5 2nd Grade Procedures Every Teacher Should Teach on the First Day

Summary

In this video, a second-grade teacher shares effective strategies for teaching classroom procedures during the first week of school. Key recommendations include using class calls for attention, transition songs for smooth classroom shifts, and clear restroom and water bottle protocols. The teacher emphasizes starting with 3-5 procedures to avoid overwhelming students, while building a strong foundation for independent classroom management. By using fun and creative methods, students learn routines that allow them to navigate the classroom and school day with ease, making the classroom run smoothly even for substitutes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on teaching 3-5 classroom procedures during the first week, especially in primary grades, to avoid overwhelming students.
• 😀 Classroom procedures are essential for building a smoothly-run classroom by the end of the year, allowing students to manage the classroom without constant teacher intervention.
• 😀 Use a consistent class call (e.g., 'Class, class' and 'Yes, yes') to grab students' attention, but be creative and make it fun for better engagement.
• 😀 Introduce a transition song to move students from the carpet area to independent work areas, making transitions smoother and easier for both students and substitutes.
• 😀 Teach students the procedure for using the restroom, including the importance of quiet movement and handwashing routines, while giving them autonomy to go as needed.
• 😀 Establish a water bottle procedure to keep the classroom organized, ensuring students can access water without disrupting the class or making spills.
• 😀 Encourage students to use their water bottles respectfully, allowing them to move across the classroom as long as it's not disruptive to ongoing activities.
• 😀 Introduce a lining-up procedure with a specific transition song to ensure students clean up and line up quietly, which also helps with hallway expectations.
• 😀 Regularly update transition songs to keep things fresh, whether monthly or quarterly, and maintain consistency to make procedures more intuitive for students.
• 😀 The goal is for students to be able to run the classroom independently by the end of the year, making it easier for substitutes and ensuring smooth classroom management.

Q & A

What is the main goal of teaching classroom procedures during the first week of school?

The main goal is to build a strong foundation for the classroom environment, ensuring smooth and effective classroom management throughout the year. Procedures help students learn how to run the classroom independently by the end of the year.

How many classroom procedures should teachers focus on teaching during the first week of school?

It is recommended to teach between three to five procedures during the first week, particularly in primary grade levels, to avoid overwhelming students.

Why is it important to teach a specific class call procedure?

A class call procedure helps grab students' attention and signals transitions. It ensures consistency in how students should respond and behave when the call is made, minimizing distractions.

What are some examples of class call phrases mentioned in the video?

Some examples include 'Class, class' (students respond with 'Yes, yes'), 'Hope is Pocus, everybody Focus', and 'To infinity and beyond.' The teacher is encouraged to get creative with these calls.

How does using a transition song benefit the classroom?

Using a transition song helps students understand when it's time to switch from one activity to another. It makes transitions smoother, helps with classroom management, and ensures that students are clear on expectations.

Why is it effective to change transition songs periodically?

Changing transition songs regularly keeps students engaged and prevents the routine from becoming monotonous, while maintaining the consistency of the transition process.

What approach is recommended for restroom use in the classroom?

Students should be allowed to use the restroom without asking, unless the teacher is conducting a whole group lesson or working one-on-one with a student. This autonomy reduces interruptions and helps prevent accidents.

How can a teacher ensure water bottle procedures are followed in the classroom?

Water bottles should be placed in a designated area, such as a milk crate, to prevent them from disrupting the classroom. Students can use water during non-instructional time, such as when they are not engaged in group lessons or one-on-one work.

What is the purpose of practicing the lining-up procedure with students?

Practicing the lining-up procedure helps students understand how to transition smoothly when it’s time to line up. It minimizes confusion and ensures that students know the expectations for walking quietly and efficiently to their next location.

How does using a song for lining up contribute to classroom management?

Using a song for lining up helps signal the start of the transition, making it clear and consistent for students. It creates a routine and allows students to know exactly when and how they should line up, contributing to a more orderly transition.