A great way to help with making routines in your classroom is through picture books.
Enter stage right - Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann. This book can start your students with rules that lead to routine and structure.Officer Buckle loves rules. He's a little bit on the quirky side- but I like quirky people. Therefore, I love Officer Buckle!
The kids at the local school find his safety lessons a tad bit... how shall I say this... SNOR-ing.<<<<<
But miraculously, our friendly officer gets some help from his canine companion, Gloria the dog. Gloria steps onto the stage and razzle- dazzles the sleepy students with flips, stunts and theatrical tricks that have the room spellbound.
Soon Officer Buckle and Gloria have everyone buzzing about the blessings of safety. Who knew rules could be so much fun.
Do you see it now?
This book is a favorite among teachers for the simple fact that it tells such a silly tale about safety and rules.
Use this book to spark a conversation with your kids about the class rules and establish a few routines. Have your kids answer the following questions:
1. How can we make sure that everyone in our class feels safe? (This questions will open a beautiful can of gummy worms. You'll be able to talk about this for days)
2. What kind of rules do we need in place to make sure everyone feels safe so that they can be successful this year?
3. What part do you play to make sure everyone can feel safe and be successful?
4. What part do you I (the teacher) play to make sure everyone can feel safe and be successful?
Allow your kids to make their own safety tips (rules), make it into a class agreement have a discussion about it and be sure to have every kid sign that they agree to the rules. At the end of this activity, which may take two or three days- and that's normal- you may have a class rule list that looks like this:
Our Classroom is a place where everyone is safe so they can be successful. We pledge to-
1. Treat Everyone and Classroom Things with Respect (Go over what respect looks like)
2. Give Our Best Effort
3. Listen When Others are Speaking
4. Raise Our Hand to Lift Our Voice (in other words- raise your hand to talk)
5 Follow Directions Quickly
6. Make Good Choices
TA-DAH!!!!
Pick up this book and comment below.
How have you used it in your classroom?
And here's one extra resource just because I care!
Happy Reading,
Elle
