Free Classroom Routines and Procedures Checklist: 31 Tasks

If you want your classroom to run like a well-oiled machine, you’ve got to get your hands on this free classroom routines and procedures checklist.

Every good teacher wants a solid classroom management plan, but it can be overwhelming knowing where to start.

This classroom routines and procedures checklist for lower and upper elementary takes away that burden.

It includes examples of routines and procedures that should ideally be addressed the first week of school.

This checklist helps you stay organized and reduces your stress level.

What Is the Importance of Classroom Routines and Procedures?

Classroom routines and procedures help students accomplish daily activities with minimal disruption.

They create smoother transitions between tasks resulting in fewer classroom management issues.

Classroom Routines and Procedures Checklist

classroom routines and procedures checklist

Grade Levels: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

Subjects: Classroom Management, Back-to-School

Resource Type: Printable, Classroom Form

Format: PDF

Pages: 2 pages

Answer Key: N/A

Classroom Routines and Procedures Checklist Description

It can be overwhelming to think about all the routines and procedures you need to teach the first week of school, especially as a new teacher.

To help you manage these important tasks, grab this free classroom routines and procedures checklist.

This essential checklist includes tasks that a first-year educator or more experienced teacher should focus on during back-to-school time.

  • General routines and procedures
  • Morning routines
  • Afternoon routines
  • A “Notes” section to jot down additional ideas

You’ll be one step closer to creating a solid classroom management foundation.

This checklist also includes a page of helpful links to the following free resources:

  • Back-to-school scavenger hunt
  • First day of school activity ideas
  • Whole class rewards
  • Ticket reward system
  • Author’s chair guidelines (a component of Writer’s Workshop)
  • Secrets to working smarter, not harder as a teacher
  • Best brain breaks for elementary students

Ideas for using classroom procedures and routines checklist…

A classroom procedures and routines checklist is a valuable tool for teachers to ensure smooth and efficient operations in the classroom.

It can be used in a variety of ways. Following are some ideas for using such a checklist:

  • First Week of School Lesson Plans – Use alongside your first-week-of-school lesson plans, checking off discussed items.
  • Orientation for New Students – Use the checklist during the first week of school or when new students join the class to help them become familiar with the classroom procedures and routines.
  • Transitions Between Activities – Jot down on your checklist ideas for managing transitions between different activities, such as how students enter and exit the classroom, move from one subject to another, or shift from independent work to group activities.
  • Daily Start-Up and Wrap-Up – Use your list as a morning or end-of-day procedure for remembering things like turning on/off technology, checking supplies, and organizing materials.
  • Special Events and Activities – Keep a copy of your checklist on hand for special events, such as field trips, guest speakers, or in-class celebrations.
  • Long-Term Substitute – If you’re ever in a position where you need a long-term sub, she will appreciate the guidelines and information you’ve presented in the checklist as she plans to manage the class in your absence.
  • Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Accommodations: Review the checklist to ensure that you have met the requirements of students with special needs in your class. Also, review IEPs and accommodations to make sure things are implemented effectively.
  • Year-Long Tool – Keep a copy in your lesson plan book, and refer to it throughout the school year to assess how well your classroom management routines are working.

Final Thoughts

This checklist is a helpful tool and should not be seen as a rigid set of rules.

Adapt it to the specific needs and dynamics of your classroom.

By having clear procedures and routines in place, both you and the students can focus more on learning and less on figuring out what to do next.