After a few months in school, children have had plenty of time to learn classroom routines, but that doesn't mean they'll follow them perfectly every day. As excitement builds around holidays and upcoming breaks, children may need extra reminders and opportunities to practice. Revisiting expectations is a normal part of teaching young children, not a sign that you've done something wrong.
Here's How to Do It
You don't have to start from scratch! Small reminders and consistent practice can help children feel confident about what to do throughout the day.
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Pick one routine to review. Focus on something your class is struggling with, such as cleanup, lining up, or washing hands.
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Show, don't just tell. Demonstrate what the routine looks like, and let children practice it themselves.
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Use visual reminders. Picture schedules and simple classroom rule posters help children remember expectations.
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Celebrate progress. Notice when children follow the routine and give specific praise.
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Stay consistent. Respond to behaviors and remind children of expectations in a predictable way.
Try This Tip!
Choose one routine to practice each morning for a few days. Keep your directions simple, demonstrate what you expect, and give children plenty of opportunities to try again. After a long break, revisit your classroom routines before expecting everything to run smoothly.