April 20, 2007

  • Two Magic Words

    I attended a Classroom Management workshop where I learned two magic words that have the power to save a first-year teacher: Procedures and Routines. 

    You have a procedure for everything--how to enter a classroom, how to pass in papers, how to properly head a paper.  Then, you rehearse those procedures until they become routines.  The result: Better management = less discipline = more learning.

    When Ralphie isn't following procedure, I am to quietly make eye contact and ask him," Ralphie, what is our procedure for...?"  If he doesn't know, I restate it.  If he knows, he tells me and I say, "Now, show me."  He rehearses the procedure until he gets it right. (For example, re-entering the classroom properly) Classroom rules are clearly visible, as are consequences for choosing to break a rule.  Procedures are for doing things and don't have punishments attached,  rules are for conduct and have consequences for choosing not to follow them.

    As a paraprofessional I saw to it that the students followed the procedures taught by my teacher until they became routines.  As a new teacher, I am now responsible to establish those procedures as well as to see that the students follow them.  There's a big difference. 

    Procedures and Routines -- magic words!

Comments (5)

  • That's good parenting and household management advice too.  Hugs!  I'm sure your students are in very good hands. 

  • There is a big difference.    Those are very magic words, yes, indeedy.

  • I taught this lesson (rules and consequences) to my girls at an early age.
    Most children given rules
    to follow will attempt to comply. However? A child left with NO procedure - no routine?
    Will make up there own! And that can be a 'dangerous' thing (i.e. Miss Proverbs_31 let on the loose!)*LOL*

    You're so BRAVE!

  • The same to learn to drive . Routine comes . A kind of conditioning ! Necessary but not sufficient in a Man education ! Don' t you think , Cheri ?
    Love                      Michel

  • Procedures and routines are a brilliant idea, if you have the self-discipline to follow them.

    There is a fantastic teacher blogging on Xanga, Boowasborn.  She is a totally original person who probably inspires absolute devotion from her kids (some of whom do not sound, to put it really, really nicely, easy).

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