Routine is important for all students, but is crucial for our exceptional learners!
As you head into October continue with the routines that you have already begun (i.e. entry/exit, snack, submitting work, work bins, IAS, etc.). BUT if you notice something isn’t working, now is the time to change it!
If you haven’t started any routines yet – no problem! NOW is the time to start with some tips below!
Here are some simple ways to create routines for your students:
✰ Create an individualized visual schedule for your learners, or for your older learners have them create personalized schedules and post them at their desk.
✰ Have similar tasks at certain points of the day. For example, when my students arrive they play outside until the bell, come in and complete a fine motor task before beginning calendar then Literacy. Before recess students have a snack and when they come in they begin their individual work bins right away. (The individual tasks to transition between places are great in case of behaviours or busses are late!)
✰ Pick a type of reinforcement and stick to it – it can be confusing for students to learn multiple! This includes prep coverage teachers! If you have teachers that cover your class I either teach them how to use it or have my Educational Assistants (paras) use it during that class.
✰ Routines can include life skills, in fact it’s encouraged! Have students participate in the routines – filling waterbottles, filing finished work, asking the custodian for another roll of paper towel…or if you make that error on a schedule (as we always will do, we’re human) have students help you fix it.
Routines are important while adjusting back to school but don’t get me wrong, change will happen and needs to! Once you feel your learners are ready, change a couple things a week and see how they do. This may elicit some behaviours but this also prepares them for real life.
Some simple and easy change ups could be:
- A walk around the school
- Finishing work before starting what’s on the schedule
- Adding in a movement break or singing a song
- If using a token board, adding another token!
Great resources to help with routines:
Kate ♡
