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Our Classroom Routines and Expectations Handout — 3rd Grade Classroom Management (Printable)

Handout
Grade 3
English

Our Classroom Routines and Expectations Handout — 3rd Grade Classroom Management (Printable)

Edit any routine to match your classroom before printing.

Welcome to Our 3rd Grade Family!

Hello there, amazing 3rd grader! I am so happy that you are part of our classroom this year. We are going to learn so many new things, grow our brains, and have a lot of fun together. To make sure our classroom is a happy and safe place for everyone, we have some special routines and expectations. This handout will help you remember how we do things in our room. Let’s make this the best year yet!

☀️ When You Arrive

Starting the day with a good routine helps us feel calm and ready to learn. Every morning when you walk through our door, please follow these four simple steps:
  1. Unpack and Organize: First, head to your cubby or hook. Take your folder and any homework out of your backpack. Hang up your bag and your coat neatly. If you have a water bottle, bring it to your desk. Making sure your space is tidy first thing in the morning helps you stay focused all day!
  1. Make Your Lunch Choice: Look at the board to see what is for lunch today. Move your name magnet or clip to show if you brought a lunch from home or if you are buying a hot lunch. This helps our school make sure everyone gets a delicious meal.
  1. Start Your Morning Work: Walk quietly to your desk and look at the whiteboard. There will be a "Morning Work" activity waiting for you. It might be a fun puzzle, a writing prompt, or a quick math review. Doing this work helps your brain wake up and get ready for our lessons.
  1. Quiet Reading Time: If you finish your morning work early, you may choose a book from our classroom library or use the book you are currently reading. Sit comfortably at your desk and read silently until we start our morning meeting. This is a peaceful way to begin our day of discovery.

🗣️ Our Voice Levels

In our classroom, we use different "voice volumes" depending on what we are doing. Using the right voice level shows respect for your classmates who are trying to work. Here is our 0–3 Voice Level Chart:
Level
Name
When to Use It
0
Silent
During tests, silent reading, and when someone is making an announcement over the intercom.
1
Whisper
When you are working with one partner or during "free choice" time if you are sitting close to a friend.
2
Table Talk
During group projects or science experiments where you need to talk to everyone at your table.
3
Presenting
When you are sharing a project with the whole class or speaking in front of the room so everyone can hear.

🙋 When You Need Help

Sometimes you might get stuck on a problem or forget what to do next. That is okay! Learning is all about trying new things. To help you become a brave and independent learner, we use the "3-Before-Me" rule. Before you come to ask the teacher, try these three steps:
  1. Check the Directions: Look at the worksheet or the instructions on the board one more time. Sometimes the answer is right there! Read them slowly and see if you can figure it out.
  1. Check Your Resources: Look around the room. Is there an anchor chart on the wall that shows how to do the math problem? Do you have a dictionary or a notebook that might have the information you need?
  1. Ask a Neighbor: Lean over and use a Level 1 (Whisper) voice to ask a friend sitting near you. You can say, "Can you show me where the instructions say to put our names?" or "Do you remember what the teacher said about step two?"
If you have tried all three steps and still need help, please raise your hand or put your "Help Needed" sign on your desk, and I will come to you as soon as I can!


🎒 Taking Care of Our Stuff

Our classroom is our second home, and we want to keep it looking beautiful! We use many tools like markers, rulers, books, and tablets. It is important to treat these items with care so they last all year long.
  • Your Desk: Keep the inside of your desk organized. Try to keep your folders on one side and your supplies on the other. At the end of every day, we will do a "Desk Check" to make sure no loose papers are hiding inside!
  • The Floor: If you see a scrap of paper or a dropped pencil on the carpet, please pick it up—even if you weren't the one who dropped it! A clean floor makes our room look bright and prevents accidents.
  • Classroom Library: When you finish a book, please place it back in the correct bin with the cover facing forward. Books are like treasures; we want to keep their pages flat and clean for the next reader.
  • Technology: When we use tablets or computers, always carry them with two hands. When you are finished, plug them back into the charging station so they are ready for the next student.

❤️ How We Treat Each Other

In this classroom, we are a team. We support each other and celebrate our successes. Here are the four promises we make to each other every single day:
  1. We Listen: When a teacher or a classmate is speaking, we give them our full attention. We look at the speaker and keep our hands still. Listening shows that we value what others have to say.
  1. We Include: No one should ever feel left out. If you see someone playing alone at recess or sitting by themselves, invite them to join you! Our class is better when everyone is included.
  1. We Try: It is okay to make mistakes! In fact, mistakes help us learn. We always give our best effort, even when things are hard. We use "Growth Mindset" words like, "I can't do this yet!"
  1. We Help: If you see a friend struggling with a heavy stack of books or a tough math problem, offer to lend a hand. Being kind and helpful is the most important thing you can do in our classroom.

✍️ Our Promise

To show that you are ready for a fantastic year of learning and growing, please read our Class Pledge and sign your name below.
The Grade 3 Class Pledge
I promise to do my best every day. I will be kind to my friends and respectful to my teachers. I will take care of our classroom and all our tools. I am a learner, a helper, and a friend. I am ready for a great year!
Student Signature:

Date:


Sources:
  • Responsive Classroom Morning Routine Best Practices
  • Classroom Management Strategies for Elementary Learners