Student Routines Checklist
Explicitly teach, model, practice, and positively reinforce the routines that run your day, from arrival to dismissal.
Checklist preview
Arrival & Start of Day
- Teach how to enter the classroom calmly and greet the teacher.
- Teach the steps for unpacking, storing belongings, and turning in folders.
- Establish a predictable morning work routine.
- Model how to check the visual schedule.
Instructional Routines
- Teach a consistent attention signal and how to respond to it.
- Practice how to ask for help, including nonverbal options.
- Teach routines for partner and small-group work.
- Teach how to get, use, and return materials and supplies.
- Teach how to turn in work and find missed assignments.
- Teach what to do when work is finished early.
Transitions & Movement
- Practice transitions between activities with clear cues and time warnings.
- Teach how to line up and walk in the hallway.
- Establish routines for the restroom, water, and leaving the room.
- Teach how and when to use a calm-down or reset space.
Teaching & Reinforcing Routines
- Explain why each routine matters to the class.
- Model each routine step by step, then have students practice it.
- Post visual steps or picture supports for key routines.
- Reinforce routines with specific, positive feedback.
- Reteach and practice routines when students need a refresher.
- Adapt routines for students who need additional supports, following their plans.
End of Day
- Teach cleanup routines with assigned classroom jobs.
- Establish a packing-up routine with a visual checklist.
- Practice dismissal procedures for buses, walkers, and pickup.
- Close the day with a brief reflection or community circle.
- Review routines after long breaks and when new students join.