Routine - the framework for the school day

Show students what we are doing now and where we are going by maintaining a routine.  This structure allows children to prepare for activities and follow along through the schedule.  This creates predictability and security for children allowing them to accomplish activities.  An example of a basic routine is:

Schedule:

Homework Turn-in

Self-Starter Activity

Calendar

Math Facts

Math Groups

Break

D.E.A.R time

Writing

Lunch

Science

P.E. 

Reading

Behavior is successfully managed when children can prepare for activities and anticipate expectations.  Teachers show students the steps for each activity by modeling for students what is expected and how to follow the routine.  For example, each day the students begin by setting up their learning space.  They have been taught to find the supplies they need, put homework in a certain space and start on the daily journal topic at their seat.  This routine allows autonomy and ownership of learning.

 Students feel success and gain confidence as they learn to manage themselves.  The Early Childhood Curriculum explains, “Routines and procedures provide the predictability in the school environment that young learners need to feel secure-secure in their predictability of the known and secure in their self-confident to carry out known responsibilities.” (p.53)   The teacher and parent is able to focus on teaching and positive interactions instead of micromanaging every step of each activity. 

Routine does not mean boring!  Variety and fun come from the activities planned within the routine.  Creating a schedule is a great place to start when building a successful classroom or productive homework time.  Implementing an age appropriate routine teaches life skills for success throughout personal and professional life.

Tips for Routines & Schedules:

-Create a basic outline of when each subject will be studied

-Estimate and test the time required for each activity within a given subject slot

-write out and go through the steps required for each activity

-Examine which procedures students can accomplish on their own once instructed and practiced

-Create transitions to move easily between other subjects

-Use physical movement and breaks appropriately in or between activities

-Post a simple, easy to read schedule for the day

-State, post & remind students of a specific behavior and learning expectation for each activity

-When home schooling, include students in preparing the routine:

                -Early Elementary- go over the daily routine visually showing students the general schedule

                -allow them to choose 1 activity a day: D.E.A.R time, choose one math center during math time

from a few different options

-Older Elementary- consult students as to when they may learn a subject best or when they

want to tackle a more difficult/more enjoyable subject

-Have them review the schedule and have them choose areas they want to have more

independence or responsibility

A routine planner will be posted in Lesson Preparation & Templates page, located under the blog title.  The routine planner is a great place to get started!

Reference: 

Krogh, Suzanne and Pamela Morehouse. The Early Childhood Curriculum: Inquiry Learning Through Integration. McGraw-Hill, 2007. Print.