they would do if they were experiencing it. I love using these in morning meetings as a discussion topic, and my students enjoy sharing what they would do. You can also partner students up and have them talk about how they would handle the situations.
Games
Games are always a hit, especially with the younger grade levels. They so often forget there is a purpose behind the game because they are having too much fun. I love posting situational cards around the classroom and having students travel to each card to discuss their answers with their peers. There are so many games that you can incorporate routines and procedures into. Another one of my favorites is “two truths and a lie,” with a bit of a twist. You can give your students a situation, and you provide three choices, with one answer being the false statement regarding the classroom procedure. You can play games that are as simple as asking a question, and students will use thumbs up or thumbs down if it’s a correct or incorrect choice. For example, “Should I yell Mrs. Magro across the room when I need help?” Games are a great way to build teamwork, accountability, and they keep students engaged.
Remember, these procedures and expectations are the principles that guide your students’ behavior and impact your classroom management. I have also found a ton of value in posting anchor charts and posters throughout the classroom as a simple reminder. I know at times it feels like it is all you are teaching those first few weeks of school, but I promise it will pay off. When you incorporate teaching procedures and routines in a fun and engaging way, your students won’t mind it, and they will love it. And, the best part is you will have these ideas in your back pocket to review throughout the school year. What is your favorite way to teach routines in your classroom?
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