Back to Basics—Teaching Classroom Expectations and Routines
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Welcome to our yearlong series on Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers. Each week we will give you a new piece to the classroom management puzzle to have in place when you need it this school year. Think of it as a Lego kit just waiting to be built.
Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers: Back to Basics—Teaching Classroom Expectations and Routines
Introduction:
Returning to school after a break can be challenging for both students and teachers. Students may have relaxed routines and need a refresher on expectations, while teachers may feel the pressure of getting back into instructional flow. This session will focus on revisiting and reinforcing classroom expectations and routines to create a structured, supportive environment that sets everyone up for success.
1. Why “Back to Basics” Matters After a Break
Students thrive in environments with clear expectations and consistent routines. After time away, they may need reminders or reteaching to align with classroom norms. Revisiting these basics ensures:
Consistency: Reinforces a sense of safety and predictability.
Focus: Minimizes disruptions and maximizes learning time.
Connection: Strengthens the teacher-student relationship through shared expectations.
2. Re-establishing Expectations Step-by-Step
a) Start Fresh with Explicit Teaching
Approach the first few days back as if they were the start of the school year. Explicitly teach and model your classroom expectations and routines.
What You Can Do: Use a morning meeting to discuss key rules and routines. Use visuals or anchor charts to reinforce expectations like raising hands, lining up quietly, and transitioning smoothly between activities.
b) Interactive Modeling
Instead of just telling students what to do, demonstrate it. Then, have students practice while you provide feedback.
Example: For transitioning between activities, model walking quietly, putting materials away, and sitting at the next station. Then, let the class practice while you offer positive reinforcement.
c) Rebuild Classroom Norms Collaboratively
Involve students in resetting classroom norms. Ask them what worked well before the break and what they think should continue or improve.
Activity: Create a “Classroom Contract” together. Students suggest rules, and you finalize them as a group. Display the contract prominently in the classroom.
3. Reinforcing Routines for Success
a) Break Routines into Steps
Simplify complex routines into smaller steps, especially for transitions, cleanup, and independent work. Post these steps where students can easily see them.
Example: For independent work:
3.Raise your hand if you have questions.
4.Put materials away when done.
b) Use Positive Reinforcement
Catch students following routines correctly and acknowledge their efforts. This reinforces desired behaviors and motivates others to follow suit.
What You Can Say: “I love how [Student A] quietly cleaned up their station and is ready for the next activity. Great job!”
c) Incorporate Movement Breaks
Students may struggle to sit still after a break. Incorporate brief movement activities between lessons to reset their focus.
Example: Use quick stretches, dance breaks, or brain games like “Simon Says” to energize students and help them refocus.
4. Addressing Challenges with Empathy and Structure
Returning to routines may be harder for some students. Use empathy while maintaining structure to address these challenges.
a) Reset Individual Expectations
For students who struggle with specific behaviors, revisit expectations one-on-one. Offer clear, simple reminders and encourage them to practice.
What You Can Do: Create a behavior plan for students needing extra support, outlining expectations and rewards for meeting them.
b) Provide Visual and Verbal Cues
Use visual or verbal reminders to guide students back to routines without singling them out.
Example: Point to the “Raise Your Hand” visual on the wall when a student calls out, reinforcing the expectation without stopping the flow of teaching.
c) Practice Patience and Consistency
Behavior won’t improve overnight. Be consistent with your expectations and celebrate small successes to build momentum.
5. Practical Tips for Teachers to Stay Organized
While resetting expectations, it’s important to stay organized and reduce overwhelm for yourself.
a) Plan Short, Engaging Activities
Start with short, hands-on lessons that reintroduce routines while keeping students engaged. Gradually increase lesson length as routines stabilize.
b) Use a Reset Checklist
Create a simple checklist for yourself to ensure all routines are revisited. Include items like:
c) Incorporate Self-Care
Returning to school after a break can be tiring for teachers, too. Build in moments to recharge, such as taking 5-minute breaks during planning time or delegating tasks to students.
6. Building a Positive Classroom Community
Rebuilding routines isn’t just about structure—it’s also about fostering a sense of belonging and motivation.
a) Celebrate Successes Together
When students follow routines or meet classroom expectations, celebrate as a group.
Example: Use a marble jar or class point system. When the class earns enough points for positive behavior, reward them with extra recess or a fun activity.
b) Reintroduce Community-Building Activities
Plan activities that encourage teamwork and connection, like cooperative games or a “buddy system” for classroom jobs.
Example: Pair students to complete a “Find Someone Who” scavenger hunt about their break experiences.
Conclusion: Back to Basics for a Smooth Return
Taking the time to revisit and reinforce classroom expectations and routines is essential for creating a structured, positive learning environment. By starting fresh, using clear and consistent strategies, and fostering community, you’ll help both students and yourself transition smoothly back into the school routine.
Remember, patience and persistence are key—small steps lead to big improvements. You’ve got this!
DID YOU KNOW…
Did you know I organize a FREE Facebook Group for Mastering Classroom Management? We are gearing up for our school year quarter sessions, so if you’re looking for a simple way to improve your classroom management join the already 200+ teachers that have signed up: Mastering Classroom Management Facebook Group
Your ebook GIFT: Empowering Primary Teachers: Effectively Manage Disruptive and Violent Behaviors in the Classroom
FINALLY…
If you enjoyed the tips in this post, you might also enjoy this series of videos Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers:
Staying Organized as a Primary Teacher in January
Making Your Teacher Dollar Stretch This Holiday Season
Student Gifts: To Gift or Not to Gift?
The Power of Gratitude in the Classroom (Year Round!)
Reframing the Subconscious Mind: A Primary Teacher's Guide to Personal and Classroom Transformation
Nurturing the Multi-Sensory Abilities of Primary Students
Mastering Parent-Teacher Conferences
The Power of Silence: A Step-By-Step Approach to Incorporating Silence in Your Classroom
The Power of Silence in the Classroom
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Teach~Relax~Repeat
Lauren
