10 Strategies for Creating Order in the Classroom
# Creating Order: Classroom Routine Strategies
Do you ever feel like your classroom has descended into chaos? As a teacher, it's your responsibility to create and maintain an environment that is conducive to learning. Establishing classroom routines can help you to do just that. Here are ten strategies you can use to create order in your classroom.
## 1. Set Clear Expectations
Before you can create order in your classroom, you need to set clear expectations for your students. Explain what behavior is expected of them in different situations and provide examples of appropriate behavior. Make sure your students understand the rules and the consequences for breaking them. Remember to be consistent in enforcing the rules so that your students know what to expect.
Once you have established your expectations, it's important to make sure they are being followed. You can do this by monitoring your students' behavior and providing positive reinforcement when they are following the rules. You can also use visual cues, such as a behavior chart or a token system, to help your students stay on track.
## 2. Create a Routine
Having a consistent routine is one of the best ways to create order in your classroom. Develop routines for different activities, such as transitions, group work, and clean up. You can also create routines for how students enter and exit the classroom, how they line up for lunch or recess, and how they participate in discussions.
As you create your routines, make sure to involve your students. Ask for their input on how the routines should work and give them a chance to practice. This will help them to understand the expectations and take ownership of the routines. It will also make it easier for them to follow the routines when it's time for them to do so.
## 3. Use Visuals
Visuals can be a great way to create order in your classroom. You can use visuals to remind your students of the expectations and routines. For example, you could use a behavior chart to track your students' progress or post a visual of the daily schedule so that your students know what to expect. You can also create visuals to teach your students new concepts or to help them with problem solving.
## 4. Prioritize Organization
Organization is key to creating order in your classroom. Make sure that your classroom is neat and tidy, and that everything has its place. Place commonly used items, such as books or supplies, within easy reach of your students. This will help them to stay organized and focused on their work.
Organize your lesson plans and materials in advance so that you're prepared for each lesson. This will help you to stay on track and keep your students engaged. It will also help you to be more efficient with your time.
## 5. Establish Transitions
Transitions can be a difficult time for teachers and students alike. To make transitions smoother, establish routines and expectations in advance. Give your students a warning before transitioning, and provide cues to help them understand what to do. You can also use visuals to help your students understand the expectations.
It's also important to keep transitions short. Give your students a specific amount of time to transition from one activity to the next. You can use a timer or other visual cues to help them stay on track.
## 6. Implement Procedures
Procedures are an essential part of creating an orderly classroom. Establish procedures for activities such as entering and exiting the classroom, handing in assignments, and asking questions. Make sure that your students understand the expectations and practice following the procedures.
At the beginning of the year, you can also establish procedures for classroom management. For example, you can create a system for how students should respond when you call on them in class. This will help to keep your classroom organized and prevent distractions.
## 7. Use Quiet Signals
When your classroom is noisy or your students are off-task, it can be difficult to regain control. To regain order without interrupting your lesson, use quiet signals. These signals can be visual or verbal cues that remind your students of the expectations. For example, you can use a hand gesture or a phrase such as "eyes up" to remind your students to focus.
## 8. Allow Students to Take Breaks
It can be difficult for students to concentrate for an extended period of time. To keep your classroom orderly, allow your students to take short breaks throughout the day. These breaks can help your students recharge and refocus on their work.
When planning breaks, decide how often you will allow them and how long they will last. You can also set expectations for how your students should behave during breaks. For example, you can require your students to remain seated during breaks or to speak in a quiet voice.
## 9. Encourage Self-Management
Self-management is a key skill for students to learn. Encourage your students to take responsibility for their own behavior and actions. You can do this by providing them with opportunities to practice self-management. For example, you can provide them with choices and allow them to make their own decisions. You can also give them tasks that require them to use problem solving skills.
## 10. Teach Classroom Routines
Teaching classroom routines is an important part of creating order in your classroom. Explain to your students why the routines are important and how they will benefit them. Show them how to do each routine and give them a chance to practice. Give your students positive feedback when they are following the routines, and provide additional support when needed.
By using these strategies, you can create order in your classroom and provide a productive learning environment for your students. With clear expectations, routines, and procedures, your students will be able to work more effectively and stay focused on their learning.