Classroom Routine

 Classroom Routine.

The classroom is a place where lessons take place and where learners learn and get to meet their peers and teachers. As discussed in last week's blog, the classroom is a learning space, and it has to be an educational environment that encourages learning and growth. According to research, the classroom environment can affect a learner's motivation. Motivated learners are active learners. The best way to keep our learners motivated is to have a classroom routine.

A classroom routine is a vital system that sets expectations for the learners and indicates that they are allowed to do certain things on their own.

A classroom routine assists with:

• reducing disruptive behaviour, because the learner already knows and understands what is expected of them at a particular time; they then understand how to behave at certain times.
• It increases the confidence and comfort levels of learners; routine brings a sense of familiarity, and that makes learners feel at ease. When learners know and understand what is expected of them at different time frames throughout the learning session, they become confident because it gives them the idea that they know what they are doing.

Classroom routine template:

Beginning of the session:

1. Greet each child by name and give them a big bear hug as they walk in.
2. Opening prayer by you, your co-teacher, or one of the learners if they are at an age where they can pray.
3. Sing two energetic songs to lift up their spirits and build their confidence (Behold and Father Abraham). Sing a song that will set their energies down because now we need them to calm down (Jesus loves me).
4. Collection or giving can be done; have a song for that (love makes the world go round, or I love Jesus).
5. Lesson Recap and Lesson of the day: Ask the learners what they learned about last week. Tell them they do not have to say everything perfectly because the idea here is to get a gist of whether they have learned or not. After you have taught your lesson, ask questions about it. Ask them what they thought, how they felt, and what they have learned. Also, before you ask questions, DO NOT SAY "question time." It makes learners feel like you are out to get them and want to see if they have been listening or not. TOTAL NO! Allow a few minutes for questions and comments.
6. Worksheet, craft time, and/or activity; they can get chatty during this period or even loud and boisterous. Allow them to get to know each other; give them an allocated time; let them know how long they have to colour in or work on their crafts. Ask the class if any of them need help, and if they do, give help if asked to.
7. Games or activities that have the same idea as the lesson.
8. Attendance sheet: hand out stickers for them to paste on each of their attendance sheets for today.
9. If age appropriate, ask for prayer requests, then closing prayer.
10. Pack-up time with a pack-up song. Cleaning after themselves is a very important lesson, and this is how we could do it.
11. Hug each learner goodbye.

It is vital that every child is appreciated as different as they are from each other and that they understand that it is okay for them to be different. During "question time," encourage the learners to think and challenge their minds to think.

At any time during the learning session, make sure you and your learners are having fun. Set expectations for them, be specific, show or imitate correct behaviour, and always praise them when they are being good. Share the classroom with your learners, and have them have a say during the learning procedure. Repetition and consistency are how children learn; be sure to maintain your routine and make it a normal standard for each child in the classroom.

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