Using Routine for Effective Learning

    I have found that establishing routines in the classroom and at home has improved the learning experience for students. Students thrive when they know the expectations for them and it creates an environment for quality learning to occur.
    Having a specific time and place for learning allows the student to concentrate on the content of the lesson and not the logistics of when and where the lesson is going to take place. Pick a consistent place and time for learning activities. In class, have a structure to your day so that the students will know the expectations and transitions will be smoother. My students know what is coming during their day and during their week. They know calendar time is first, followed by snack, then centers, and so on throughout the day. At home, pick a place and time for learning and be as consistent as possible. If it's at the kitchen table after dinner, and it's convenient, that will be the learning spot and time and nothing else happens then. Taking the occasional break from the routine is OK, but changing from day to day, time to time, and place to place is confusing and difficult for the student and difficult for you as well. It's better to miss an occasional day than to change the routine. ​