Developing set routines in the classroom environment helps to prevent distractions that waste time and interfere with learning. Furthermore, routines help encourage responsibility and purpose, boosting morale in the classroom. Here are our top five resources/ideas to create routine in your classroom.
Morning Tasks
In my early years classroom, I would begin the day by playing relaxation music as the children entered the classroom. This created a calm atmosphere to begin the day, and become a daily routine. While listening to the music children had a set task to complete. To fit in my daily handwriting practise, the children often sat down and completed a handwriting worksheet.
Here are some other ideas of morning tasks:
- children getting ready for the day by placing their water bottle in its appropriate spot, handing in notes/homework and sharpening pencils
- silent independent reading
- finishing off incomplete work
- completing a particular set activity left for them on their desks or on the whiteboard.
These resources may inspire you:
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Schedule the Day
Once the children have completed their first morning task it’s time to take a look at their day – What should they expect? What equipment will they need? Here is our Visual Daily Timetable – a great reminder for children to refer to during the day. Students then feel prepared and in control.
Classroom Calendar
In the early years, a classroom calendar is a great way for children to learn basic calendar concepts while easing in to the school day. This may not be suited to your class, however, in the younger years it is a nice whole class activity to practise carpet time and listening skills.
Classroom Job Chart
Job charts are a great way to teach young learners to take responsibility and it’s a perfect way to manage the classroom tasks. I would change the job chart every Monday to ensure everyone had the opportunity to work in each role. Here is a copy of our Job Chart in action.
Small group organisation
English groups, writing groups, reading groups or maths groups, most teachers have them, are a great way to cater to the diverse needs of the students in your class. If set routines and expectations are not set in place, the transition from whole class to small group work can disrupt the class. Our grouping posters – colour are a bright, simple way to identify to your students which group they are in and what they may require for the activity. We love the way our Instagram follower teachlearncreate has incorporated the same colour storage boxes underneath each group poster.
This blog has outlined just a few ideas of how you can begin to create a routine in your classroom. Each class is different in their needs and each teacher is different in the way they feel it is best to run their classroom. However, there is no arguing that having some set routines in place helps to create a more enjoyable learning environment for all.
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