Classroom Routines for Flexible Teaching!!

Hey there Blogger Friends, 

Lets talk about routines, not dance or gymnastics or ice skating routines. This is even better. CLASSROOM ROUTINES. And to add the cherry on top of that.. FLEXIBLE classroom routines. Having routines is great especially if you can reach out to the various learning needs of each child. This is where the flexibility comes in. In order to have flexibility in your routines you have to help your students develop a sense of autonomy with the regular classroom routines so where there is a change in the day they know how to react and are able to stay on task. We need to strive to teach our students to do things for themselves because as teachers we become skilled at "doing things for them". Some ways that I have found very helpful and that I am going to try to implement in my classroom are.. 

• Use visual cues- Have signs posted around the classroom so that the students know what they are doing and where they are supposed to be. You can also incorporate signs like holding up a fist so students know when to stop and listen or to transition. 
• Pre-Established Groups- This is where differentiation comes into play. Tell the students which group they are going to be in so that way there is no fighting about where they are going to be. Make sure that you are constantly switching up the groups so that the students don't fell neglected or stuck with the same partners all year long.
• Use Goal Cards- These are when students are working individually or in small groups and then they can write their goals down or steps that will help them to complete the activity. 
• Teach for Smooth Transitions- There is going to be a process for everything in the classroom so why not teach those transitions and processes to be smooth? Have the students practice these so that they know what is expected of them. Give them feedback every time so that they know how they are doing with their transitions! 

By having these flexible routines you will be able to have a classroom that is connected, self-sufficient, and differentiated to the best of your ability for the hallmark flexible use of time, space and materials. The key thing to remember is to plan ahead for flexibility. It's hard to think of on the spot so be prepared. I know that in my classroom I will do my best to be flexible in all my procedures and keep in mind the different needs of all the learners in my class!

Till Next Time...