Classroom Procedures
Over the last nineteen years as a Montessori teacher, I have discovered the more we involve the children in creating routines and helping establish rules, the more likely the children are to follow them. Children strive to feel a sense of belonging. If we include them in the very beginning of the year in discussions on classroom procedures, we give them the opportunity to come up with ways to keep everyone safe and respected.
Rules
There are basic rules that need to be established in order to keep students safe. These rules are taught in large groups and also when "problems" arise. Children are included in discussions as much as possible.
The teacher would present a question at circle such as, "What kind of feet should we have in the classroom so we don't fall and get hurt? How do we sit at circle respectfully so everyone can hear what's being said? What do we do with our jobs when we are finished with them so they are ready for our next friend to use?
The answers to such questions are recorded on a sheet of paper and hung up where it can be seen. Rules are gone over at the beginning of circle for the first few weeks and revisited when needed.
We include pictures of the students following the rules around the written poster, so we can refer to them when needed. If a child has forgotten a rule, pointing to a picture without using words works. I always try and get students in pictures who tend to struggle with certain rules. I can point to a picture of them following the rule. It's a powerful tool.
Routines
Visual routines are used as much as possible. We spend a large amount of time at the beginning of the year taking pictures of the children during routines. By the front door, I have pictures of what a morning routine looks like (hanging up backpack, putting lunch in their cubby, placing water bottle on the shelf, taking off shoes and sweater, placing in cubby and saying a quick goodbye to parent.) During drop off, the children know to look at the pictures from top to bottom. When it is time for pick up, the children start at the bottom and work their way up to the top of the pictures. We change the pictures out a few times a year so the chidlren see themselves in the pictures throughout the classroom.
We also use them in places like the bathrrom to encourage children to wash thoroughly.
Visual routines are a great tool to use in theclassroom to encourage independence. If children have a guide, they are capable to completing tasks independently and know that to expect throughout their day.