Classroom Routines and Procedures

Entering the classroom

Beginning work
Roll Call/Lunch Count
Announcements
Tardies
Absences/Make-up procedures
Teacher's attention signal
Getting out of your seat
Assignments
Getting supplies
Sharpening pencils
Procedures for using/carrying/handling equipment
Getting into groups
Working in groups
Independent work
Working at a center
Lining up to leave the room
Snacks/Water
Restroom
Going to the clinic, office, media center or elsewhere
How to head papers
Passing in homework
Passing in papers
Exchanging papers
Asking questions
Getting help
Finishing work early
Visitors to the room
Responding to fire drills, "codes", or other alerts
Sudden illness
Checking out classroom material
Cleaning the room at the end of the day
Organizing materials
Homework
Changing classes
Dismissal

Classroom Routines and Procedures: A Real-Life Example

Teacher Comments: I work in a Title I school with "at-risk" students. Over the
years, I have found that spending a few minutes every day during the first
month going over and then reviewing our classroom rules as well as our routines
and procedures makes the entire rest of the year a pleasure to teach.
I usually spend a week on each of most important rules: Remaining quiet while
the teacher is talking; Refraining from touching other students and their
property; Being respectful.
I always teach the critical attribute of each rule or routine. For example, what
exactly does it mean to "remain quite" while the teacher is speaking? Does that
mean students may quietly ask questions of one other? What happens if a
visitor walks in? Finally, I offer the students many examples and non-examples.
For example, what exactly does respect look like, what does it sound like?
Classroom Procedures
REQUIRED MATERIALS. Bring the following materials to class each day:
-two sharpened pencils/pens -Reading notebook -pencil pouch with sharpener,
hi-liters
ENTERING THE CLASSROOM . We enter the classroom in a calm, quiet
manner. Sharpen your pencil if necessary and take a seat. Remember: Once the
door is closed, you must be in your seat and working. (That means having the
necessary materials out on your desk.)
READING NOTEBOOK . This is an important tool. Bring it to class with you
every single day . The notebook will be graded twice during each 9-week
grading period. Your notebook grade is 20% of your final 9-week grade.
ATTENTION SIGNAL. When I hold up my hand I will say, "Give me five." That
means the entire class should be absolutely silent and still within 5 seconds.
ASKING QUESTIONS.LEAVING YOUR SEAT.GETTING HELP . Raise your hand
and I will acknowledge you.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR. Your responsibilities in this class are to: be on time,
be prepared, be productive. All team members are expected to be polite and
respectful to one another---and that includes the teacher. No student will be
allowed to disrupt the learning of his or her classmates.
MAKEUP WORK. When you are absent you are expected to make up any work
you missed. On the day you return, check the appropriate folder for any missed
work.
HOMEWORK. Homework, when assigned, will be due at the beginning of
class. Have it out on your desk ready to be picked up.
END OF CLASS DISMISSAL. Two minutes before class ends, I will tell you to
start getting packed up. We will straighten the room. Then, I will give you any
last minute instructions and dismiss you.
TARDINESS. You are expected to be in your seat when I close the door. If you
come in late and do not have a pass, quietly sign the tardy sheet at the front of
the room. You are allowed three unexcused tardies for the nine weeks. The
fourth unexcused tardy results in a referral and a call home. If you are late

(unexcused) for more than 5 minutes, this is not a tardy. You are considered to
be "out of area" and you will be given an automatic referral.
RESTROOM PASSES. You are expected to use the restroom between classes.
No bathroom passes (or any passes) will be issued the first ten minutes of class.
You are allowed two passes (of any kind) per nine weeks. Use them wisely.