Upper Elementary Classroom Procedures and Routines for Back to School

Have you ever wondered how some teachers seem to manage their classrooms effortlessly while others struggle? The secret lies in well-established classroom procedures and routines. In this post, we’ll explore a comprehensive list of upper elementary classroom procedures and routines you must teach during the first 6 weeks of school. By implementing these strategies, you’ll create a smooth-running classroom environment that fosters student success and reduces daily stress. Read on to discover the best practices for establishing effective classroom procedures and routines. 😊

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What are Upper Elementary Classroom Procedures and Routines?

Classroom procedures and routines are the specific guidelines and practices that students follow throughout the school day.

These routines cover everything from how students enter the classroom to how they transition between activities.

In upper elementary grades, these procedures are crucial for maintaining order and ensuring that instructional time is used efficiently. 📝

Why are Classroom Procedures and Routines Important?

Classroom procedures and routines are the backbone of a well-organized classroom. They help students know what is expected of them, reduce confusion, and minimize disruptive behavior.

When students understand and follow these procedures, they feel more confident and secure, which enhances their ability to learn.

Additionally, consistent routines save valuable teaching time, allowing you to focus more on instruction and less on managing behavior. 📚

Check out my FREE Classroom Procedures Checklist!

Upper Elementary Classroom Procedures and Routines

Creating a well-structured classroom starts with establishing clear procedures and routines. These guidelines help manage the day-to-day activities and ensure a smooth, efficient learning environment.

Here is a comprehensive list of essential upper elementary classroom procedures and routines, complete with explanations and tips to help you implement them effectively. 😊

Morning Procedures 🌅

Arrival and Entry: Students should enter the classroom quietly, hang up their coats and backpacks, and turn in any homework or notes from home. This helps create a calm and organized start to the day.

Morning Work: After entering, students should complete the morning bell ringer activity, review the daily schedule and objectives, and prepare materials needed for the first subject. This sets a productive tone for the day. ⏰

Attendance and Lunch Count: Students should answer promptly during roll call and mark their attendance in the digital system if applicable. They should also indicate their lunch choice on the designated board or system. 📚

Classroom Management 🚀

Behavior Expectations: It’s important for students to follow the class rules posted in the classroom, use a behavior chart or system for tracking behavior, and participate in class reward systems like points or tickets. This promotes a positive and respectful classroom environment. 📝

Classroom Jobs: Assigning classroom jobs, such as line leader or paper passer, helps students take responsibility and contribute to the classroom community. Rotate jobs weekly or monthly to give everyone a chance. 🧹

Transitions: Teach students to follow signals like a bell or hand signal to transition between activities quickly and quietly. Efficient transitions maximize instructional time. 🔄

Hallway Behavior: Students should line up quietly and in a straight line, following hallway expectations like silent walking and keeping hands to themselves. This maintains order and respect in shared spaces. 🚶

Attention-getters: Use call-and-response attention-getters like “Class class!” “Yes yes!” to quickly grab students’ attention and minimize disruptions. Consistency with these cues helps maintain order. 📢

Hand Signals: Implement hand signals for common requests (e.g., one finger for bathroom, two for a tissue) to minimize interruptions during lessons. This helps students communicate their needs nonverbally. ✋

Instruction Time 📖

Whole Group Instruction: During whole group instruction, students should sit attentively, participate actively, and raise their hands to speak or ask questions. This ensures everyone is engaged and learning. 🧠

Small Group Instruction: Students should follow the group rotation chart, work quietly, and stay on task within their groups. This allows for focused and effective small group learning.

Independent Work: During independent work, students should work silently and independently. They should follow classroom procedures for asking for help if needed. This fosters self-reliance and concentration. 📝

Early Finishers: Provide activities for students who finish their work early, such as reading a book, completing unfinished assignments, or engaging in educational games. This keeps them productive and minimizes disruptions. 📖

Use of Materials 🎒

Textbooks and Workbooks: Teach students to handle books carefully and return them to their proper place after use. This maintains the condition of learning materials.

Classroom Supplies: Students should use classroom supplies like scissors and glue responsibly and return them to their designated spots after use. This keeps the classroom organized. ✂️

Technology Use: When using devices and computers, students should adhere to the technology agreement, using them only for educational purposes and taking proper care. 💻

Online Platforms: Students should log in to educational platforms as instructed and complete and submit assignments online if applicable. This integrates digital literacy into their learning.


Online Platforms: Students should log in to educational platforms as instructed and complete and submit assignments online if applicable. This integrates digital literacy into their learning.

Breaks and Recess 🍎

Bathroom Breaks: Establish a procedure for requesting bathroom breaks, such as raising a hand or using a sign-out sheet. Students should sign out and back in to keep track of their whereabouts.

Recess: Students should line up and exit the classroom quietly, follow playground rules, and play safely. Recess is a time for students to relax and recharge for the rest of the day.

End of Day Procedures 🌇

Packing Up: At the end of the day, students should pack up their materials and homework, clean up the area around their desks, and get ready for dismissal in an orderly manner.

Dismissal: Students should wait for the teacher’s signal to line up for dismissal, following the procedure for leaving the classroom and school. This ensures a calm and safe end to the day.

Special Situations 🚨

Fire Drills: Teach students to follow the fire drill procedure posted in the classroom, exiting the building quickly and quietly. Regular practice helps ensure everyone’s safety during an emergency.

Lockdown Drills: During lockdown drills, students should follow the procedure without talking, moving to the designated safe area and staying silent. This prepares them for real emergencies.

Miscellaneous

Guest Teachers (Substitute): Students should show respect and follow all classroom rules when a guest teacher is present. Assisting the guest teacher with routines and procedures helps maintain a smooth classroom environment.

Class Meetings: Encourage students to participate respectfully in class meetings, sharing their thoughts and listening to others during discussions. This builds a positive classroom community.

Hand-in Tray: Teach students to place their completed work in a designated hand-in tray. This helps you keep track of assignments and ensures no work is misplaced. 📂

Name on Work: Encourage students to highlight or double-check that their names are on all their work before turning it in. This helps avoid any no-name papers and ensures everyone gets credit for their work. ✏️

Visual Timers: Use visual timers to help students manage their time during activities and transitions. This provides a clear, visual cue for how much time remains, reducing anxiety and improving focus. ⏳

Seating Charts: Establish seating charts to facilitate classroom management and help with smooth transitions. Arrange desks in a way that supports your instructional style and classroom routines. 🪑

How Can I Effectively Implement Classroom Procedures and Routines?

Implementing classroom procedures and routines effectively requires clear communication, consistency, and practice.

Begin by explicitly teaching each procedure, modeling it, and providing opportunities for students to practice. Reinforce the procedures regularly and provide positive feedback to encourage compliance.

For more tips on making this process fun and engaging, check out this blog post: Fun Ways to Teach Classroom Procedures. 🌟

Incorporating well-defined classroom procedures and routines is vital for creating a structured and productive classroom environment. By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only enhance student behavior but also maximize instructional time.

Remember, consistency and practice are key! Start your school year off right by teaching these essential routines, and watch your classroom transform. 🚀

Have any tips or routines that work well in your classroom? Share them in the comments below! 😊 Happy teaching!