14.3: Classroom Procedures

Routines and Procedures

Routines and procedures in a classroom are structured expectations that guide students on how to behave and complete daily tasks efficiently. They create a sense of order, consistency, and predictability, helping students feel secure and focused. Well-established routines minimize disruptions, maximize instructional time, and promote independence by ensuring students know what is expected of them in various situations.

Examples of Classroom Routines and Procedures

1. Morning Arrival Routine: Students enter the classroom, unpack their bags, place homework in a designated spot, and begin a warm-up activity or morning work.
2. Attendance and Lunch Count: A systematic way for students to check in, such as moving their name card to “present” or responding to a roll call.
3. Transitioning Between Activities: Clear signals, such as a countdown or clapping pattern, to help students smoothly move from one task to another.
4. Lining Up and Walking in Hallways: Expectations for quiet, orderly movement in line, such as standing in a straight line and facing forward.
5. Bathroom and Water Break Procedures: A method for requesting and taking breaks, such as using a sign, hall pass, or silent hand signal.
6. Turning in Assignments: A designated location, such as a bin or tray, for students to submit completed work.
7. Getting Attention (Quiet Signal): A consistent signal, like raising a hand, using a countdown, or ringing a bell, to regain students’ attention.
8. End-of-Day Dismissal Routine: Steps for packing up, cleaning the area, and lining up to leave in an orderly fashion.
9. Classroom Supply Usage: Rules for borrowing, returning, and organizing classroom materials like pencils, books, and technology.
10. Handling Conflicts or Questions: A structured way for students to ask for help, such as raising their hand, writing a note, or using a peer problem-solving strategy.
11. Morning Arrival Routine: Students enter the classroom, unpack their bags, place homework in a designated spot, and begin a warm-up activity or morning work.
12. Attendance and Lunch Count: A systematic way for students to check in, such as moving their name card to “present” or responding to a roll call.
13. Transitioning Between Activities: Clear signals, such as a countdown or clapping pattern, to help students smoothly move from one task to another.
14. Lining Up and Walking in Hallways: Expectations for quiet, orderly movement in line, such as standing in a straight line and facing forward.
15. Bathroom and Water Break Procedures: A method for requesting and taking breaks, such as using a sign, hall pass, or silent hand signal.
16. Turning in Assignments: A designated location, such as a bin or tray, for students to submit completed work.
17. Getting Attention (Quiet Signal): A consistent signal, like raising a hand, using a countdown, or ringing a bell, to regain students’ attention.
18. End-of-Day Dismissal Routine: Steps for packing up, cleaning the area, and lining up to leave in an orderly fashion.
19. Classroom Supply Usage: Rules for borrowing, returning, and organizing classroom materials like pencils, books, and technology.
20. Handling Conflicts or Questions: A structured way for students to ask for help, such as raising their hand, writing a note, or using a peer problem-solving strategy.

By establishing and practicing routines, teachers create a structured learning environment that fosters independence, efficiency, and respect.

Visual Schedule

Times and events of a typical classroom day are depicted using visual support.

A visual schedule is a tool that uses pictures, symbols, words, or a combination of these to outline the sequence of activities or tasks in a classroom. It provides a clear, structured representation of the daily routine, helping students understand what to expect and when transitions will occur. Visual schedules are especially beneficial for young children, students with disabilities (such as autism or ADHD), and English language learners, as they reduce anxiety, enhance independence, and improve time management.

A typical visual schedule may include icons or images representing activities such as morning work, math, recess, lunch, and dismissal. These schedules can be displayed on a classroom board for the whole group or personalized for individual students using a binder or digital device. Some visual schedules are interactive, allowing students to move a marker or remove completed tasks, giving them a sense of accomplishment and structure.

By using a visual schedule, teachers create a predictable and supportive learning environment where students feel more confident and engaged. It minimizes confusion, decreases behavioral issues related to uncertainty, and helps students smoothly transition between tasks.

Visual Procedure

A visual procedure is a step-by-step guide using pictures, symbols, or written instructions to help students complete a task independently. It visually breaks down a process into manageable steps, making it easier for students to follow directions and stay on track. Visual procedures are commonly used for routines like handwashing, lining up, completing assignments, or transitioning between activities.

For example, a visual procedure for handwashing might include:

1. Turn on the water
2. Wet hands
3. Apply soap
4. Scrub hands for 20 seconds
5. Rinse
6. Dry hands

Proper Hand Washing in 5 Easy Steps

Visual procedures help students, especially young learners and those with special needs, understand expectations and build independence by following structured, predictable steps.