Routines · 4 min read
A Morning Routine That Runs Itself
The first ten minutes set the tone for the whole day. A good morning routine is boring on purpose: same steps, same order, every day, so students know what to do before you say a word.
Keep it to four steps
Students remember short lists. Post the steps where everyone can see them from the door.
- Unpack and hang up your bag
- Turn in homework to the tray
- Make your lunch choice
- Start the warm-up on the board
Make the warm-up independent
The warm-up only works if nobody needs help to start it. Use review problems, a journal prompt, or a quick reading task — never brand-new material.
End it with a clear signal
Put a visible countdown on the board so students can see exactly how long they have. When it hits zero, the routine is over and the lesson begins — no negotiating.
Practise it like a fire drill
For the first two weeks, rehearse the routine on purpose. If it falls apart, calmly have the class go back out and try again. It feels slow, but it saves hours by October.
Try it in your classroom
Put a countdown on the board →