Being a teacher (especially elementary) we know how much our students thrive on routine! Interestingly enough, I’ve found out I do too and it makes me way more productive in my classroom.

When I started student teaching I always had a list of tasks I had to complete to get the room or supplies ready for the day and I was like “man, this is brutal”…but now? It’s a nice, quiet, enjoyable time in my classroom before the chaos begins. So here’s how I start my day in my classroom.

I always start my computer first because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten I haven’t turned it on and have to get everything up and running! I pull up all my resources I need for the day first thing. There is nothing worse than forgetting to pull up a video or presentation you need to show a class and they start bouncing off the walls. While I’m at my computer, I look back at the previous week in my notes and jot down any students that had been absent for each class. By doing so, I will be more likely to remember to catch that student up and they don’t need to tell me “I wasn’t here last week”. 

Next, I get out all my supplies for my first class and place them on the counter where students will be able to access them. While I’m in supply mode, I double check that I have everything else ready to go for the next classes. Always check to make sure you have any copies you need while you have the chance!

Then, I check the drying rack and unload anything from the day before and place it in the correct spot and clean up any miscellaneous stuff that I might not have gotten put away or went rogue. Including the dreaded “I left stuff in the sink overnight and forgot about it” *cringe*. If paint brushes are currently being used, this is also a time I make sure they’re ready to go for the classes that will be needing them. 

After all of that, I take a lovely stroll down to the office to check my mail box, make any copies I need to, chat with anyone necessary, etc. 

Once I return to my room, I work on any tasks that I need done; grading, prepping supplies for an upcoming project, new project examples, knocking out anything on my to-do list, finding my next resources, organizing, etc. AND! Don’t forget to go to the bathroom before that first class!

What does your morning routine look like at school?

Keep blending,

Hayley