Now’s the Time to Reset Expectations & Here’s How to Do It with Your Students

Heyyy SuperTeachers,

Are you starting to feel the atmosphere in your classroom "shifting" after the intensity of the high-stakes testing season? Is the focused energy (and high-key anxiety), beginning to dissipate? Is a different dynamic emerging?

While this shift can be a welcomed change, it can also lead to a period of uncertainty or even a dip in engagement if not navigated thoughtfully.

WARNING!

SuperTeachers Do Not, I repeat, Do Not wait for things to unravel or for the classroom energy to begin a downward spiral in an unintended direction. Now is the best time to proactively reset expectations and routines, ensuring a strong and positive finish to the school year.

Time to Hit the Reset Button

Take a moment to reflect on the structures and expectations that served as the anchors of your classroom throughout the year. What routines consistently fostered a sense of order and productivity? What expectations helped your students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn? Conversely, consider those routines or expectations that may have become less effective, created unnecessary friction, or no longer align with the current energy and needs of your students.

This process of resetting shouldn’t be a solitary endeavor. Invite your students to be active participants in resetting and reshaping the classroom environment for these final weeks. When students are genuinely involved in the process, they develop a greater sense of ownership, responsibility, and investment in the outcomes. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re leveraging the shared experiences of the year to co-create a stronger and more supportive learning space for everyone.

Here’s a practical approach to facilitate this collaborative reset.

Revisit Norms Together: Dedicate time as a class to revisit your established classroom norms and expectations. Display them prominently and engage in an open discussion. Ask students: "What norms have been working well for our class?" and "Are there any norms that we need to adjust or clarify as we move forward?" This allows students to voice their perspectives and feel heard.

Ask What’s Working and What’s Not: Go beyond the existing norms and explicitly ask for feedback on current classroom practices and routines. You might pose questions like: "What aspects of our classroom routines help you learn best?" "Are there any routines that feel less effective now?" or "What kind of learning environment do we want to create for the remainder of the year?" Consider using anonymous surveys or small group discussions to gather a wider range of perspectives.

Rehearse New Routines as a Class: Once you’ve collaboratively identified areas for adjustment, don’t simply announce the changes. Take the time to explicitly teach and rehearse any new routines or modified expectations as a class. Practice the steps involved, answer questions, and provide opportunities for students to offer feedback or suggestions. This ensures clarity and helps students feel confident in navigating the updated structures.

When students are active partners in the process of resetting expectations, they are far more likely to understand the rationale behind the changes and to take greater ownership of maintaining a positive and productive learning environment. You’re shifting from a top-down approach to a collaborative one, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and mutual respect. This not only strengthens your classroom community but also empowers students to become more self-aware and reflective learners.

This week's challenge:

Choose one specific classroom routine that you feel could benefit from a reset. It could be anything from how transitions are managed to how students participate in group work. Then, actively survey your students for their feedback on this routine. Ask them what’s working well and what could be improved. Use their input to guide your adjustments and implement the revised routine collaboratively. And remember Sharing is Caring, tell us in the comments what areas your focusing your classroom reset.

And if you’re an Early Career Teacher eager to cultivate a classroom where collaboration, shared ownership, and a thriving learning environment are the norm, we invite you to join our 1-Year Virtual Residency. We provide the coaching, community, and curriculum tools you need to build classrooms that truly thrive—together with your students. Let us support you in creating a space where everyone feels empowered to learn and grow. We are now accepting applications.

Need support now? Let’s talk!

Every classroom is different, and sometimes you just need a thought partner to figure out what works best for you and your students. If you’d like to dive deeper into instructional strategies, student engagement, or just need a fresh perspective, schedule a coaching call! No pressure, just real talk and actionable steps to help you thrive.

Schedule a time that works for you here: Scheduling Link