Instructional Routines

At the beginning of each day the students will be met, and properly greeted, at the door by the teacher and
reminded to make sure he/she has all the materials for the days work and to properly hydrate, use the
restroom, sharpen pencils etc. Note: arriving students will not be allowed to enter the classroom until the
last student from the previous class has exited.

For fun, and practice, there will be a mathematical problem on the board which students will attempt to
solve using the previous days instruction. Correct answers will be rewarded through various means (not by
grades). The same math problem will be used as an icebreaker for current instruction. While students are
solving the math problem, administrative duties such as attendance, passing out completed work, taking
late homework, etc will be completed.

At the end of class I will do a thorough review of the days lesson and answer questions and/or concerns.
Students will pull out their math binder/folder and write down the next days homework assignment.

In preparation for the next class, all desks, materials, supplies etc will be returned to their original location
and each student will be responsible for picking up and disposing of any trash around his/her desk.

I prefer to make significant announcements at the end of class because the students have their folders out
and can write everything down.

My students are keenly aware that I dismiss class, not the bell. When students are dismissed, they leave
one row at a time and in silence so as not to block the door or cause confusion as they exit. Each day a
different row exits first as per a rotating schedule.

My rationale for this procedure is that consistency of good habits breeds efficiency. The first week or so
always takes some getting used to, but when the students know what is expected of them, and that the
teacher enforces these expectations, they begin to respond automatically in a positive way. This
consistency of routine results in fewer disruptions before during, and after class, as well as fewer
disciplinary problems.