THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF ESTABLISHED CLASSROOM ROUTINES IN YOUNG LEARNERS’ ENGLISH CLASSROOMS
by Iryna Shkola
Establishing an effective learning atmosphere for young learners proves intricate, involving the organization of routines and a comprehension of children’s cognitive developmental stages. This article delves into the importance of classroom routines, examining their impact on the learning and behavior of English Language (EL) students. Renowned educators like Asadollahia F., Brendan O’Shea, Burden P. R, Schumm, Kostikova I., Kazachiner O., Rahimi, M., Zein S., and others have explored this topic, both in Ukraine and internationally. However, further investigation and development are still necessary. The continuous exploration of intricacies in crafting an optimal learning environment for young learners is an ongoing process. Delving into the specific dimensions of classroom routines and their nuanced effects on English Language student learning and behavior is essential.
Routines fulfill various purposes, including averting distractions, enhancing listening and comprehension skills, and providing a framework for language practice. They afford young learners a sense of stability and predictability, fostering comfort and security, thereby establishing an optimal learning environment [2]. Consistent routines expose students to recurring language patterns, facilitating language acquisition as students become increasingly familiar with vocabulary and sentence structures.
Routines contribute to better classroom management. Clear expectations and procedures help minimize disruptions, allowing the teacher to focus more on instruction. Furthermore, classroom routines can help manage time effectively. When students know what to expect, transitions between activities become smoother, maximizing instructional time. In addition, we can use routines to incorporate cultural elements, making the learning experience more relevant and engaging for students.
To establish a seamless and engaging learning environment for young learners, consider incorporating personalized greetings. Personally greet each student at the door, fostering a sense of connection from the moment they enter. This not only sets a positive tone for the class but also contributes to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
As a strategy to avoid distractions and enhance concentration, implement a “Focus Time” routine. Dedicate a specific period during the class where all students focus solely on their tasks without any interruptions. To signal the start and end of this focused time, consider using tools such as timers or playing soft background music.
Integrating activities seamlessly into your lesson plans is crucial. For instance, you can introduce a “Listening Circle” routine to enhance listening and comprehension skills. Select a short audio clip or story relevant to the lesson, have students sit in a circle, and encourage them to listen attentively. Following the listening activity, facilitate a discussion or pose comprehension questions to assess their understanding.
A highly effective routine in the EFL classroom can be incorporating “Listen and Do” songs as part of listening activities. These songs enhance students’ engagement and listening skills while helping them understand the text through activities.
Procedure:
Let the students listen to the song without any interruptions so that they will have an opportunity to hear the music and the lyrics. This may also be termed free listening. I find this activity quite beneficial and motivating for my students, and they express positive feelings about free listening. After the free listening, tell the students to look at the lyrics of the song (from the handout, textbook, board, or poster), since this is probably the best time to let students see and read the lyrics. (If the students read the lyrics before the first listening, they may try to read along and not concentrate.) Next, read the lyrics of the song aloud and ask the students to listen and follow from the handout. Finally, read the lyrics aloud line by line and ask the students to repeat every line aloud. After you have completed the repetition phase, use the power of TPR to teach the actions for the song. Read every line aloud, demonstrate the associated action or actions, and ask the students to do the same actions. The following well-known song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4eueDYPTIg .
Variation
Support weaker students by starting with a simplified listening session, focusing on melody and rhythm to reduce pressure and build confidence. Use visual aids like simple images to connect auditory input with visual cues, aiding comprehension.
For actions, go at a slower pace, breaking down movements into manageable steps. Provide visual guides like step-by-step illustrations for better understanding. Create a supportive environment, allowing weak students to participate at their own pace.
Also you can use Brain breaks channel http://surl.li/otbtv to incorporate fun and interactive activities into the learning environment. Using the Brain Breaks channel on YouTube, which offers a diverse playlist of energizing and entertaining activities, enhances the overall experience.
Another effective routine is the “Language Stations” approach. Create different stations in the classroom, each focusing on a specific language skill, such as reading, writing, or speaking. Rotate students through these stations during designated times, allowing them to practice various language aspects in a dynamic and interactive manner.
When working with young English learners, consider incorporating a “Word of the Day” routine into your teaching practices. Display a new word daily, discuss its meaning with the class, and encourage students to use it in sentences. Reinforce this process consistently to deepen their vocabulary and strengthen sentence structure over time.
To infuse cultural relevance into your classroom, establish a “Cultural Corner” routine. Designate a corner to showcase artifacts, pictures, or stories related to diverse cultures. Regularly update this space to expose students to various cultural elements, making the learning experience more relatable and enriching.
For effective time management, consider utilizing a “Time-Blocking” routine. Allocate specific time blocks for different activities within the class and ensure students are aware of the schedule. This practice helps them manage their time effectively and fosters a clear understanding of the lesson’s flow.
The thoughtful integration of these routines results in a well-rounded and engaging educational experience, laying the foundation for effective language acquisition and overall student growth. Using routines you should remember that each young learner is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. So, tailor routines to accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences. Incorporate individualized adjustments within the established routines, allowing students to thrive based on their strengths. This personalized approach not only enhances engagement but also addresses the challenges some students may face in conforming to a one-size-fits-all routine.
Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of the routines helps to adapt them as needed. Assess how well students are responding to the routines and identify any signs of disengagement or challenges. Solicit feedback from the students themselves and be open to making adjustments based on their input. A routine that may have worked initially might need modification as the students progress in their language learning journey. One potential drawback of routines is the risk of monotony. To overcome this, infuse creativity within the routines. Introduce varied and exciting materials, games, or thematic elements to keep the learning experience fresh and engaging. This not only prevents boredom but also stimulates cognitive development by exposing young learners to diverse stimuli.
While routines offer stability, it’s crucial to balance them with moments of spontaneity. Incorporate interactive activities that allow students to express themselves freely. Strike a balance between the structured routines and unscripted, student-led moments.
In crafting a vibrant learning environment for young English learners, the incorporation of flexible routines tailored to individual needs stands as a key strategy. By embracing adaptability, personalized adjustments, and continuous monitoring, educators can navigate challenges seamlessly, ensuring that routines remain effective tools rather than rigid constraints. Balancing structure with spontaneity and periodically infusing creativity into routines emerges as the recipe for a dynamic and engaging educational journey, fostering not just language acquisition but a holistic growth experience for young minds.
References
- Brendan O’shea ESL Classroom Management & Routines for Young Learners, 2019. Retrieved from URL: https://bridge.edu/tefl/blog/esl-classroom-management-routines-for-young-learners/ [in English]
- Importance of Classroom Routines and Procedures. Retrieved from URL: https://www.successbydesign.com/blogs/news/importance-of-classroom-routines-and-procedures [in English].
- Rahimi M., Asadollahia F. EFL teachers’ classroom management orientations: investigating the role of individual differences & contextual variables. Procedia-Social & behavioral sciences, 2012. 31 43-48
- Zein S. Classroom management for teaching English to young learners. In S. Garton & F. Copland (Eds.). Routledge handbook of teaching English to young learners. New York: Routledge, 2018. 154-168.
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