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.

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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.

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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.”

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Course / Credit note

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

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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)