Establishing Classroom Routines and Procedures

During the first few days or maybe even weeks of a new school year, teachers spend ample time establishing classroom routines and procedures. Back when I was student teaching, I remember my cooperating teacher saying, “I’m not necessarily running a tight ship; more like I’m making sure we’re all on the ship together.”

Teachers need to go over routines often when the school year begins to lay the foundation for the months ahead. This helps students understand what is expected of them in school, especially in the classroom they will spend much of their day in! Students will not know what is asked of them unless you show them. Through repeated practice, they will develop autonomy and independence which, in my opinion, are so important not only for teachers to run a classroom well but also for students to increase their skills in critical thinking and problem solving. Routines are also imperative for fostering a positive, comfortable learning environment—an objective of any educator.

Classroom routines vs. procedures

Let’s break down the difference between classroom routines and procedures. Classroom routines are what your students will repeatedly do in your classroom. For example, at the start of each day in my first-grade classroom, they are expected to unpack their backpacks.

Other examples of classroom routines in elementary school:

• Put jacket in cubby or on a hook at the start of the day
• Check student mailbox at the end of the day

Some examples of classroom routines in middle or high school:

• Unpack backpack in locker
• Switch books or binders in between classes

On the other hand, a classroom procedure is a guideline for behavior that you have in your classroom. An example of a classroom procedure is for students to take out their homework folder and put it in the red bin before they put their lunch box and snack bags in their individual crates. Then, they hang up their bags in their cubbies and sit down at their desks to do their morning work.

Routines and procedures will differ from elementary to middle to high school grades. Though no matter the grade, routines and procedures provide needed consistency for students and teachers.

Examples of classroom procedures in elementary school:

• Place pencils at the top of the desk when not in use
• When name is called, line up near the door

Examples of classroom procedures in middle or high school:

• When the bell rings, students should be sitting at their desk
• If late to school, students are to go to the main office to get a late pass

Getting started

I remember being so impressed by both of my cooperating teachers during student teaching. They were seasoned educators who seemed to know exactly what to do and how to help students get situated in their classrooms. It wasn’t until I was running my own classroom that I realized even something as “simple” as where to keep school supplies needed to be gone over with my first-grade students who had never sat at a desk before. That’s when I learned that I needed to essentially give students an interactive tour of my classroom. We would need to learn by doing, even when it came to when we sharpened pencils.

First and foremost, reflect on what your schedule will look like each day. Think about what the students will be doing and when. Then, consider what you need to go over with students so that they can successfully engage with each task. After that, model your expectations often. Don’t just say it. Do it! Finally, give yourself and your students time—time to practice and time to acclimate.

Note that it’s not feasible to go over everything you expect of your students in one day. It’ll take time, especially when there’s a routine or procedure for a specific day of the week or period of time like a special (think P.E., music) to go to or a fire drill to practice. However, for common, frequent classroom routines like unpacking for the day or packing up before dismissal, I suggest planning for a few extra minutes early in the year to stop early or pay extra attention to them.

Effective classroom management

Establishing routines and procedures is a crucial, effective strategy for better classroom management. Putting in the time in August or September to provide your students with the tools they need in various situations will pay off in the months that follow. The key is to remain consistent. Consistency fosters routine! If you are expecting your students to line up at the door before the class leaves the classroom, don’t allow students to run to the door all at once! Make a consistent effort to call them up individually.

There are many benefits to putting routines and procedures in place. I have found that they make time in the classroom not only productive but also enjoyable! Without them, my classroom would be a free-for-all. I have noticed a decrease in behaviors and avoidable distractions because my students know how I run my classroom. Most importantly, they understand what is expected of them. I see many benefits of establishing classroom routines and procedures:

• Improved academic success
• Increased student focus and engagement
• More seamless behavior management

Managing a classroom is hard work! Classroom management starts on the very first day of school, from the moment you greet your new class, and it continues all year long. Strong classroom management is indispensable to help maintain order and promote a positive learning environment. Putting routines and procedures in place gives students predictability in their day and, consequently, helps them feel comfortable in the classroom environment. With the right routines and procedures in place, your classroom can go from a place to give lessons to a haven for learning.

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