Do you review science routines and procedures in January? The new year is such a wonderful way to reset. I love this time of the year because it’s really like a fresh start. How will this year be different than last year? It’s the time of the year to get rid of the bad and bring in the good!
This can directly relate to your classroom. If you are on a traditional schedule, most likely, you’ve just had a decent break, and now, you are getting ready to jump back into the classroom to finish out the school year.
One thing I want to stress is that, whenever you start your first day back, don’t just jump into science content! It’s very important to review your routines and procedures in your science classroom to make sure that everyone in the classroom is on the same page!
Why? Let me tell you a few reasons!
It Sets the Tone
Before diving into the content, you want to review your procedures, especially if things before break were not exactly the way you wanted them to be.
After kids have been home for a few weeks, it’s amazing at what they may “forget”. You don’t have to review everything, but you may want to remind them of the beginning of class procedures and routines, what to do during transitions, and dismissal procedures and routines. There is also lunch and other special times of the day you may want to hit.
January provides that perfect midpoint in the school year to recalibrate and set the tone for what the classroom should look like and be like for the remainder of the school year!
It Optimizes Classroom Efficiency
Once you have reviewed procedures (and you’ll still have to hit on them throughout the year), it will provide you with more time to teach when it comes time to do so. All of your students are reminded of what is needed to keep your classroom running like a well-oiled machine, so now, it should be easier to teach without so many interruptions.
It’s important to set that tone to make sure every minute counts!
It Promotes Student Accountability
If you remind students of the routines, procedures, and expectations for your classroom. There is no reason for them to not understand what is expected as well as what consequences may follow if they don’t meet your expectations.
If you involved students in the review process, it will give them a sense of ownership and accountability as well! This will be beneficial as you finish the year out!
It Safeguards the Science Lab
This is a huge reason to review routines and procedures! Your science lab or your ability to do science labs and experiments in the classroom ultimately depends on how your students are behaving and if they are following expectations.
By setting the tone and establishing the rules again, this helps ensure that this part of science class continues!
It Helps Foster a Growth Mindset
By reviewing all of your expectations, it aligns with a growth mindset. Did things leave off a little rocky in class before break? Its alright. Learning is an ongoing process and adjustments may be needed for success. It’s all a part of the program, and approaching this with a positive attitude can help you overcome any obstacles along the way!
I hope that, if you are one of the teachers that is about to go back to school after an extended holiday break, you have a wonderful start back. I hope that you slay reviewing routines and procedures and your science classroom runs like a well-oiled machine the rest of the school year!
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