Routines and Procedures for Special Education

Introduction

I’m excited to introduce this week’s guest blogger – Chaia from All Things Exceptional to talk all about special education routines and procedures that all teachers must have in their classroom!

What are routines and procedures?

These terms (routines and procedures) are often used interchangeably but they are not the same. Simply put – a procedure is a specific way of getting something done and a routine is a regularly followed action. Routines and procedures are the foundation of your classroom. They are expectations for all parts of your classroom. They must be taught and reviewed regularly.

Routines and procedures should be:

• Clear – anyone (teacher, parent, etc.) should be able to understand and follow your routines and procedures with little to no support.  Visuals (especially posters and schedules) play a big part here! 
• Consistent – Invest time at the beginning of the year to explicitly teach routines and procedures for everything.  If you have help (paraprofessionals, assistants, student teachers, etc.) in your classroom ensure that they know the routines and procedures as well.  I cannot even begin to tell you how much smoother your class runs when everyone involved is on the same page with expectations for students.  Periodically, review these routines and procedures to ensure that everyone still remembers them.  It is also important to review them when you get a new student or new adult in your classroom.  Again, everyone needs to be on the same page.
• Flexible – Things happen. Class sizes grow. The students are not getting it. You move to a different classroom with a different layout. You have to teach during a pandemic. I typically teach and try a routine for at least two weeks before changing it because it isn’t working. I may stretch that out a little longer depending on the students that I have. There is nothing wrong with changing a routine.  Your classroom needs to be functional for the students and you! 

Why are they important?

Having routines and procedures fosters independence, builds confidence and prevents behaviors due to idle time. Students know what is expected of them at all times.  I strongly suggest the use of visuals to help build independence and confidence.  You should include pictures and words for students that are not able to read yet. 

If students are taught to refer back to the visual posted in the area where it is needed, they typically will not interrupt instruction for clarification or forget a step.  However, this has to be taught consistently across all areas.  By doing this, students learn that they are capable of doing things on their own which builds their confidence!    

Knowing the expectations prevents disruptive behaviors. For example, after students complete an assignment they know that they are to take out a book and read until you are ready to check their work or put their completed work in a basket and move on to the next assignment. Having this expectation established will prevent off task behavior and allows you more time to teach.

What kind of routines and procedures should I teach?

1. Entering the classroom – Should students line up outside and wait to be welcomed in? Should they line up in number or alphabetical order? Should they wait for you to open the door in order to enter? 
2. Exiting the classroom/dismissal – Should students line up and wait for the bell? Will you tell them when they can leave?  Do they need to get backpacks, folders, etc. before leaving? If so, what will that look like?
3. Morning procedure/bell ringer – Once students enter the classroom what are they expected to do? Do they go to their seat, pull out their notebook and begin the bell ringer/assignment on the board? Do they sign in, answer the question of the day, etc.? What supplies will they need?
4. Restroom – Will you use a signal? Do they need to sign in/out or use a restroom pass? 
5. Supplies – How will students access supplies? Will they have their own set? Will there be community supplies? Where will they store their backpack, workbooks, their own supplies, etc.? How will you know which supplies belong to which student? 

Need more help?

Are you still confused? Do you still have questions or concerns? Are you in need of advice related to your routines and procedures? If so, please know that I am here for you.  Feel free to message me on social media @allthingsexceptional or send me an email at [email protected]

Looking to learn more about Morning Routines – look no further!

Adding a tolieting routine in your classroom? I got you covered!

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