Welcome! I am so happy to share my K-2 daily classroom schedule!
One of the most difficult tasks I had as a new teacher was making my daily schedule. It was daunting. After 5 years in a self-contained classroom, I finally feel comfortable setting my schedule each year.
About My Classroom
I teach a K-2 self-contained autism classroom. Click here for a tour of my classroom and centers. I have 15 students and 3 paraprofessionals. My students’ school day is from 8:20 – 2:37* (my K students go home at 12). Bus and parent drops offs happen as early as 8:00, so that is where my schedule begins.
*It is important to note that my Wednesday looks slightly different as my students go home an hour early to allow the teachers collaboration time.
The Daily Schedule
There it is! My K-2 daily classroom schedule. This is the schedule that works best for my students while fitting in already scheduled non-negotiable times. Non-negotiable times are the activities within the day that cannot be changed such as your school’s recess time, bathroom times, lunch times, etc.
Alyssa walks you through the process of creating a daily schedule that is relevant to you and your students in this post. Take the time to read her post before making your own schedule, she gives great advice.
Services
Are you wondering where services fit in on my K-2 daily schedule?
Most of my students have services such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Adapted PE, and even Physical Therapy. It can be hard to work around all of these services and times, but I have found a way that works for me!
At the beginning of the school year, I send my schedule to all service providers so they can schedule their therapy times. Once they give me their schedules, I am able to create my students’ individual schedules with a separate services schedule. We add icons to the students’ schedules for whatever service they may have on a particular day so I don’t have all of their times on my master daily schedule – it’s easier for me to read this way.
Consistency
The key to success in a self-contained classroom is consistency! Having a consistent schedule and routine is EXTREMELY important in a self-contained classroom. When making your daily classroom schedule, consider keeping times for morning meeting, groups, and centers consistent. Your class will run smoother because of it!
Remember, it has taken me years to perfect my k-2 daily classroom schedule and it is still not perfect. Take your time and think it through but most importantly, change it if it is not working! You can do this.
Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with creating your self-contained daily schedule.
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