If you have ever taught in the primary grades, you likely already know that the first month or so of the school year is all about laying a solid foundation that sticks. During back-to-school time, it's super important to focus on the routines and classroom procedures that will help your students be successful all year long. In fact, I recommend developing those skills from the very first day. So let's dive into the 4 must-teach primary classroom procedures that will save your sanity and promote independence all year long!
Why Teaching Classroom Procedures is a MUST in the Primary Grades
The truth is, when it comes to essential classroom procedures, like how to use scissors or care for books, many children simply haven't been taught. Your kiddos aren't trying to be irresponsible with the school supplies; they just don't know the proper way to use them. And that's okay, because we're going to fix that!
Teaching routines and classroom procedures, especially when it comes to how to use materials and tools, is going to be a game-changer in your classroom. Not only will this help ensure your school supplies stand up, but it will also mean that your students will learn personal responsibility, respect for property, and how to share with classmates. I'm sure we can all agree that these are great things to focus on with little learners.
These are also great to teach right away since that means you can get started using books, scissors, glue, and pencils. Not together, of course, but you get the idea! Teaching these things will also open the door to teaching other classroom rules and expectations naturally. All-in-all, it's a win!
Make Teaching Classroom Procedures Simple with Read-Alouds
Alright, ready to see how I make this super simple, friendly, and easy to implement? In my room, I created some read-alouds that cover these 4 classroom procedures. During the first week of school, we use 1 per day with the whole group. I read it aloud, and then we had a discussion afterward to discuss what we learned. I also love to make these books available for the kiddos to look through later as a little reminder when needed throughout the year.
The idea is to prepare the read alouds ahead of time and bind them into books you can use in your lessons. I liked to laminate the pages and use a binding machine to do so. Then, I would read the book aloud in the classroom and have a discussion with students afterward. You can even make an anchor chart with some of the things you covered to make this lesson more impactful. Using read-alouds has proven to be an easy and age-appropriate way to convey the message right from the start!
So, what exactly should you teach? Glad you asked! Here's a look at the top four must-teach classroom procedures for primary kiddos.
1. Book Care Classroom Procedures
I loved having a large collection of books available to my students in my classroom. The classroom library was one of our centers, and I designed a cozy little area where kids were able to choose a book and tuck themselves away. I found this to be so helpful for students who needed some quiet time sprinkled into their day, or maybe didn't have access to many books at home. I would swap them out every season, so the choices were always fresh.
This space only stays magical if the books stay in good shape, though! This is why I highly recommend teaching this classroom procedure right off the bat! I like to sit down with my students and use my read-aloud that discusses the rules regarding book use. Some of the rules we cover include:
- Make sure to handle books with clean hands
- Not eating or drinking while handling books
- Not tearing or cutting pages
and more! Reading aloud is a great way to help students understand that we must take care of property if we want to be able to keep using it!
2. Classroom Procedures for Glue
How to use glue properly is another super important classroom procedure to teach in the primary grades. I'm not sure if there's much worse than puddles of sticky glue dripping off every surface! So before it has the chance to happen, use an activity like this Glue Practice Read Aloud to make it easier on your students, and you!
This book covers proper procedures for both liquid glue and gluesticks. No more broken glue sticks or excess glue on your watch! I recommend introducing this book during the first week of school, having plenty of discussions, and re-reading it anytime your kids need a refresher. Art supplies are fun and tempting to overdo it with, so you may need to revisit this one a few times!
Oh, and if you're looking for another tip to make your glue sticks last longer, purchase giant-sized ones like these. They hold up better and are easier for little hands to use!
3. Scissor Safety Practice
Does the idea of teaching kids to use scissors give you the chills? I get it. This is a BIG one in the primary classroom. Not only for safety, but to keep the rest of your materials and classmates' hair out of the line of fire! But with an age-appropriate read-aloud about scissor safety, you won't have to stress about this!
This resource is packed with all of the important rules and classroom procedures your kids should know when it comes to scissors safety. Inside the book, you will find age-appropriate, clear illustrations to help them understand. I've also used simple language throughout and empowering "I" statements.
I also highly recommend purchasing some quality scissors for your classroom for your primary students. I love these blunt-tip scissors. The reason is that some of the cheaply made knockoffs don't work as well and will result in frustration when your kids are trying to use them.
4. Finger Spacing
Last on this list is another important classroom procedure that I recommend teaching early on - finger spacing. This is so important because it will help your students with reading and writing legibility. In my classroom, I used the Spaceman for over 15 years. If you've never heard of this, you're in for a treat!
I use this read-aloud along with my own "Spaceman" tool to demonstrate proper finger spacing. You can purchase wooden spaceman tools like these or make your own with popsicle sticks. The idea is that kids will use them as they write to leave the proper amount of space between words. The kids LOVE these and honestly, I do too! It makes teaching this classroom procedure fun and easy!
Final Tips for Teaching Classroom Procedures
As you prepare to get started teaching these essential classroom procedures in your own classroom, I have a few more tips for you to make this as easy as possible!
Teach One Thing at a Time
Don't try to shove these lessons into a single day. For primary kiddos, focusing on one skill per day is usually a good amount of time that will allow you to teach the procedures, discuss, and practice. Speaking of which. . .
Allow Lots of Practice!
After reading each of the books on classroom procedures, allow your kids to practice. Many times. They can use glue sticks, try snipping paper with scissors, or have a few minutes of reading using the procedures taught. I like to talk through some of the things that were covered in the read-alouds as kids' work.
Be Patient
Even with the best lesson and lots of practice, patience is going to be an essential element for success. Know that there will be slip-ups and use them as opportunities to revisit the rules and re-teach classroom procedures throughout the year.
Grab the Classroom Procedures Bundle to Simplify Your Lessons
Want to make teaching classroom procedures and routines seamless in your room? Make sure to snag the bundle of Classroom Routines Read Alouds! Inside, you get all four books that you can prep and laminate to be used over and over again in your classroom. They take the guesswork out of this process and will help you effectively teach these essential classroom procedures in an age-appropriate and engaging format! Plus, you'll be armed and ready when it's time for a refresher!
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