Classroom Mgmt Series: Why Routines Aren’t Just for Elementary School (And How They Reclaim Your Class) Part 1

You need a plan/routine for vital parts of your classroom. Not everything. Your class will move organically in certain situations. The tricker parts are the transitions. 

This school year I didn’t start off strong, TBH. I had some things under control like my cute classroom rug, color coded table numbers and table bags of supplies. What I didn’t figure out until after winter break was that my kids needed consistency and routine. Heck, so did I! 

I would find myself frustrated that they didn’t follow my exit directions on the board, they didn’t come into class and immediately start their warm-up, that they didn’t know when it was appropriate to ask to go to the bathroom. 

But, it wasn’t on them to read my mind. I needed to give them deliberate specific instructions on what to do, how to do it and when to do it. 

I truly didn’t hit my stride until after spring break when I really felt in control of my classroom environment. 

And now as I look toward the next school year I feel like I need to write this all down so I don’t forget. So I am happy to have you come along for the ride for this series about the non-negotiable classroom routines in my classroom that just might help yours run smoother. 

As always, I preface this as these are things that work for me, while I will be giving you specific instructions and ideas I want you to find what works for you. Because every classroom is different, every group of students is different and every teacher is different. 

I started doing research on why routines matter, because truthfully I thought it was more of an elementary school thing. Things that 10 year olds and below need to just figure out how to behave in a classroom. While this is true, routines are also vital for middle and high school students even adult learners. 

Think about yourself, what happens when your routine is interrupted. Like you stayed up too late watching the World Cup games, or your significant other is out of town for the week or you are on a field trip with students. Everything (can) go haywire. You can experience increased stress and anxiety, you may get frustrated more easily, your body will fatigue faster and you may even become neurologically overloaded.

Kids have similar reactions to changes in routine. And in your classroom things change often, we know that. But, there are some repetitive things that happen daily that could use consistency.

When students can come into class knowing what to expect it has some pretty significant effects on the learning environment. 

Reduce Cognitive Load (if they know what to expect they don’t spent brain energy wondering what is going to happen therefor they can focus on the learning) 

Reduce Anxiety (we have an anxious generation, whatever we can do to lower anxiety is helpful, if we have consistency in our classrooms we can provide that and lower that anxiety)

Maximize instruction Time (instead of spending precious class time on instructions changing daily, you have decreased the amount of time you need to tell students what to do. They know automatically. So they can spend more time learning. 

If you are like me and want these kind of results for your students, you are going to love this blog series. In the next part of our series, I have mapped out SIX vital transition times in the classroom that need routine. I will provide the reasons why and examples of how you can build your routine.

If this sounds like something that you want more than just a blog post on, consider checking out our newly updated  Green & Growing Facilitation Menu. Our team travels across the US (anyone abroad need facilitation?) to provide instruction on these strategies. We would love to some to your school system or teachers conference to provide workshops on these techniques.

3 Ways to Manage Student Meltdowns

It's been a rough few days (or years).

Every year seems to be navigating the unknowns of what education will be like today. Because we are pretty sure it isn’t the same as yesterday and tomorrow will be different as well. 

It's been less than pretty. 

And for your students and possibly you from time to time you might have flipped your lid. 

And after attending Bri Guillory's Keynote at Germinate conference in Summer 2022, I can't unsee the visual that reminds you what is really going on when you flip your lid. 

It's this hand.

I can't get it out of my brain. Funny, as it represents the brain.

The hand on the RIGHT represents when all the parts of the brain are working in harmony. The "higher level" thinking of the cerebral cortex and the emotional part of the prefrontal cortex. 

The hand on the LEFT represents "flipping your lid." Get it?! It's like the brain is disconnected and the emotional center of the brain (that's where FLIGHT, FIGHT or FREEZE takes over) is now driving the car.

Logic can no longer influence behaviors.

I can hear myself saying things like, "let's be quiet other students are still working" or "I understand it’s hard to sit still but you need to while I am talking." All of which were lost as the logic parts of the brain are shut down. 

So, why is this all important to teachers?

Well, we've seen this happen. Probably more than once. And maybe it wasn't just with a student, maybe with another adult or even yourself. 

We have seen students who have experienced trauma in the past few years (maybe even more incidents than ever). 

We will continue to have moments as educators where we have someone flip their lid and we are there to help them find safety again. 

I am 100 percent not an expert, but want to pass along some resources to help you the next time you are presented with a situation like this.

1. Exceptional Teacher for Classroom Management

Customized support from teachers who want to help! The G&G community is filled to the brim with teachers who have advice and resources that suit your specific needs. It’s a support system that will allow you to continue pursuing your career with vitality. And, yes there is someone who specializes in classroom management. Get in contact with Katie Green for help to handle a flipped lid!

2. Katie’s Takeaway Document

Need a quick resource? Katie has you covered. Specifically check out her resources for a trauma informed and mindfulness classroom.

3. Podcast

The G&G podcast provides weekly episodes to connect, educate and encourage Agriculture teachers across the country. We also suggest checking out the following podcast episode about classroom management strategies.

Episode 129: Non-Verbal Classroom Management

Episode 60: Surviving to Thriving in 3 Simple Steps with Briana Guillory

Dealing with all the world has thrown at us (and continues to) is a full-time job own its own. Adding in the complexities of a room full of teenagers and that volume of weight exponentially increases. When you find the time to lean into your learning about how to handle these flip your lid type scenarios you will feel more peaceful then next time they come around.

Do you have any other resources that you would recommend?