Classroom Routines

Summary

This video discusses the importance of establishing effective classroom routines, especially for learners with FASD, to create an independent, organized, and predictable learning environment. It highlights how routines, like sharpening pencils or asking for bathroom breaks, can prevent disruptions and help students manage everyday classroom tasks. The video emphasizes that teachers should spend time teaching and re-teaching these routines at the beginning of the school year to save time later. The use of visuals, clear instructions, and consistent practice are essential for ensuring routines are followed effectively, promoting a positive classroom atmosphere.

Takeaways

• 😀 Establishing classroom routines helps create a positive, productive, and comfortable environment for students.
• 😀 Teaching and practicing routines enables students to function more independently and reduces classroom disruptions.
• 😀 Effective classroom management often appears effortless but requires significant time and effort behind the scenes.
• 😀 Routines add predictability and consistency, which are essential for students with FASD to feel safe and secure.
• 😀 The ideal time to establish routines is at the beginning of the school year, with re-teaching as needed throughout the year.
• 😀 Routines should be broken down into clear, simple steps and modeled to students to ensure understanding.
• 😀 High expectations should be set for following routines, with corrections made when routines are not followed properly.
• 😀 Visual aids such as pictures or checklists are helpful for reinforcing routines, especially for students with FASD.
• 😀 A specific example of a routine includes a process for sharpening pencils, demonstrating how routines can prevent disruptions.
• 😀 Teachers should encourage students to practice routines as a group and model the expected behavior, ensuring familiarity and confidence in following routines.
• 😀 Routines save teachers' time and reduce stress by preventing potential disruptions and allowing for more teaching time.

Q & A

What is the purpose of teaching classroom routines at the beginning of the school year?

Teaching classroom routines at the beginning of the school year helps establish a structured environment, promotes independence among students, and saves time and effort throughout the year by minimizing disruptions and enhancing learning.

How can routines benefit students with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)?

Routines provide students with FASD the predictability and consistency they need, which helps them feel safe and comfortable in the classroom while supporting their ability to function independently.

What is the role of visual aids in teaching routines?

Visual aids, such as pictures or checklists, are essential in helping students remember and follow classroom routines. They provide clear reminders, making it easier for students to recall and independently complete tasks.

Why is it important to model and directly teach each step of a routine?

Modeling and directly teaching each step of a routine ensures that students understand the specific behaviors required, helps them practice these behaviors, and sets clear expectations for their performance.

What is the purpose of the example involving sharpening a pencil?

The example demonstrates a routine for sharpening a pencil, showing how to manage common classroom tasks independently without disrupting the class. It also emphasizes the use of a visual schedule and clear steps for students to follow.

What should a teacher do when a student does not follow a routine correctly?

Instead of using punishment, teachers should correct the student's behavior and provide additional support or reminders to ensure the routine is followed correctly in the future.

How does teaching routines contribute to a positive classroom environment?

Teaching routines creates consistency and reduces uncertainty, which allows students to focus on learning and become more independent. It also minimizes disruptions, making the classroom environment more positive and productive.

Why is it important for routines to be taught early in the school year?

Teaching routines early in the school year helps establish good habits, ensures smoother transitions throughout the year, and reduces the time spent managing disruptions. It also supports students' sense of security and belonging.

What are some common situations that classroom routines address?

Classroom routines address situations such as starting the day, lining up, using the bathroom, handing in homework, sharpening pencils, transitioning between activities, and gaining students' attention, among others.

How do routines help in managing disruptions in the classroom?

Routines prevent many disruptions by setting clear expectations and providing students with the tools to handle common tasks independently. This proactive approach reduces the chances of unnecessary interruptions during lessons.