Visual Expectations

In his book Conscious Classroom Management, Rick Smith says "Procedures are the train tracks and content is the train." Teachers with smooth running classrooms spend time at the beginning of the year intentionally teaching their students procedures and routines and then revisit those expectations throughout the school year. One very effective strategy for supporting students in remembering classroom expectations is to provide them with visuals that are easily referenced. Below is a 1-5 photo rubric on the expectations of a clean work space.


In this photo students see an example of an unacceptable work space that would score a 1 on the Expectation Rubric.


In this photo students see an example of an almost acceptable work space that would score a 3 on the Expectation Rubric.


In this photo students see an example of an acceptable work space that would score a 5 on the Expectation Rubric.

At the beginning of the year, the teacher should spend time explaining the expectations of the physical environment of the classroom and how respecting the cleanliness of the work space makes for a better learning experience. Once this expectation has been thoroughly explained to students, the teacher only needs to reference the posted photos to give students feedback on where they are in the expectation and then ask students to make adjustments to meet the 5 on the rubric. Use of this procedure will increase the amount of time spent on instruction in the classroom.

Please leave me a comment to check out your work space expectations.

~ Liz