establishing classroom norms & procedures

Welcome to the 1st installment of our "Classroom Culture Series," where we discuss establishing and maintaining a positive classroom culture through classroom routines and procedures.

When creating classroom routines and procedures, it is important to take into account certain key elements. These elements consist of an entry routine, a routine for putting students into groups and managing transitions, and a routine for wrapping up lessons. This article will focus on the significance of the "Entry Routine" and guide how to establish and execute it efficiently in the classroom.

The Entry Routine: What is it and Why it's Necessary

Establishing a proper entry routine is essential in setting classroom norms and procedures. It ensures a smooth transition into the learning environment, creating a sense of structure and stability for the students. The routine must be consistent and predictable, and as the teacher, you should teach it explicitly at the start of the school year and reinforce it consistently throughout the year. This sets the tone for each class and helps students adapt to the learning environment.

Entering the Classroom

Entering the classroom may seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to establish a well-defined entry routine to create an organized and efficient learning environment. Students must understand what's expected of them when they enter the classroom.

When developing an entry routine, consider the following factors:

How students will enter the classroom: Ideally, students should line up outside and enter quietly. This approach can be used in all grades, but the routines may vary based on the school's structure and logistics. Here are some suggestions for entering the classroom:

• When possible (if you're not a traveling teacher), greet students by name at the door and welcome them to the classroom. This is also an opportunity to check if students are in uniform and direct them, as needed, to the correct seat.

• Remind students to enter the classroom quietly. If they enter with a commotion, that's likely to set the tone for the rest of the period.

• For traveling teachers, it's recommended that you establish a procedure where students line up and wait for you before entering the room, minimizing disruptions and preventing the need for you to settle the class down, which can set a negative tone for the rest of the class period.

The Bellringer/Do Now Activity

The first element of the entry routine requires preparation. A "bell ringer" activity or task

must be ready for students to work on as soon as they enter the classroom. This activity can be applied to all grades, but may differ. For instance, in an elementary school, students may need to hang up their backpacks and put away their personal belongings before proceeding to their desks or a meeting area on the carpet. Before they begin the warm-up activity. For middle and high school students, the entry routine may involve starting a bellringer/do now activity or checking in with the day's objectives or agenda. You should designate a space where students can easily access the assignment by grabbing a slip or seeing it posted.

Time Constraints. It's essential to keep time constraints in mind. The do-now activity should take 5-10 minutes from the start to share out. Spending too much time on this opening activity can create a lack of urgency and make completing other parts of the lesson difficult.

The Traveling Prodigy. If you have to travel from classroom to classroom, consider using chart paper to display the bell ringer or do-now assignment and provide slips for students to collect as they enter the room.

Co-Teachers. In a class with two teachers, it's helpful to have one teacher greet students at the door while the other ensures they are engaged in the do-now activity. You can switch roles daily or weekly so that both teachers are comfortable with all aspects of the routine.

Conclusion

Establishing a consistent and effective entry routine is important to set the tone for the rest of the class period. This routine should ensure a smooth transition into the learning environment and encourage positive student engagement. When designing the entry routine, it is important to consider how students will enter the classroom and to allow them time to "settle in" before beginning the main lesson and participating in collaborative activities.

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