Daily classroom routines are a must in my life. I recently decided to go back to school seeking a Specialist degree. If I’m honest, that has kept me busier than I anticipated. So, I’m willing to try anything I can do to simplify things and make my life a little easier.
One of the things that I’ve been using for a few years to make my life easier is templates. You will hear more about those later in this blog post, but some templates I use regularly are my choice board templates. Templates are a game changer, which is exactly why I want to share my warm-up choice board template with you for FREE. All you have to do to snag it and start saving yourself time is click here.
Classroom Routines and Procedures
You’ve heard people talk about the importance of classroom routines and procedures. Teachers spend the first few weeks of school teaching these routines and procedures to their students in order to make their classrooms run more smoothly. Classroom routines and procedures for our students are crucial. They are worth the time we spend teaching them.
But today I want to talk to you about a few daily classroom routines for you, the teacher. Things you can put into place to make your life easier. Things that will help you show up each day ready to be the best teacher you can be.
Daily Classroom Routines
1️⃣Begin with the End in Mind
Starting at the end of your day may seem backward, but that is exactly where I will start. The number one routine I have to set myself up for a smooth day is to clean my desk and put everything away at the end of the day before I leave. I pick up and return things to their rightful place throughout the day, but there are always a few things left at the end of the day. This routine is easy, but it makes a big difference. Starting my day with a clean classroom helps eliminate those feelings of starting the day already behind.
2️⃣Daily Slides
Daily slides may seem like a daily routine for students, and it is. Knowing what to expect helps my students follow directions, which makes my life easier. But daily slides are also a daily routine for me. I told you that I like templates. I use a template for my daily slides, and knowing the framework is already done makes my life easier. Templates mean I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every day when putting these slides together. Any time you can use a template for something, do it. Those little moments of time you save really add up.
3️⃣Timers
I don’t know about you, but when I am in the moment teaching, I tend to lose track of time. Timers have saved me more than once. They are another classroom routine and procedure that benefits my students and me. I have a timer set for two minutes before dismissal time. I like to use a different song for each class to keep things interesting. My students know they cannot stop working or pack up until they hear their song. How does this make my life easier? I don’t have to worry about what time it is. I’m free to teach without constantly having the time in the back of my mind.
I also use timers throughout the class as we work on different activities. I set a timer if I tell my students they have 10 minutes to work on something. Again, this allows me to teach without losing track of time or cutting the time short.
