LEAven Blog

In this new season, at the beginning of the school year, we emphasize rules and routines. We go over them again and again. As you remind students how to turn in homework or put supplies away, remember why we take the time to teach them the routines.

Routines help provide predictability of the schedule and expectations. Routines help establish confidence in the students because they know they’re at least doing the learning routines correctly. Routines foster peace between you and your students and among the students themselves because each person knows their role and how to encourage one another. Routines help achieve order for students in everything from clear and consistent boundaries to standard organizational practices.

Routines help both the students and you as their teacher. Consider how the students can help you with tasks to clean, organize, and set up. After all, many of us have about 50 little hands that can help us manage the classroom if we put them to good use! 

If you’re a new teacher, use a checklist to help you think through routines you should establish these first few weeks of school. For you experienced teachers, jot down your routines as you go throughout a day of teaching. Modify or add to the list each day of the week. You might be impressed with how many routines you have established that are now habitual for you! Your routines are valuable. I encourage you to record some of your most important routines. Put them in your Substitute Binder and leave a copy for teachers that come after you.

Remember good practices when you’re establishing routines:

1. Explain why you have each routine in place. For example, “We fill up our water bottles after P.E. because drinking water helps our cells recover and it helps our brain too!”
2. Practice them daily. Correct mistakes early on, then practice the routine correctly. Habits are formed during these early weeks of school. Take a moment to consider which habits you’re instilling in your students.
3. Recognize when a routine needs to be modified. If students sincerely ask you to remind them what a routine is after the first few weeks of school, ask yourself why they still need the reminder. Are there too many steps to it? If so, limit the steps to three or fewer. Is the routine causing stress? Eliminate it if it’s not essential. Routines should make your life easier, not harder. 

This year, in my own routine development, I’m trying to be more mindful of prioritizing rest so that I can take a break from working and be reminded of the work God is doing in my life and the lives of my students. I pray that you have a similar opportunity. And, as we all continue into this new year, I pray God will continue to sustain us, rejuvenate us, and liven the faith of the children in our care.