General Procedures for Elementary Classrooms

General Procedures for Elementary Classrooms The key to a well-managed organized classroom, is to create effective classroom procedures and routines. By implementing procedures, students will understand what is expected of them throughout the day. Once these are established, the number of behavior problems and classroom interruptions will be greatly reduced. Here is a list of general procedures and routines to teach in the classroom. Feel free to modify or adapt this list depending upon grade level and individual preference. Beginning the Day When entering the classroom, first put away your coat, book-bag, snack and lunch. Then turn your homework in the homework basket, place your attendance tag in the appropriate spot on the lunch count board and start you morning seat-work. Entering and Leaving the Room Enter and exit the classroom quietly. If you are coming in late or leaving early, do not disturb the other students. This procedure will be used for all situations throughout the school day. Lunch Count/Attendance Find your name and move your attendance tag to the correct column. If you brought lunch, place your tag under the bringing column. If you are buying lunch place your tag under the buying column. Using the Restroom (Younger students) You can get up and use the restroom freely as long as the teacher is not in the middle of teaching a lesson. (Older students) One student at a time my use the lavatory pass. They must return with the pass within three minutes or they will lose the privilege of going to the lavatory freely. Fire Drill When you hear the alarm, stop what you are doing, leave everything, and quietly walk directly to the door. The first person takes the fire drill packet while the second person holds the door open for the rest of the class. The last student closes the door and gets into line. Once outside, everyone is expected to stand quietly and wait for the announcement to come back into the building. Lining Up Wait until you or your row is called, then quietly stand up, push in your chair, and line up facing forward. Bring all the necessary items you may need with you. Ending the Day Clear off your desk, place papers to go home in your homework folder and wait to be called. Once you are called then gather your belongings, stack your chair, quietly sit on the carpet and wait to be dismissed. Additional Procedures: AnnouncementsClassroom jobsParticipating in group lessonsThrowing away trashGetting a tissuePledge of AllegianceClassroom visitorsSignals for attentionHelping other studentsWhen to use the pencil sharpenerWhen to use the drinking fountainHanding in homeworkCaring for classroom suppliesHandling classroom equipmentGetting ready for lunch or specialsChanging classesPassing out papersAsking questionsSnack timeParticipating in learning centersGoing to the nurse Additional Things to Consider Here are four additional things to consider when implementing your classroom procedures. Take time to practice It may take students several weeks to learn the various procedures that are expected of them. Take the time to practice over and over again until they understand. Once they understand what is expected, then you will have more time to teach. Make procedures simple For younger students, make them easy to follow. The more complicated they get, the longer it will take for the students to understand them. Make procedures visible Only post the most important procedures you want the students to follow. Leave the easy ones, like walking in the hallway and going to lunch from memory. Be Specific When teaching a procedure to the class, make sure you are specific and list your expectations exactly how you want the students to follow them.