Collection
Establishing Opening and Closing Routines
These opening and closing classroom routines will set a welcoming tone, allow students to connect with one another, and encourage goal setting.
Resources
15Subject
- English & Language Arts
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
6–12Language
English — USPublished
Updated
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Overview
Why Establish Classroom Routines?
Classroom routines can be a key component of a brave and reflective classroom community.
Setting aside five to ten minutes at the beginning and/or end of class to welcome students to the learning space, gauge their emotional well-being, and nurture community helps students experience school as a predictable, meaningful, and supportive part of their day. This can be especially valuable when students have experienced significant disruptions to their lives and learning.
Inside this Collection
Mood Meter
This mood meter activity develops students’ vocabulary for describing their feelings and their empathy muscles.
Emoji Emotions
Students use emojis to practice sharing what they are feeling while building empathy for their classmates.
Picture This
Students engage with an intriguing image that lacks context or a title, drawing on their close viewing and analysis skills.
Three Good Things
Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.
Slow Down with The Slowdown
Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.
Rose, Thorn, Bud
The Rose, Thorn, Bud exercise increases students' self-awareness as they reflect on recent successes, challenges, and opportunities.
Fist to Five
Students communicate how they are feeling in response to a chosen prompt, giving teachers a pulse on the class’s opinions or well-being.
Take a Stand
Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.
Compass Points
Students get an opportunity to give feedback about the class and communicate their needs and worries.
Appreciation, Apology, Aha
Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.
Closing Challenge
Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.
Materials and Downloads
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Download an overview of these back-to-school routines in PDF or Google Doc format.
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Three Good Things
Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.
Slow Down with The Slowdown
Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.
Take a Stand
Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.
Appreciation, Apology, Aha
Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.
Closing Challenge
Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Students reflect on the past year and generate ideas for the kind of learning community and learning experiences they are hoping for this year.
Our Names and Our Place in the World
Students consider what parts of our identities we choose for ourselves and what parts are chosen for us, as well as the impact our names can have on our identities.
Making Meaning of Community
Students explore the idea of “community” in order to identify its key aspects and deeper meaning.
Emoji Emotions
Students use emojis to practice sharing what they are feeling while building empathy for their classmates.
Picture This
Students engage with an intriguing image that lacks context or a title, drawing on their close viewing and analysis skills.
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