Reviewing Classroom and School Routines and Procedures

If you are like me, you are probably enjoying your winter break, maybe staying in your pj's a little longer than normal and having that extra cup of coffee because you can.  With one week left, I am thinking about my first day back with my students and what it will be like.

From years past I know that they will be excited to see each other and will want to talk.  I also know that they will need a refresher on all things pertaining to school and classroom procedures. 

This is what I have planned for the first day.  As my students come in, I will have my usual PPT playing on our TV.  This is routine for them and it gets them back into the school mode.  This also gives me time to greet each student at the door and gives them a few minutes at the carpet while they wait for the bell to ring.  My PPT is usually of sight words, number and shapes. 

Once the bell rings, I will then start our day with the usual school business of attendance and lunch count.  After that, I will have the kids sit in a circle.  I will ask them to close their eyes and think about one thing they would like to share about, it can be something they did, something they saw, a place they went, or a gift they received.  I will model it first, so they get the idea. 

When it is time for writing later in the day, they will be able to reflect on what we talked about in the morning and use what they shared as their frame of reference.

Classroom and School Rules and Procedures are something I seem to always be reviewing, but after a long break, it is even more important to review these.  Thankfully I have the posters from my resource,  First Days of Kindergarten  ready to use at all times.  These visuals are a quick way to remind students of how we do things at school.

This is also helpful if you have a class like I do- the revolving door.  I have had so many new students this year, I sometimes lose track of how many students I actually have.  When we return in January, I am sure I will get another new student.

I like to incorporate games into my reteaching of routines.  For lining up, I like to see if they can do it silently or how quick and silent they can do it.  We line up in a specific order and still have a few friends who can't seem to find their place.  When walking- I try to pick the "secret walker" This student earns a school award to put in the drawing prize box.  it is simple and motivating.  The same can be done for the cleanest table- best organized supply tub- just the simplest reminders of how thing are to be done, 

Have fun with teaching the routines, make the first day back enjoyable for yourself and your students.  Start off the new year fresh.  I think 2020 is going to be a great year.