Teaching English to pre-primary learners is both a rewarding and challenging experience. If you’ve ever struggled to keep your students engaged or to transition smoothly between activities, you’re not alone. One of the most effective ways to create a calm and productive classroom environment is by establishing clear routines and procedures.
Read on for an introduction to this topic or watch this video on the Active Education Youtube channel to go deeper.
The Challenge: Why Routines Matter
When teachers first start working with pre-primary learners, they often invest a lot of time planning exciting activities. However, many quickly discover that without routines, those lesson plans can fall apart. Young children have short attention spans, limited understanding of instructions, and are still learning what it means to be in a structured classroom setting.
This is where routines come to the rescue! Routines provide consistency and structure, helping children feel secure and confident, even if they don’t fully understand the language being used.
The Benefits of Classroom Routines
- Routines Create Security
For young learners, routines make the classroom environment more predictable and less overwhelming. They provide clear expectations and reduce anxiety, making it easier for children to focus and participate. - Routines Support Language Learning
In a foreign language classroom, routines are invaluable. Repeating the same vocabulary and structures through consistent routines helps children absorb the language naturally, giving them more opportunities to practice and grow.
3. Routines Foster Independence
By teaching and practicing routines, you’re equipping your students with the tools they need to navigate the classroom confidently. Over time, they’ll gain independence and take ownership of their learning.
Examples of Effective Routines
Creating routines doesn’t mean every lesson has to be the same. It’s about establishing a predictable order of events or specific procedures for common classroom situations. For example:
- Starting the Lesson: Begin with a greeting and a hello song to set the tone.
- Transitions: Use simple steps to guide children between activities or to prepare for playtime.
- Behavior Cues: Use specific routines, like a quiet time signal, to manage the energy in the classroom.
Tips for Success
If you’re new to teaching pre-primary learners, start small. Introduce one or two routines at a time and practice them consistently. Music is a fantastic tool for teaching routines—children respond quickly to the melody and rhythm of a song, making it easier for them to remember what to do.
By investing time in building strong routines, you’ll not only make your classroom run more smoothly but also create a supportive environment where young learners can thrive. Don’t forget to check out my video for more ideas and resources to help you get started!
References and Further Reading
Burden, P. R. Classroom Management: Creating a Successful Learning Community.
Focuses on strategies for building a positive and productive classroom environment.
https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Classroom+Management%3A+Creating+a+Successful+Learning+Community-p-9780471150563
Cameron, L. Teaching Languages to Young Learners.
Explores effective methods and strategies for teaching languages to young learners.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/teaching-languages-to-young-learners/F42E57D57B6C50F038A5042D7D59A8B8
Learn More:
- Want to dive deeper into how to implement routines and procedures in your classroom? Watch my latest YouTube video for detailed examples, tips, and strategies.
👉 Click here to watch the video on YouTube!
Teaching Children English: Using Routines and Procedures with Pre-Primary