How to Create an Elementary Classroom Schedule

Kids are ready to learn when they know what to expect.

One of the hardest things to do as an elementary school teacher is to find the time to fit everything in. Students need to be taught multiple skills and you have limited time in the day or week. To make sure that all of the curriculum is taught effectively, create a classroom schedule. Schedules minimize the chaos of switching lessons and make the best use of class time as children are ready for what's next on a consistent basis.

Things You'll Need

• Schedule for non-core activities
• School activity schedule

Instructions

1. Obtain the non-core class schedule, such as library time, P.E., art or music, and create a classroom schedule that works well around those classes. Avoid scheduling recess time directly before gym or planning a daily craft project after art class. Keep in mind, however, that if a specialist is absent and there is no substitute available, you are typically responsible for filling that time with additional instruction.

2. Incorporate any pre-scheduled school-wide activities and routines into your schedule. Pencil in morning assembly if it's always at the same time of day, or set aside a block of time for afternoon announcements. Make sure to include any activities that the whole school needs to be doing at the same time, albeit in individual classrooms.

3. Create predictable routines that your students can follow easily. Setting aside a short amount of time in the morning for students to complete arrival routines and get organized for the day helps teach elementary students the importance of being prepared. Likewise, having specific dismissal routines they must follow helps them to make sure they are taking home everything they need at the end of the day.

4. Coordinate with your grade-level peers. Making sure that you and your colleagues are all teaching math, for example, at the same time provides the opportunity for teachers to instruct across the grade level. For instance, you may teach a class of all the remedial math students in Grade 4 while your colleague is teaching accelerated math to all the qualified Grade 4 students.

5. Allow for some flexibility in your schedule. Lessons can run longer (or shorter) than you expected or fire drills and special assemblies may interrupt your schedule. It's okay if every once in a while you don't accomplish everything you planned for the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Take into account that there are peak learning times for young students and plan your schedule accordingly. Many elementary school teachers prefer to set aside a literacy block in the morning for when students are at their best.

References

• Scholastic: Routines and Procedures