Routines and Systems

We want and expect students to behave in a certain way; therefore, it’s crucial to have systems and routines in place. Chaos in classrooms happens when there is a lack of habits. Schools without systems are up for grabs. In both situations, it is a disaster waiting to happen, and everyone is stressed. 

In a U. S. Department of Education article, The Importance of Routines in Classroom Settings, it states, “Classrooms particularly those with young children need to have routines. These routines help you maintain order and also help the kids stay calm. If there is a set activity for every part of the day, you will be able to focus more on your teaching and less on giving instructions and generally controlling the class.”

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Whether your students are five or 15 years old, they need to know how your class operates. What are they supposed to do when they enter the school, classroom, lunchroom, etc.? How do they transition from place to place? Whatever the routines and systems consist of, make sure they are explicit to students and parents. 

Let’s not forget the importance of school-wide systems and how they affect student behavior. While teachers have their own classroom rules to manage behavior, schools should have a school-wide behavior management system in place. For consistency in expectations and consequences for misbehavior, all school staff must be trained and informed of all school-wide systems. Policies in place may include behavior, attendance, grading, communication to parents, etc.