Episode 2: The One About Routines

? Hello, Purposeful Educators! ?

Welcome to The First 12 Weeks, the first chapter of Season 2 in the Educate On Purpose newsletter!

This week, we focus on the importance of setting consistent routines for success. While building relationships is vital for establishing trust and connection (as we explored last week in Episode 1), setting predictable routines helps create a classroom environment where students can thrive and learning flows seamlessly. The goal is to strike a balance where students know what to expect and have the autonomy to make meaningful choices about their learning.

Why Routines Matter: A Culturally Responsive and Cognitive Approach

Setting consistent routines is essential not just for classroom management but also for empowering students to succeed academically. Now, let’s take this a step further by exploring Zaretta Hammond’s work and how it emphasizes that routines can strengthen students' cognitive abilities, especially when aligned with their cultural context.

In Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, Hammond highlights how routines can "light up the brain" by lowering cognitive load and creating space for more complex thinking. When routines are culturally responsive, they tap into students’ existing neural pathways, leveraging their background knowledge and experiences to promote higher-order thinking skills. This means that when we can tap into the relationships we began building in week 1 to establish routines rooted in students' cultural contexts, we provide a scaffold for cognitive development, making learning both engaging and accessible.

The Role of Executive Functions in Routines

Mitch Weathers , founder of Organized Binder and author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments, takes a complementary approach by focusing on executive functions. These are the skills that help students plan, organize, and complete tasks. His framework emphasizes the power of routines in building these skills, helping students become more self-sufficient learners.

Executive functions, such as time management, task initiation, and working memory, are critical for student success. Weathers' work suggests that predictable classroom routines can reduce cognitive overload, allowing students to focus their mental energy on learning rather than on managing tasks. By embedding routines like task lists, daily agendas, and structured feedback loops, teachers can enhance students' ability to regulate their learning process. This not only fosters independence but also aligns with the growth mindset we’ve discussed in earlier editions.

By integrating Hammond’s insights into culturally responsive teaching and Weathers’ focus on executive functions, we ensure that our routines don't just serve as a classroom management tool but also actively contribute to cognitive and emotional development. These approaches are not only about managing a classroom but about creating an environment where every student, regardless of background, has the structure and support to excel.

Check out my Culturally responsive teaching course page

Educate On Purpose Free resources to get started with culturally responsive routines.

Setting Effective Routines: Where to Begin

Establishing Predictable Structures Students thrive on consistency, especially in the first few weeks of school when they are adjusting to new environments and expectations. Think about routines around transitions, classroom entry and exit, and procedures for starting and ending activities. Routines like “morning meetings” or daily reflection prompts can set the tone for the day even in high school.

Start with one thing. Maybe a fun, themed day or a trailer to tomorrow exit slip. Download my daily planner for some ideas.

Involving Students in Routine Creation To build investment, have your students participate in crafting the classroom's daily or weekly routines. Ask for their input on what would help them feel more organized or empowered. Engaging students in setting up these systems not only cultivates a sense of ownership but can also reduce resistance to adhering to rules and expectations.

Clear Communication is Key Just as we emphasize with learning objectives, clear communication about routines helps avoid confusion. Use both verbal instructions and visual reminders to keep students on track. Tools like anchor charts or digital slides with daily routines can act as quick references.

Routines in Action: Using the CARE Framework

Here’s how you can apply routines that align with the CARE Framework :

Choices: Even within structured routines, offer students choices that give them ownership of their learning. For example, during independent reading time, allow them to choose between different reading spots or offer a selection of activities during “brain breaks.” Reduce decision fatigue by asking "would you rather" questions. For example, "Would you rather sit in front of the window or near the door?"

Authentic Connections: Incorporate routines that encourage personal connections, such as weekly "shout-outs" or gratitude circles where students can recognize each other’s efforts. These consistent rituals help build a community of support and empathy.

Real-World Application: Link daily or weekly routines to real-world skills, like project management. For example, have a "goal-setting" routine every Monday, where students write down academic and personal goals for the week and track their progress by Friday.

Empowerment: Empower students by assigning leadership roles within the established routines. Whether it's being responsible for collecting homework, leading class transitions, or managing technology during lessons, giving students these roles builds confidence and accountability.

Next Week

In episode 3 of The First 12 Weeks, we’ll explore engagement strategies—how to keep students motivated and invested as the excitement of the new school year starts to wear off. We’ll talk about keeping curiosity alive and encouraging student ownership of the learning process.

Plus: an exciting announcement about the expansion of Educate On Purpose ??

Upcoming Events and Announcements

I’m thrilled to share some of the October events on my calendar!

• October 5: Rhode Island Science Teachers Association Conference
• October 16-17: MassCUE Fall Conference at Gillette Stadium
• October 19: Connecticut Science Teachers Association Conference

Check out my self-paced online courses, free until the end of September, to support your planning for the new school year!

The partnership continues with Teq OTIS for Educators

Grab a friend and enroll in the From Flat to 3D: Become a Next Generation Science Teacher microcredential course series.

I designed these courses to build your capacity to use phenomena-driven instruction and begin to implement other high-quality NGSS science curricula. If your district has adopted an open-source curriculum, this course is for you!

?? Closing Thoughts:

As we start this new school year, remember that meaningful learning begins with meaningful relationships. By prioritizing connection in these first 12 weeks, you’re setting your classroom up for success in the long term. Relationships create the foundation for curiosity, engagement, and learning—and they empower students to thrive in all areas.

Until next week, keep fostering curiosity, embracing possibilities, and making every interaction count.

??????? Bonnie