Procedures

Procedures are a specific way of doing something and the set of steps that make a task simpler or easier.

They are specific to a task, time and place.
They fit together like a ritual and become habit with practice.
They are not wrong or right, but expedient or part of a person's expectations.
They are often personality specific and depend on an authority figures need for order.

Keep them:

• situation specific
• clean and simple
• value free

Sample Procedures
Primary	Elementary	Secondary
Lining up Leaving the room Carrying scissors Going to the bathroom Washing up Pasting Cutting Morning roll call Circle time Talking Going to lunch Playing with toys	Moving about the school Running errands Turning in papers Special classes Lunch room behavior PE participation Center time Homework Seat work Stewardship of desk area Tardiness and attendance Cooperative Learning Pencil sharpening	Hall behavior Care of lockers Turning in papers Plagiarism Socialization Dress code Use of vulgar language Homework Class participation Attendance Substance abuse Respect of authority Extra curricular programs

1. Review your current procedures.

2. Choose the most irritating part of your classroom day and develop a set of procedures that will streamline the task or transition.

3. Implement the chosen procedure. Consider the following suggestions:
   • explain to students why you want the change
   • go over your chosen procedures
   • give students an opportunity to discuss and augment the plan
   • practice together, first verbally, then actually go through the processes to build the habit
   • show gratitude or appreciation for those who help support the learning process
   • review the process, periodically, once it is habituated
   • be patient and avert power plays or control issues with students who are initially resistant