Special education is a very unique place and we have so much to juggle! I am constantly asked about my morning routine and I have sat down to give you the low down! Here is how mornings went in my self contained special education classroom.
Welcome to my special education classroom (well, I’m currently home with my girls but let me walk you through what a typical morning routine would look like for me).
I preferred to get to school about an hour early to prep for the day. I liked to prep my student schedules at the end of each day so I didn’t have to in the morning, but if I didn’t have time then I would do that first.
I would also update my quick glance schedule board. This is used for at a glance things where students would have to leave the room. Therapies, specials, and inclusion are housed here for all staff to view at a glance.
Once my schedule boards were prepped I would prep the materials for the day, make sure my data sheets are updated, check in on task boxes and set schedules for that, and check my email.
Next, Students would begin to arrive.
When students arrived this was their routine:
- Put away things, hang up bag.
- Check Schedule
- Bathroom
- Morning Work
- Break Choice
Morning work was predictable and functional. These morning work binders are now print + digital depending on your needs. I loved that I could customize for each student to practice skills they need!
Next up is Morning Meeting! Once everyone is in class settled, and finishing up morning work we start to gather for morning meeting. Using real pictures keeps everything realistic and age appropriate. Morning meeting is so important to start the day in a structured, predictable routine.
We always finished morning meeting by turning our brain and bodies on for the day with some exercise! After morning meeting we moved to centers, some students would disperse for therapies or specials but I tried to only schedule those after the morning meeting routine.
Why is a morning routine important?
The morning transition from home to school can be tough on everyone. Having a routine that is set in stone that is predictable and structured starts your day on the right foot, reduces behaviors, and is rewarding for all. Even if you are out sick, your class will be able to function with your morning routine as normal!
How can I teach routines?
I teach routines explicitly in the First 10 Days of School and you can too! Grab the First 10 Days to start your year off on the right foot. You can learn more about teaching routines here.
What resources are seen here?
Morning Work Binder (Hello Binder)
Where can I learn more?
