Kindergarten - Routines, Rituals, & Norms

Most routines and procedures can be introduced, practiced and polished, and revisited again and again through interactive modeling. The process includes stating the purpose, modeling the routine, inviting students to name what they notice, inviting students to model, having everyone try out the routine, and reflecting.

Here are some examples of routines that are frequently introduced and practiced through interactive modeling in primary-grade classrooms. Notice how the educators use positive narration, and language to reinforce, redirect and remind students of the expected routine. 

Here are some examples of transition routines that are frequently introduced and practiced through interactive modeling in primary-grade classrooms. Notice how the educators use positive narration, and language to reinforce, redirect and remind students of the expected routine. 

Here are some examples of transition routines that are frequently introduced and practiced through interactive modeling in primary-grade classrooms. Notice how the educators use positive narration, and language to reinforce, redirect and remind students of the expected routine. 

Class rituals such as morning meeting and closing circle create community and build an inclusive culture of safety and belonging. Rituals invite students into the learning and social routines of the classroom. Rituals can be situated within content such as author's share or part of daily routines such as brain breaks or mindful moments. 

Morning Meeting is an engaging ritual to start each day, build a strong sense of community, and set children up for success socially and academically. Each morning, students and teachers gather together in a circle for a greeting, sharing circle, group activity, and a morning message.

See this example of a morning meeting in a primary classroom. Morning Meeting is an engaging ritual to start each day, build a strong sense of community, and set children up for success socially and academically. Each morning, students and teachers gather together in a circle for a greeting, sharing circle and/or group activity, and a morning message. 

See another example of a morning meeting in a primary classroom. Morning Meeting is an engaging ritual to start each day, build a strong sense of community, and set children up for success socially and academically. Each morning, students and teachers gather together in a circle for a greeting, sharing circle and/or group activity, and a morning message. Morning meetings can often include content elements such as math or literacy routines such as this letter name-study example. 

We learn when we...

• Listen and ask questions to understand
• Share and build on the thinking of our community
• Make mistakes and learn from them!
• Take on the behaviors and thinking of a _______ (insert content: a mathematician, a computer scientist, etc.)

             *Examples of Behaviors within Disciplines

Tapping into the hopes and dreams of your class provides guidance for the norms you'll live by all year. When students help create their classrooms' norms and culture, they’re more engaged and invested in learning.

Take a peek into a middle school class using their norms throughout various activities. What do you see that might be applicable to your own class?

A Different Take on Class Norms