Let’s explore eight ways to cover classroom procedures students won’t hate even if you have to do them over and over again!
Taking time to cover classroom procedures is a part of back-to-school time that has to happen.
Anyone who has been in the classroom for any length of time knows how important classroom procedures are to making sure that everyone (including students, teachers, and associates) is set up for success at the beginning of the year.
Classroom procedure instruction at the beginning of the year helps us keep daily issues with classroom management at bay, eliminate the need to repeat rules as often throughout the year, and generally allow students to have some empowerment in the classroom as they know exactly how and when to complete tasks and what types of things they can or cannot do.
Unfortunately, classroom procedure instruction can often become really dull and redundant even if you’re using more fun activities like the Classroom Procedure Game Show, so today, we’re going to be giving you a few more ideas of ways to cover classroom procedures in a way that students won’t hate!
#1 | Classroom Scavenger Hunt
Transform the introduction of classroom procedures into an exciting scavenger hunt. Create clues related to different procedures and place them strategically around the classroom. Students can work in small groups, using the clues to locate and learn about each procedure. This activity not only reinforces the procedures but also encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills.
In our blog post, The Ultimate List of Classroom Procedures to Teach in Upper Elementary, we have broken down possible classroom procedures by location. This may be helpful as you create your scavenger hunt!
#2 | Procedure Relay Race
Cover classroom procedures using repetition and competition with a relay race!
Divide students into teams and set up a relay race to cover various classroom procedures. Create stations representing different procedures, and at each station, students must complete a task or answer a question related to that procedure before moving on to the next one.
This active and competitive approach keeps students engaged while reinforcing the necessary routines. I especially like this activity for practicing putting away supplies, morning routines, or preparing for recess or lunch.
#3 | Interactive Anchor Charts
Instead of a typical lecture-style discussion, involve students in creating interactive anchor charts for each classroom procedure. Provide large poster paper or digital tools and have students contribute ideas, draw illustrations, or write key points for each procedure. Display these charts in the classroom as visual reminders that students helped create.
If you’re looking to find a way to establish more resourcefulness and independence with your learners this year (starting with classroom procedures), then you may find this blog post to be extremely helpful!
#4 | Procedure Charades
Transform the learning of classroom procedures into a game of charades.
Write down different procedures on slips of paper and have students take turns acting them out without speaking. The rest of the class can guess the procedure being demonstrated. This interactive activity not only reinforces procedures but also promotes communication skills and creativity.
Check out this post for even more ideas for Classroom Procedure Charades!
#5 | Procedure Comic Strip
Engage students’ artistic talents by asking them to create comic strips that depict different classroom procedures.
Provide templates or blank panels for students to draw illustrations and write captions or dialogue bubbles showcasing the correct steps for each procedure.
Encourage creativity and humor while reinforcing the importance of following routines.
You may even create a few key characters as a class and then put those characters in a variety of situations.
#6 | Procedure Role-Play
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific classroom procedure to role-play.
Students can act out scenarios demonstrating the correct and incorrect ways to follow the procedure. Encourage them to think critically about the consequences of not following the procedure and the positive outcomes of doing so correctly.
I love when we incorporate examples and non-examples into teaching students about our expectations, so this is one of my favorites!
#7 | Procedure Video Production:
Harness students’ digital skills by having them create short videos that explain and demonstrate various classroom procedures.
Provide them with recording devices or video editing tools and let them script, act, and produce their own videos.
This collaborative project empowers students to take ownership of the procedures and showcases their creativity and technological proficiency.
If students aren’t very technical, you can always record them and put the videos together, and then share them with students afterward.
Suggestion: If you are not techy either, consider asking high school or middle school students to do the video editing part for you.
#8 | Procedures Centers/Stations Games:
Use the Freebie Cards with a variety of gameboards or activities where students can show or tell what a procedure is for something and then =roll the die or spin the spinner or whatever to play the game for correct answers. This blog post provides seven different games you can use with the Classroom Procedure Freebie cards!
This year, cover classroom procedures in many different ways so that each day is fresh and new (even if the content is the same). Hopefully, with so many different ways to teach about classroom procedures, you can practice with students daily for as long as necessary until your classroom is running like clockwork!
