In our kindergarten through second-grade special education classroom, routines aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. Many of our learners thrive on predictability, and when routines are clear, consistent, and supportive, they create a classroom climate where students feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. In this post, I will share why my team and I believe that routines are so important, how we implemented structure and predictability around our schooling environment, and the many positives to our “whys”.
Why Routines Matter
Throughout our careers, we have seen that many of our learners thrive on predictability. We have seen that without the clear structure, our students can become anxious, dysregulated, or disengaged. A predictable routine reduces uncertainty, helps manage behavior, and supports executive functioning skills like planning, time management, and attention. For young children, routines also serve as a form of communication. When students know what to expect, they can focus more on participating rather than worrying about what’s coming next.
Building a Strong Routine
Creating a routine doesn’t mean every day is rigid or inflexible. It means that our days follow a recognizable rhythm that helps students and teachers anticipate what’s next. Here are a few core tips:
1. Start with the Big Picture: We begin by mapping out our days with broad categories: arrival, morning meeting, literacy, snack, centers, recess, math, related services, and dismissal. We use visuals that are large enough to be seen on the whiteboard as a class schedule. My team and I also use visual schedules for large group activities and individual picture schedules. Task strips are also utilized throughout the day! We start by thinking about what needs to stay consistent and where we have more room for flexibility.
2. Teach the Routine Explicitly: Teaching the use of visuals and recognizing the use of a visual schedule is necessary. We teach these the same way that we teach any other skill. Model the routine step-by-step, practice it daily, and positively reinforce when students follow it. We use short phrases and visuals while teaching transitions, like “First clean up, then circle time.”
3. Prepare for Transitions: Transitions are often the most challenging part of the day. Use countdowns, timers, music cues, or transition objects (like a fidget to carry) to help students move from one activity to another more easily.
4. Review & Reflect: Even with a solid routine, we still find the need to reflect and adjust. What’s working? What’s overwhelming? Are there too many transitions? Are students rushing or stalling at certain points? Use daily observations and student input (when possible) to improve flow and clarity.
The Payoff
When routines are predictable, students begin to trust the structure. You’ll likely see reduced behavior incidents, increased engagement, and a calmer classroom climate. Best of all, routines give students the confidence to focus on learning, not just on what’s coming next. Creating a predictable environment doesn’t eliminate every challenge, but it lays the foundation for meaningful growth, connection, and progress, one routine at a time.
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