How to Create a Kickass Language Learning Environment with Routines and Procedures.

Let's dive into the world of classroom procedures and routines for the modern language classroom!

As a language teacher, you know that keeping your classroom running smoothly is key to creating an environment where your students can thrive and absorb all that sweet language goodness.

But let's be real, managing a classroom full of energetic language learners can be like herding cats sometimes. That's where having solid routines and procedures comes in clutch!

Teaching and Practicing Routines

First things first, let's talk about the importance of teaching and practicing these routines until they become second nature.

You can't just explain them once and expect your students to remember forever.

You gotta drill these routines into their brains like a catchy pop song. Think of it like a fire drill - you practice it over and over until everyone knows exactly what to do without even thinking about it. And just like a fire drill, you gotta keep reinforcing these routines throughout the year, especially after breaks or when they haven't been used in a while. Consistency is key here, folks!

Concrete Strategies for Setting Up Routines and Procedures

Now, let's get into some concrete strategies for setting up routines and procedures in your language classroom.

Entering and Exiting the Classroom

One of the most important things is having clear procedures for entering and exiting the classroom. You want your students to know exactly what's expected of them from the moment they walk through that door. Maybe you have a specific greeting they need to use in the target language, or a designated spot for them to put their belongings. Whatever it is, make sure it's clear and consistent.

Handing in Assignments

Another crucial routine is for handing in assignments. You don't want papers flying all over the place or getting lost in the abyss of your desk. Have a designated spot for students to turn in their work, whether it's a tray, a folder, or even a fancy schmancy digital dropbox. And make sure they know exactly what format you expect their work to be in - no surprises here!

When the Teacher is Away

But what happens when you, the almighty language teacher, are suddenly called away from the classroom? You gotta have a plan in place for those moments too. Designate a student or two to be the "class leaders" who know exactly what to do if you need to step out for a minute. Maybe they lead the class in a review activity or a game in the target language. The key is to have something productive for the class to do, not just descend into chaos.

Substitute Teacher Days

And let's not forget about those dreaded substitute teacher days. You want your sub to be able to walk into your classroom and know exactly what's going on. Have a clear sub folder with all the necessary information - lesson plans, seating charts, emergency procedures, the works. And make sure your students know what's expected of them when a sub is present. Maybe they have a specific activity they always do on sub days, or maybe they know to be extra well-behaved and helpful. Again, consistency is key!

Out-of-the-Box Ideas for Classroom Routines and Procedures

Now, let's talk about some out-of-the-box ideas for classroom routines and procedures.

Daily or Weekly Language Challenges

One idea is to have a daily or weekly "language challenge" where students have to use a certain grammar structure or vocabulary word in context. You can make it a competition between different teams or individuals, and offer some sweet language-themed prizes for the winners. This not only reinforces the language skills you're teaching, but also gets students excited and engaged.

Language Zones

Another idea is to have a designated "language zone" in your classroom where students can only speak in the target language. This could be a cozy corner with some comfy pillows and language-themed decor, or even just a specific table or area of the room. Whenever students are in the language zone, they know it's time to put their language skills to the test and communicate solely in the target language. It's a great way to create an immersive language environment right in your own classroom!

Routines for Specific Activities

And don't forget about the power of routines for classroom management during specific activities. For example, when doing silent reading in the target language, have a clear procedure for how students should select their books, where they should sit, and what they should do when they're finished reading. Maybe you have a designated "reading corner" with some cozy beanbags or a special "reading tent" (yes, tents can be educational too!). The more specific and consistent your routines are, the smoother these activities will go.

Assessment Procedures

The same goes for assessments - have clear procedures in place for how tests and quizzes will be administered, what materials students need to have ready, and how they should behave during the assessment (no peeking at your neighbor's paper, folks!). The more predictable and structured these routines are, the less stress and anxiety your students will feel when it comes time to show off their language skills.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, having solid classroom routines and procedures is all about creating a predictable and structured environment where your students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. It's about taking the guesswork out of classroom management so that you can focus on what really matters - helping your students become confident and proficient language learners.

So go forth and create those routines, my fellow language teachers! Drill them into your students' brains until they can do them in their sleep (okay, maybe not literally). And don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box - who knows, maybe your "language zone" will become the talk of the school! With clear and consistent procedures in place, your language classroom will be running like a well-oiled machine in no time.

Happy Comprehensible Input!

Key Takeaways

1. Consistency is King. You gotta teach and practice those routines and procedures until they're ingrained in your students' minds. Consistency is the name of the game, folks! Keep reinforcing them throughout the year, especially after breaks or when they haven't been used in a while.
2. Set Clear Expectations. Make sure your students know exactly what's expected of them for every routine and procedure in your classroom. From entering and exiting the classroom to handing in assignments, leave no room for confusion. Clear expectations = smoother sailing!
3. Have a Plan B (and C). What happens when you're suddenly called away from the classroom or a sub takes over? Have a solid plan in place for those moments, like designating class leaders or having a detailed sub folder. Preparation is key to avoiding chaos!
4. Think Outside the Box. Don't be afraid to get creative with your routines and procedures. Try implementing daily language challenges, creating language zones, or having specific routines for activities like silent reading. The more engaging and unique your routines are, the more your students will buy into them.
5. It's All About the Environment. At the end of the day, routines and procedures are about creating a classroom environment that's predictable, structured, and conducive to language learning. When your students feel safe, supported, and know what to expect, they can focus on what really matters - becoming language rockstars!

Have you taken our Classroom Management Style Quiz yet?

Find out what type of classroom manager you are and how you can adapt your style for a better classroom. What are you waiting for?