When you hear the word procedures you often times think of rules. People outside of education probably do not even realize all of the necessary procedures which happen on a regular basis in an elementary school. What would happen if we did not have any of these procedures? When we ask the kids this, they can quickly tell us that it would be "crazy!" So, why then, do some teachers not spend time at the beginning of the year working on these necessary components of helping students learn? You know the teacher who has not worked on procedures. They are constantly reminding their students to follow the rules. These teachers always complain about disruptive children. When I hear myself making those same comments, I know it is time to go back over those procedures that are weak. We practice and practice until the kids realize I mean business, and then they are able to tell me the expectations rather than me constantly reminding them.
I have always been a firm believer in procedures, and work very hard at making sure my students understand the importance and value of these in the school and classroom. As I enter this year with small 2nd graders, I realize even more how important those procedures are going to be. These little souls need regular reminders and practice for each of the different rules we have set forth in our school and classroom. It is nice, though, being in a school where everyone is on the same page.
My current school actually has a procedure day the first day of school and procedure days at other scheduled times during the school-year. All of the teachers in the building are involved in some way. Each classroom is on a rotation system that visits different stations to learn about the expected school procedures. We practice going to the gym to wait for our bus or wait in the classroom for dismissal. We practice how to use the restroom and get a drink. The students are instructed on proper hand washing as well as dispensing of paper towels. It seems trivial, but the kids actually respond quite well and I can tell they want to take care of our school by following the expected guidelines. We practice manners when receiving our lunch - waiting in line for lunch, how to properly sit at the table, and how to quietly visit with our friends. We also practice how to leave the cafeteria and dispose of our trash. We practice walking on the right side of the hallway which is one of my personal favorites because it just makes sense. No one wants to be walking around a corner and crash into a teacher or child. It also cuts down on the aimless wandering in the hallway. By having all of the kids in the school, along with all of the teachers and the principal, practicing at the same time, it sends a message to everyone that this school values procedures and we are all going to be doing what is right. Every child can see that it does not matter what grade you are in - procedures are an expectation of everyone.
One of the biggest "a-ha" moments for me was when a colleague was explaining how this school handles a child making poor choices. The adult redirects the child to one of the many procedure posters (pictures of students and teachers demonstrating the expected procedure) hanging in the hallway and asks the child which procedure or expectation he or she needs to fix. This makes the student more accountable and it actually works. I found myself using this technique many times during the first couple of weeks. The students know all of the procedures especially if they have been at the school since Kindergarten. The new students learn quickly because they see the rules are for everyone. One of my favorite procedures for this school has to do with the fifth grade students. When walking in the hallway, they have been instructed to give the right away to the younger students. I see these fifth graders doing this even when there is not an adult around. It is pretty amazing and it shows their maturity.
So as this year continues, take some time and step back to look at your own classroom procedures. Are they tight enough? Do you need to make time to practice with your students? I know that I have spent important learning time practicing how to line up, how to make a proper community circle, how to put away our daily work, and how to enter the classroom. Learning time is valuable, but having those procedures in place and making sure all students understand them will make learning time possible. You will find yourself doing less battle over the rules and doing more enjoyable tasks... like teaching.
