| Creating a safe and positive classroom environment is enhanced when students know what to expect. This is accomplished by teaching classroom procedures early on in the school year and any time a new task is being introduced. Students (and teacher!) will find there is a calmer classroom atmosphere when procedures become a habit.
Introduce the Procedure
When a new procedure is being introduced, engage students’ prior knowledge by connecting it with a procedure that has already been learned. If this is the first procedure being introduced, then relate it with something that is (hopefully!) universal for all students, such as hand-washing. Go through each step of the familiar procedure. Then tell students they will learn the steps for a new routine. Name this procedure.
Model the Procedure
With students attentively watching and listening, perform the procedure. Go slowly and speak clearly. Make sure all students can see the modeling of the procedure. Act out the procedure a second time if there are confusion looks in the audience. Ask students if the procedure is understood. Answer any questions, if necessary.
Have Students Role Play the Procedure
Now it is time for students to act out the classroom procedure. Students can be paired up with a practice partner or volunteers can be called on to perform in front of the class. If students work in pairs, circle the classroom, making sure that all groups are taking this practice time seriously. If volunteers are called on, make sure to have at least a few performances so that the majority of students have an opportunity to act the procedure out. Actually doing the procedure helps students to retain the new information.
Practice the Procedure Until it Becomes Routine
Do not expect all students to remember the procedure after one lesson. Practice the classroom procedure until it becomes routine for students and there is no confusion left on what to do. If space permits, consider posting important procedures on a wall in the classroom. It will serve as a quick visual reference for students who need the extra reminder.
Praise Students Who Follow the Procedure
Throughout the year, there may be students who want to test the strength of the procedure by diverging from its steps. Punishment is a familiar way to handle such disobedience, but there is a more positive way. Instead of focusing on the defiant student, look for students who are following the procedure and praise them. Open praise from a teacher is like gold for many students! The anticipation here is that the disobedient student, who has not been rewarded with attention from the teacher (in the form of disciplinary action), will decide that it is more worthwhile to follow the rules than to break them.
Here's to a Better School Year
Every daily routine in a classroom can be taught through introduction, modeling, role playing, practice, and praise. Following these five steps for teaching classroom procedures will foster a calmer environment and provide opportunity for more academic learning to take place. Starting out the year with lessons in classroom procedures is a win-win situation for the teacher and students alike. Have a wonderful new school year!
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