The Daily Routine
Daily Schedule
We start out each day the very same way.
We made a point to follow our regular schedule as close as possible from the very beginning, so from the very first day of school our kiddos had clear expectations of what happens at each part of the day. (Even the fun and necessary-first-day activities planned were completed at appropriate times. (We double-checked everyone knew their afternoon routine by completing a "Where Will I Go?" graph during math. We drank jitter juice and talked about being nervous after reading First Day Jitters during reading. We went over rules/citizenship during our Unit Study time.) It's important for Nest kids (and really, everyone) to keep the schedule consistent.
I wish it was black and had 2 more spots! But it fits our needs so I try not to complain. đŸ˜‰
I can't say enough about how in love I am with our daily schedule chart. It hangs by the ActivBoard so it's in easy view in all areas of the classroom. In years past I've had the schedule posted but it's never been interactive, like the way it is using the Nest Model. We go over what's in store for us throughout the day (including things like fire drills) during morning meeting so we keep surprises to a minimum. The kids know we will walk 2 laps on the track at 9:45, so we make a point to be done with math and snack by that time.
We also set a visual timer for each activity (and surreptitiously change it when necessary) so kids know how much longer they're expected to participate in a given activity.
We also give a moment's warning before it goes off (Sometimes 2 minutes, sometimes 30 seconds) so our kiddos can mentally prepare for moving to the next task. It also helps certain kids (you probably have one or two) that will procrastinate... when they realize they MUST be done by that time or they'll do it at recess they will get it done without having to stand over their shoulder.)
We also love that the schedule reinforces responsibility on them, a little. If we have PE we discuss when they need to change into tennis shoes, and then friends help remind them instead of the teacher. Peers are able to support each other when they take some of this responsibility from the teacher! (We're watching it happen though- standing on the sidelines and letting them build that independence!!)
Morning Meeting Routine
Each morning the kids come in and unpack and begin morning work. After announcements we set the timer for a couple more minutes, and then clean up and meet on the green rug for morning meeting.
Using the Nest Model, we set our expectations up from the very beginning. As a teacher it almost seems monotonous following the same routine day after day but all of our kiddos are now (mostly) able to stop working and join us. (And if you've worked with kids with autism before you know that transitioning can be a challenge!) We take turns leading the morning meeting, so each student will get used to both teachers being "the teacher."
We start by sitting E-E-K-K on the carpet. That's elbow-to-elbow, knee-to-knee (thanks, Daily 5!) The first two weeks of school we kept the following routine strictly, and now we're a little more flexible:
1. Social Greetings- Teachers say, "Good morning, class!" and the class repeats, "Good morning, Mrs. Lynch! Good morning, Mrs. Jewell!" This is an old-fashioned tradition but we believe it's a great way to make that connection every single morning. Then we take turns shaking hands with the person beside of us. It's a good way to learn names AND practice making eye contact! These greetings may change slightly, such as after Thanksgiving each person quickly said one thing they did for fun over break. They also like to high-five or quickly think-pair-share with a partner about a random question we have.
2. Calendar- We reviewed the month, day, and year. Our calendar makes patterns so we'd do that too, along with discussing any birthdays or important events in the month. Then we mark the # of school days on a tens frame.
3. Daily Schedule- This is an absolute necessity in the Nest Program. We go over the schedule for the day ("We'll have math and then snack, and then we'll go out for 2 laps on the track. Lunch is at 12:10 and our special are P.E. and Library.")
4. We end morning meeting with a GoNoodle video. This is also the time they can use the restroom before we start math!
Academics
Working in stations, how we differentiate