Fourth Grade - Routines, Rituals, & Norms

Routines

A routine is a sequence of actions designed to achieve a specific outcome efficiently and productively. Whether for management, participation, discourse, instruction, learning, or thinking - routines can help reduce uncertainty and build independence by directing behavior along known paths. They are the classroom infrastructure guiding much of the activity that happens there. 

Interactive Modeling

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.

What is Interactive Modeling?

Transitions and Carpet Expectations

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

Transitions

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

Transitions

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

Rituals

Rituals are repeated behaviors just like routines (they can even be a part of or include routines). However, they are more meaningful than just a sequence of actions. Rituals are activities that intentionally help build classroom culture and community - marking significant moments in time and reflecting the values of the classroom community.
author's share

Launching Rituals

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

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.

"It Mattered That I Came" Introduction to the Morning Meeting Book

Morning Meeting Example

See this example of a morning meeting in an upper elementary 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 Meeting Example

See another example of a morning meeting in an upper elementary 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. 

Norms

Norms are agreements among the members of the community that reflect core goals and values. Norms help answer questions like: How will we treat one another? How will we engage with challenging content? What will we do if we disagree? Without intentionally engaging these questions, classroom environments tend to reinforce inequitable patterns that exist within broader society. The effective implementation of class norms can build a sense of belonging and ownership in the classroom - promoting an environment where each and every student feels safe, respected, and valued.
Paper cutouts of a group of students forming a circle

SFUSD Participation Norms

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

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Creating Classroom Norms with Students

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.

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Using Classroom Norms

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?

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Social Contracts:

A Different Take on Class Norms

This page was last updated on May 17, 2023