Discussion Post: Procedures That Make a Difference
This is not a post about me being an expert, but rather a call for all of us to share our knowledge when it comes to managing our classrooms. The other day the parent of a now 7th grade boy told me how much her son loved Mrs. Suhr’s class because she was clear on expectations and consistent about following through with consequences. He is the kind of kid who has no problem taking any opportunity to goof off, but really felt relieved and freed up to learn when in Mrs. Suhr’s classroom because of the structure. When parent teacher conferences rolled around this students was deemed “delightful” and his parents were shocked. What procedure do you have that makes a big difference for your classroom? Comment below so we can learn from each other!
10 Comments
Shannon Horton
9/20/2017 11:53:50 am
The best thing I've ever done is to have students sit down and read for the first five minutes of every class. It's a lifesaver for getting organized and taking attendance, but also for starting out on the right note. (Do you like how I'm commenting on my own post? What a geek.)
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Brigit Storhoff
9/21/2017 09:07:15 am
I started something four years ago that has really helped get my class started on the right foot each period. I have a place on the board that I write what the students' need on their desk for the day. Sometimes this is only a pencil, but it helps them organize themselves for the class period. It also gets all of the other "stuff" off their desk which reduces distractions. Once I see everyone has their materials ready for class, I can begin!
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Sarah Nowack
9/25/2017 07:55:55 am
I do this also. lt makes the transition between class periods much smoother.
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Jenn DeLaRosa
9/25/2017 05:01:55 am
I always thought that creating time for a Morning Meeting was next to impossible. However, after observing Elise Bennett's classroom last spring, I quickly realized that it's imperative in creating a successful day of learning and feeling comfortable where you are.
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Steve
9/25/2017 07:58:59 am
I set up procedures at the beginning of the year/hex that students follow when entering the classroom. We practice these procedures and they are the same procedures each day and it just becomes part of their daily routine.
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Heath Kelley
9/25/2017 07:59:55 am
I feel the beginning of each class period is important for structured routines. I have daily writing prompts that students work on before writing, independent reading for their reading class, and daily geography practice in social studies. By having these routines for the beginning of class, students know what is expected when they first come in to class. I can also meet with students during that time and take care of attendance or other management items.
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Zach Fromm
9/25/2017 08:00:06 am
Most days I do a Daily Reading that applies to current news, events, etc. It is done in Canvas and the students know this is where they start their day with me. *Haven't been as consistent this year, but after reading this I plan to be as it's a great formative way to start each class as well..
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Jesse Halweg
9/25/2017 08:03:18 am
Every day, when students enter my classroom, I have the 6th grade assignment page displayed on my Smartboard or Apple TV. Students find their seats, fill out their planner and use the planner to see what we will be doing throughout the day, what they can be doing to prepare for class and well as what their assignment may be.
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Jennifer Larson
9/25/2017 08:06:03 am
Students are in charge of starting orchestra class each day. I create a randomized list of student names and post on the board the "class starter" of the day (they may pass if they do not want to do it). The class starter stands on the podium and the class becomes quiet. A meditation bell is rung and the students take a deep breathe. From this point the class starter begins our classroom tuning procedure.
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Steve Peterson
9/27/2017 05:56:21 pm
I try to have a "soft start" to the week/day. I like when students tell stories and we have a chance to laugh together because we learn about each other and, over time, we develop a sense of community. Last year, for instance, we cheered when a story ended without a reference to either barbed wire or blood, and we offered condolences when, more often than you can imagine, those topics appeared.
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