FACT:

The #1 error new teachers make is assuming students know what to do!

Rituals and Routines

These two words will set the foundation for your whole school year. Without them, you'll be backtracking the rest of the year. Your routines and procedures are the first major components of a solid classroom management system. So when in doubt, explicitly teach your rules and expectations. In fact, your first month of school should consist of routine and procedure instruction constantly, as should explicit teaching of all components of your classroom management plan.

But it all starts with routines and procedures. Before your students do anything for the first time, go over your expectations for that routine or procedure.

after a long summer of little to no structure, students need a refresher. Not only that, you are a new teacher to them. Your expectations may differ from the previous year's teacher.

Behind the Scenes: Planning

1. Make a list of all the rituals and routines students will need to know or be familiar with in your classroom.

2. Decide what the process will be for each item on your list. You must know the process before you teach the students.

3. Considering all of the procedures you have listed, how will you model each one of these to your students? What you will do when students don’t get it right? Remodel? Practice whole class?

4. Check out the following video as new teachers practice their rituals and routines on one another during an inservice meeting. They are quickly learning what works, and what doesn't work with learners.

New Teachers Practice Implementing Rituals and Routines

Lights, Camera, Action: In the Classroom

1. On the whiteboard (Active Panel, or chart paper) draw a large T-Chart. Label the two column headings "Looks like" and "Sounds like."

2. As a class, discuss what each procedure should look like AND sound like. Encourage students to share ideas and be a part of the process. This will also help to create student buy-in as you move into the discussion of classroom rules and consequences.

3. Be sure the chart represents what YOU want it to look/sound like - jump in and add your thoughts during the process!

4. Lastly, you will need to physically practice! For example, take the students out in the hallway, line-up, and PRACTICE coming into the classroom calmly, quietly, and exhibiting the characteristics you discussed. Have students do the routine again and again, if necessary.

You are encouraged to pause class and practice routines throughout the semester! Especially after a break from school or disruption in the schedule!