It's important to keep routine in our daily life, especially when it comes to children. Routine brings a sense of security and builds confidence in children. Knowing what to expect in their day makes them feel in control of their surroundings. It helps them build the courage to take risks.
But routine can also become boring.
Brain research tells us that brains need both routine and novelty to grow. Yes, these words are antonyms, but both are necessary for learning to happen. Too much routine can become tedious and dull. Too much novelty becomes confusing and chaotic. How can we find a balance?
The best way to find that balance? Pay attention to your students! This is probably the most important part of being a teacher or a parent: know your students! Watch for signs that they are happy, bored, confused, or content. This is how you know they should continue with a routine, or are ready for a "shake up."
The beginning of the school year, or right after a break, sticking to a routine is essential. They find comfort in that routine, and are happier and more content.
But after a while, that same routine becomes the enemy! They need something different. A change. But as we all know, many people fear change. It's a rocky road, so proceed with caution.
Start with something simple. I always love to change the seating arrangement when boredom starts to set in. They get to come into a
classroom that's familiar, but there's something different. When they
find their new spot, there are loads of smiles! Plus, I love the giggles
when they start to walk to their old spot, then realize they don't sit
there anymore!
A few other ideas for an easy change from the routine:
- change the schedule (be careful, this could cause a domino effect with children who receive services)
- bring in a special snack to go with your lesson
- speak with a funny voice, or use an accent
- take a break from what you're teaching and have a special lesson
- take your lesson to a different spot... outside, in the hall, cafeteria, or any extra space
- wear something unique that will spark their attention
- introduce some new team building games See these blog posts: Space Balls, Paper Bag Dramatics, Team Building Activities (these games can often be altered to fit academics)
- have them wear something to go with a theme
- bring in a guest teacher or guest reader
- do some Reader's Theater in the classroom See this blog post: Dramatics in the Classroom
- plan a craft or art project to go with your lesson
- get some new books for your classroom library
- Take a "virtual field trip" See this blog post: I Can't Stand Winter Anymore
- Throw out the whole day's routine (or week!) and have a series of focus lessons on a special topic. Find books, math lessons, science lessons, etc, all on this fun topic.
- Plan a class play to be performed for the school. (Ask the music teacher for help on a musical!)
- Throw out the week's routine and sponsor some "Academic Games. I've done this many times with an Olympics theme, and the excitement was almost as amazing as was the learning! See these blog posts for more ideas: Academic Winter Sports Team Building; Academic Summer Games, a Celebration of Learning Let the Games Begin or see this resource: Academic Olympian Winter Sports Bundle
- I'll bet you can think of more ways to "shake it up" that will fit the needs of your students!
