Summary of "106 - Organization, Procedures and Routines - Session 3 - Lesson 3"

Session 3 (Lesson 3): Organization, Procedures and Routines — Overview

This session focuses on practical classroom organization and teacher self-care routines that support students’ emotional safety and learning. It includes journaling ideas, stress-management strategies, classroom routines, and time-management tips to help teachers stay effective and healthy.

Key tips and routines

Journaling and reflection

Use gratitude journals, mandala or reverse coloring books, or prompts to name feelings and needs.
Example prompt to try:

“I’m feeling… because I need…”
Reflect by naming the feeling, noting why it’s happening, and choosing one small action to address it.
Habit-building reminder: stick with routines repeatedly — habit formation takes time.

Take breaks and make planning realistic

It’s okay to step away during planning (run to the corner store, get a coffee/Pepsi, sit and breathe).
Schedule small moments of self-care throughout the day instead of expecting one long uninterrupted block.

Classroom atmosphere and sensory supports

Use background music or instrumental tracks during independent work; be aware some students may zone out and need proximity support.
Provide fidgets, outside time, or specialist/counselor support when issues exceed teacher control.
Maintain predictable classroom routines and rehearsed safety procedures to give students a sense of security.

Daily self-care routines (examples)

Start of day: meditation, positive affirmations, upbeat music (example: Mandisa — “Good Morning”).
Midday: short resets such as deep breathing, kid yoga/Cosmic Kids-style stretches, or brief class meetings.
End of day: positive closing routine (prepare backpacks/coats, leave farewell messages).
Practical items to keep handy: chapstick, cough drops, a snack or small chocolate, and a refillable water bottle (speaker uses a 100 oz bottle).

Emotional support and classroom culture

Teach students self-monitoring: how to spot signs of stress (e.g., altered breathing, clenched hands) and what to do about it.
Clarify the difference between tattling and telling; build a safe community so students feel able to approach adults.
Use mantras and “return to your why” reminders to stay connected to your purpose as a teacher.

Organization and workload management

Keep a clean desk/organized workspace as part of self-care.
Limit classroom jobs: one classroom helper at a time (rotate weekly) rather than many small roles.
Plan collaboratively: map out a quarter with a teaching partner and revise as needed.
Protect personal time: set boundaries for weekends and work time; avoid giving away extra hours unless it benefits you.

Know resources and when to ask for help

Recognize what’s within your control and what isn’t (e.g., news stressors, district changes).
Use school specialists, counselors, and behavior intervention staff when needed.
Ask for help from colleagues — you’re not alone.

Recap of session themes

Classroom organization: physical environment and routines.
Time management: establish clear expectations and share responsibilities with students.
Strategic planning: quarter mapping and managing out-of-class time.
Self-care: practice gratitude and regularly return to your professional “why.”

Course / Credit note

For re-certification or course credit: complete a reflection essay and a discussion post describing how you will apply the material.

Notable locations, products, people, and resources

Locations: classroom, school, corner store
Books and materials: mandala coloring books; reverse coloring books (you draw outlines)
Music and media: Mandisa — “Good Morning”; Wizard of Oz (read-aloud example); Cosmic Kids / Cosmic Yoga
Practical items: chapstick, cough drops, Pepsi, coffee, 100-oz water bottle
Course/homepage/forum: Balanced Learning Academy (for discussion and submissions)