Students thrive in environments they feel they are an important factor in. From maintaining class cleanliness to making sure their peers are following the rules. Structure and routine are important factors in the organization and flow of a classroom. In the rare case where the teacher is absent, students who have structure in their classroom are able to guide substitute teachers on how to operate the classroom. Implementing structure can also develop responsibility and accountability in the growing minds of our students leading to academic and personal growth. In this list are 4 effective techniques educators should use to implement structure and routines for learning.
- Personalized Job chart
-This is something that should be rotated weekly depending on the helpful performance and behavior of the students. Having ownership of an important role in the classroom can lead to better attendance if the students feel the class cannot run smoothly in their absence and fewer tasks for the teacher to be concerned with. A link to a few job charts can be found <here>. Most times a handmade job chart will suffice as the needs of your classroom may be different.
- Work Stations
A messy classroom is a problem. Learning how to organize students’ belongings for easy access and reliability can assist students in establishing a routine. Workstations can include art supplies, stationery for their desks like tables, or just an indicator of where students should go when work needs to be done. Rolling workstations are the easiest to maneuver in the classroom and a link to an accessible working station can be found <here>
- Visual Timer
A visual timer of when work should be completed or an anticipated transition builds structure, routine, and accountability in your classroom. Instead of guessing how long 2 minutes is or when the next transition will be, students will be able to easily look at the timer so they are given adequate time to complete their work. Linked is an idea where you might be able to find one for your classroom.
- Flexible Seating Options
Sitting in a chair for more than 7 hours a day can be very stifling for anyone. Having the option to sit on a chair, bean bag, or floor mat can add versatility to your classroom. Students will appreciate the effort and recognize the consideration you put into making your room a comfortable place.
In the instance of the teacher’s absence, the class should run as though it were a regular school day. From personal experience, routines and, structure alleviate stress and worry from the teacher as the class flows like a well-oiled machine. Let me know if you implement any of these suggestions in your classroom!
Until Next Time~
Melissa