Classroom Routines for a Productive Classroom Environment

There’s probably nothing as important for classroom success as consistency, especially when it comes to classroom procedures.

Building consistent classroom procedures is foundational to your classroom management. As a new teacher, it’s difficult to know what’s going to work for you. This can also be the case for veteran teachers because the make up of our classes changes and we may need to be flexible.

Here are a few classroom procedures that are worth establishing as consistent routines so that students know how to best utilize the classroom and know what to expect from you.

Classroom Procedure for Entering the Room

How do students know what to do when they enter the classroom?

There should be one spot that you’ve designated for start-up information. My whiteboard in front of the room has one spot where students see these items every day: date, what to turn in, what to get, what to begin. Use as few words as possible (depending on the age of your students) so the information is easy to read and clear.

Classroom Procedures for Turning in Work

How do students turn in homework?

Find a spot that’s workable for the classroom set up. Ideally, this area is one that reduces the possibility for distraction. I teach 6th grade, and kiddos always want to hand me their papers. I tell them that it doesn’t work for me because if I set something down, I risk losing it. For the entire first month of school, I point to the “turn in tray” to remind them of where they’ll turn in work. I also like to collect work by having students hold up their papers. This way I can see who doesn’t have their work, and, as a bonus, the work is collected in seating order, so it’s easy to hand back after grading.

Classroom Procedures for Extra Copies

Where are you going to store extra copies for students?

This simple procedure will save you time. Set up a system so students can get a paper if they’ve been absent or if they’ve lost the work. Make it obvious. Ideally, keep the work turn in tray and the extra copy papers in one location. I like the small hanging files that are labeled either by assignment (which can be too much work for you) or by topic, like Reading Logs or Geography.

Classroom Procedures for Absent Students

What will you do if a student is absent?

A procedure for absent student work is essential. For me, I get a copy of the paper they’ve missed and write their name on it, or I ask a student who’s seated near the absent student to write the name on the paper. I have a cart in front of my classroom with two trays on it (one for each of my two classes each day). I set papers there for those who are absent. Since this is also where I set papers to hand back to students, I look at it every day and take note of what’s still left.

Procedures for Pencil Use

How will your students sharpen a pencil or get a pencil if one is needed?

Establishing classroom pencil procedures is of primary importance. In my classroom, if a student needs to sharpen a pencil, they know to hold it up in the air instead of asking. If the time is right, I give them a nod. If the noise of sharpening or moving around will distract a lesson, I shake my head. With this system, you reduce interruptions, which is always a bonus!

To get a pencil when one is needed, I’ve used several routines. The one I like best is to have a set number of pencils ready and in an easy location. Each pencil is marked in some way to indicate it belongs to the classroom. Students sign up on a board and take the pencil. They return the pencil and erase their name. Below you’ll see a picture of a granola box I’ve covered in colorful tape and cut holes in the top. This works well because you can track how many pencils are out. Find more options for pencil procedures by reading this blog post.

Procedures for Using the Restroom

How will students ask to use the restroom, and how will you track bathroom use?

We have homework planners (or homework logs). In our planners, we have a monthly calendar at the end of each daily entry section for the month. Students have been trained to use the monthly calendar to write “BR” and the time. They quietly hold up the planner (again, reducing the interruptions). If I’m not in the middle of a lesson (and their need isn’t an emergency), then I nod my head and they bring the planner to me for my initials. This planner is set by the exit door where they sign out on a clipboard. They take the hall pass and leave.

The planner by the door reminds me that someone is gone. If there’s an emergency, I can quickly see who’s gone and where. When the student returns, they sign in on the clipboard noting the time, pick up the planner, and return to work.

There’s a lot more involved in bathroom use. Read this blog post here for dealing with potential issues.

Procedures for Backpacks

What should students bring to their desks?

This classroom procedure is key because if not clearly stated, many distracting items can be brought to the workspace. I have desks in my sixth grade classroom. I ask that backpacks stay in the back of the room. (We actually have cubbies because my room was built to be a kindergarten classroom.) Students learn to get only what they need. Backpacks at desks create easy access to many things that interfere with learning: food (especially junk food), technology (yes, students will try to use their cell phones under their desks), toys, etc.

Of the many routines that you establish throughout the year, I consider these to be most important. I’m interested in learning how you tackle essential procedures in your classroom.

If you’re looking for quick start-up bell ringers, I love using task cards because you can use as many as you’d like, and task cards target specific skills. I particularly like seasonal cards. Since I teach ELA, I’ve created sets of Figurative Language Task Cards for each season. Task card work is easy to grade, little to no prep for you, and it’s engaging for students. Find more task cards here.

I’m linking up with some great bloggers. See their links below for great teaching ideas.