Classroom rituals arise from the need to solve a problem with a quick, simple solution. Some are established through teacher habit, such as clapping twice to get the class’s attention. Others are created to make it easier to manage a recurring need in the classroom that could or does cause challenges with classroom management. The entire class can also be invited to create their own unique ritual.
Problems that can be addressed by rituals are not necessarily negative in nature, but situations that need the class to smoothly work together. They could be occasional needs, such as celebrating a birthday or greeting a classroom visitor. They could also be used for daily needs, such as greeting students before class or transitioning between activities.
Ideas for Greeting Routines
Routinely greeting students as they enter the classroom gives them a sense that they are welcomed and that they belong to the group. Adding a ritual to the greeting routine can also set the tone for the classroom. The ritual can range from simple and quick to more involved or dramatic.
For example, high school students entering the classroom could be greeted by name and a hand shake or high-five depending on the tone the teacher wants to set for the class period. Kindergarten or early elementary age children might also be greeted by name, but then go to the bulletin board to find their classroom job for the day or, once class begins, sing a good morning song.
Suggestions for Activity Transition Rituals
One recurring classroom problem is that of transitioning between activities. These times can be chaotic if not directed carefully by the teacher. Rituals for changing activities makes it easier since all students then know what to do and what is expected of them.
For example, one ritual might be to clean up after a craft while singing a clean up song. Another ritual could be to pick up a paper from the teacher and meet a partner in a pre-determined place in the classroom. Whatever it is, repeating the actions each time the transition occurs minimizes confusion and gets students prepared for the next part of class.
Involving Students with Creating Rituals
Creating rituals does not need to be left to chance or entirely be the creation of the teacher. Students can also be encouraged to contribute their ideas. This contribution gives ownership of the ritual to the students, which can also improve the success of the ritual.
When a problem that can be solved by a ritual is identified, the teacher can solicit suggestions from the students or even create a classroom activity where students devise a ritual. Rituals can even be rotated every few weeks so that all students get a turn to try their idea.
Rituals make it easier for students to know what to expect during classroom times that could become a classroom management problem. They also help set the tone for the class when used as a greeting. Involving students with the creation of a ritual places ownership of the ritual with the students in the class and contributes to a more positive classroom environment.
Reference: Jensen, E. Super Teaching. Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press. 2009.
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