Returning to Classroom Processes and Procedures

Returning to Classroom Processes and Procedures

I think we can all agree that the 2020-2021 school year was more than a little stressful. Between the fear of going back to the classroom and the stress of hybrid or online teaching, we were really all over the place. We weren’t alone though. Our students were also being pulled this way and that way. So, how do we return to regular classroom processes and procedures?

Step 1: Don’t Pretend

One of the worst things we can do for ourselves and our students is pretend like this is “just another year.” It may seem like it, but in reality, we still have a lot fear. We are unsure what the pandemic has in store for us; therefore, we can’t know how long this “normal year” is going to last. Give yourself and your students the go ahead to be fearful and to ask questions and get them answered. Be open to your students’ questions and don’t lie to them. You are allowed to not know.

Step 2: Develop Simple Processes and Procedures

When students come back into your classroom, remember they haven’t been in this situation in a long time. In that time, a lot has happened to them and their families. For example, a family member may have gotten sick, laid off, or something more. We need to be sensitive to the changes our students have faced and keep everything very clear. When going over your expectations, processes, and procedures, keep is simple and do not overwhelm your students. For example, instead of throwing everything at them at one time, do what needs to be done and then move to step 3. You can come back to this step as many times as needed to get all of your processes and procedures handled.

Step 3: Bring Back the Icebreaker!

I don’t know about all of you, but I have veered away from too many icebreakers in the past few years for no reason other than I don’t care for them. This year, they are needed. We have all been very disconnected the last month. Icebreakers are a great way to reconnect. Plus, you can add a little art or writing into the activity which can help you see how well students follow directions. For example, if you have students make a shield with pictures that represent them and then have them write about it, you can see how well they follow your criteria as well as their writing abilities.

Step 4: Make Patience a Priority

Because we have been gone for so long, there are some pieces of being back in regular school that are going to be difficult. No matter how difficult it is, you need to make sure you fill up your patience tank before you come to school. You will need to remind students more often what is and what isn’t school appropriate. You will also need to give yourself more patience than you have before. Many of us haven’t been back to school for a year. We are all bound to forget something and we need to be patient with ourselves as well.

Step 5: Review! Review! Review!

This is a whole new ballgame! The pandemic has taken its toll on all of us; therefore, it’s like the first day of kindergarten all over again for our students no matter what their age. Plus, it’s like the first day of teaching for many of us!  Make sure you review all of those processes and procedures as often as possible. You can do this by doing a walkthrough before lunch, making it into a bell ringer activity, or simple talking about the processes and procedures with your students.

The 2021-2022 school year is still uncertain, so make sure everything in your classroom is crystal clear for your sanity and theirs! We are all ready to see students again no matter how frightening that can be. So, let’s embrace this opportunity to be together and to learn together. Welcome back!

ELA Super Bundles

ELA Super Bundles

Are you constantly spending time searching for updated ELA materials? Or, are you always trying to find ways for students to have FUN while learning the content? Is there an anxious feeling while trying to differentiate for each student? Don’t worry, you are not alone! It can be so hard to find engaging content that will work for all students. Thankfully, there are ELA Super Bundles ready for purchase. However, these bundles are so amazing that they won’t be available forever. The ELA Super Bundles are only available from Aug. 15-22nd. The bundles are so amazing that you are going to want to set your calendar reminder now!

Benefits of Available Bundles

Sometimes, people are hesitant to purchase bundles due to the higher upfront cost. There is often concern over the quality of all of the resources and if this justifies the cost. Thankfully, the ELA Super Bundles are filled with 90+ high-quality printable and digital resources. All of the activities are fun, engaging, worthwhile lessons! Even better, the bundles are only $20 during this exclusive sale! 

After purchasing, huge stress will be lifted due to spending less time planning. HOURS of your time will be saved with these ready-to-go resources! Even better, all of the resources bring in updated and innovative teaching strategies. For example, students will be playing digital games, finding text evidence, completing back to school digital escape rooms, learning the essay writing process, and so much more. Therefore, you will be able to read the book on your list, catch up on TV, play with your kids, or take a much-needed nap. After purchasing these bundles, say goodbye to stressing over lesson planning! 

Back to School Bundle

The incredible resources here will cover a variety of topics for only $20!  The beginning of the school year is such a busy time! Hence, teachers will never have to worry about not having an engaging lesson ready to go. Students will have access to back to school digital escape rooms, get to know me activities, EDITABLE syllabus… you name it, we’ve got it covered! Over 26 products included in this package! 

Reading Bundle 

Being an English/Language Arts teacher means you have A LOT of standards you’re responsible for covering. This is where the reading bundle comes in. From reading response journals, literature circles and finding text evidence to complete lessons on short stories, we have made sure to include it all. The 29 activities all bring in creative teaching strategies to offer full engagement. 

Writing & Grammar Bundle

There are so many moving parts when you’re an ELA teacher. Since our subject area also includes writing & grammar, we have to find a way to ensure our students grasp these skills. There is just so much to learn! Hence, this $20 bundle has 34+ activities that will break down the essay writing process (argumentative, informational, narrative), how to write a strong constructed response, parts of speech, sentence structure, and so much more!

When buying these bundles for only $20 each, tremendous stress will be lifted from your plate! Since multiple sellers came together to create these incredible bundles, they won’t be around for long. You can save hundreds of dollars and hours of time, but this is only offered from August 15th through August 22nd at 11:59 PM. This is a one-time opportunity, so be sure not to miss out!