Your Learning Goals
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Teach a classroom routine through modelling and practice.
- Give short, clear instructions that pupils can follow.
- Check understanding before pupils begin a task.
- Adapt instructions to pupils' ages and needs.
Suggested time: 20 minutes, followed by classroom practice.
1. Learn: Teach the Routine
A routine is a sequence pupils learn and practise: entering the room, collecting materials or moving from one activity to another.
- Explain: Say what pupils will do and why it helps.
- Model: Demonstrate each step.
- Practise: Let pupils rehearse with your support.
- Give feedback: Name what worked and reteach any unclear step.
- Repeat: Use the routine consistently.
“Put your bag in its place. Sit down. Open your book to the starter activity.”
For younger pupils, teach one step at a time and demonstrate where belongings go.
2. Learn: Give Clear Instructions
- Use your agreed attention signal before speaking.
- State the action you want pupils to take.
- Break longer tasks into manageable steps.
- Show an example or use a visual cue where helpful.
- Allow pupils time to process the instruction.
- Ask a pupil to explain or show the first step.
“Write today's date. Then answer question one. Work independently for three minutes.”
For pupils who need additional support, reduce the language, offer a visual prompt and check individually. Eye contact is not required to demonstrate attention.
3. Watch: A Live Demonstration
Work with a colleague. One person models introducing a routine while the other observes. Then swap roles.
Look for:
- A clear explanation of the routine.
- A demonstration of each step.
- Time for pupils to practise.
- Specific, respectful feedback.
4. Practise: Improve the Instruction
A teacher says: “Stop making noise, get ready and do your work properly!”
Rewrite this as clear actions for a class you teach. Say your version aloud before opening the example.
Show an example response
“Voices off. Put your book on the table. Open to page ten. We will read the first sentence together.”
Adjust the number of steps to suit your pupils. Model or show each step where needed.
5. Apply and Reflect
Choose one routine to teach in your next lesson. Record the following in your training notebook:
- Which routine will I teach?
- What exact words and visual cues will I use?
- How will pupils practise it?
- What support might individual pupils need?
- Afterwards: what worked, and what will I change?
Discuss your reflection with your team lead. This page does not collect or save your responses.