In my 6th-grade math class, I have a routine that starts the moment students walk in. Before they come into the room, they grab a sticky note from the door and go to their seats. On the board, I have a social-emotional learning check-in projected. For the first 5 minutes, they take a moment to tell me how they're feeling, either by writing it down, drawing it or thinking about it and sharing it out. During this time, I take attendance and get everything ready for the day’s lesson. This routine helps students settle in, reflect on their emotions, and prepare for learning. It also allows me to connect with them on a personal level right at the start of class.

I have another routine in my 6th-grade class that focuses on student accountability. Each desk has a behavior chart that tracks three important things: if the student "cooperated with the teacher," "stayed on task," and "kept their hands to themselves." At the end of the day, students who meet all three goals earn a reward, like candy or a positive phone call home. I like this system because it motivates students to do their best, and for those who struggle with behavior, it gives them clear goals to work toward. It’s a simple way to reinforce positive behavior and encourage effort in class.