When Is Too Late to Update Classroom Routines and Procedures?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it too late to reset or update my classroom routines and procedures?” I have the answer for you: It’s never too late!
Of course, the beginning of the year is the ideal time to establish routines and procedures, but that doesn’t mean you can’t adjust them mid-year (or even later). If your classroom routines aren’t working, now is the perfect time to reset them so you can have a smooth and successful rest of the year.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to reset your routines and procedures—no matter what time of year it is.
Step 1: List Out All Your Routines and Procedures
Before making any changes, take a step back and evaluate what’s working and what’s not.
Ask yourself:
What routines and procedures have I never explicitly taught?
Which ones feel chaotic or inconsistent?
Where do my students need more structure?
Common areas that might need a reset include:
✅ Arrival & Dismissal
✅ Pencil Sharpening & Supplies
✅ Lining Up & Transitions
✅ Throwing Away Trash
✅ Turning in Work & Getting Help
Once you have your list, prioritize the routines that need the most attention so you can focus on what will have the biggest impact.
Step 2: Script Out Each Routine Clearly
Once you’ve identified the routines you need to adjust, write them out in detail.
For each one, ask yourself:
What exactly do I want students to do?
How should they do it? (e.g., Should they raise their hand? Grab a pencil silently?)
How will I teach this to them?
For example, if you want to refine your pencil routine, your script might look like this:
How students ask for a pencil: Raise your hand and hold up two fingers.
How they return a pencil: Place it back in the supply cup before leaving the room.
How I will teach it: Model it first, then have students practice it.
💡 Pro Tip: The clearer you are before teaching, the easier it will be for students to follow.
Step 3: Display Your Routines Visually
Once you have your routines scripted, create visual reminders so students can reference them.
Here are two great ways to do this:
Option 1: Digital Slides
✅ Create a Google Slides presentation with each routine written out.
✅ Display the slide during transitions or when teaching a new routine.
✅ Keep it visible so students always know where to look for expectations.
Option 2: Anchor Charts
✅ Write out key routines on chart paper.
✅ Keep them posted around the room for quick reminders.
✅ Refer to them whenever students need a refresher.
The key is to have a clear, visible reference so that when students forget, you can point to the expectation instead of constantly repeating yourself.
Step 4: Explain the Why to Your Students
Before jumping into new routines, explain to students WHY you’re making changes.
If students understand why a change is happening, they’re more likely to buy in and follow through.
For example:
“We’re updating our pencil routine because I’ve noticed that it’s taking too long, and I want to make sure you all have more time to focus on learning.”
“We’re practicing a new dismissal procedure so that we can leave the room quickly and safely every day.”
When students see that these changes benefit them, they’ll be more willing to participate.
Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice!
Once students understand the why, it’s time to practice.
📌 Practice makes perfect! Just like you wouldn’t expect students to master multiplication facts overnight, you can’t expect them to master new routines without repeated practice.
One way to make practice fun is by turning it into a game!
Classroom Routine Games
🎯 Takedown: Students work in teams and try to “take down” another team by successfully completing a routine.
🎲 Take a Chance: Students answer questions about the new routine. Each correct answer earns points, but the points can be positive or negative—adding an element of surprise!
The more students engage in practice, the more likely the routine will stick.
Step 6: Monitor and Adjust as Needed
Even after teaching and practicing, monitor how your new routines are working.
Ask yourself:
Are students following the routine consistently?
Do they need more practice?
Do I need to tweak anything to make it more effective?
Classroom routines should work for you—not the other way around. If something still feels off, adjust it until it supports your classroom flow.
Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late to Reset Routines!
If your classroom routines aren’t working, don’t be afraid to reset them—no matter what time of year it is!
✅ List out the routines that need work
✅ Script them clearly
✅ Create a visual reference
✅ Explain why changes are happening
✅ Practice with your students
✅ Monitor and adjust as needed
Your classroom should be a place where learning flows smoothly, and strong routines make that possible.
