The 5-Part Routine That Keeps You Grounded (Even in the Whirlwind of May)

the end of the school year whirlwind

Heyyy SuperTeachers,

As the energy of the school year reaches its peak, and sometimes feels a little like a rollercoaster heading towards the final drop, the need for a strong anchor becomes more critical than ever. In the midst of field trips, culminating projects, and the general buzz of anticipating summer, a consistent structure can be your greatest ally, providing both you and your students with a sense of stability and purpose. Enter the 5-Part Instructional Routine™: a simple yet powerful framework that creates freedom within boundaries and serves as your reliable anchor, even amidst the wild and wonderful final weeks of school.

At its core, this routine provides a predictable and familiar flow to each lesson, helping students know what to expect and allowing you to deliver instruction with clarity and intention. It’s a versatile structure that adapts seamlessly whether you’re guiding a traditional lesson, facilitating a hands-on activity, or supporting students through a complex project.

Here’s a closer look at the five essential components of this grounding daily flow:

1. Do Now: This focused, short activity at the beginning of the lesson serves as an immediate entry point for students. It could be a quick review of prior learning, a thought-provoking question related to the day’s topic, or a brief problem to solve. The "Do Now" helps students transition into learning mode, activates prior knowledge, and sets the stage for the lesson ahead. It also provides you with valuable moments to take attendance or handle administrative tasks while students are productively engaged.

   
   

2. Mini Lesson: This is your opportunity to deliver focused, direct instruction on a key concept, skill, or strategy. Keep it concise and engaging, using clear explanations, visuals, and opportunities for student interaction. The mini-lesson provides the essential building blocks for the independent work that follows, ensuring all students have a foundational understanding of the learning objective.

   
   

3. Independent Work Time: This is where students actively apply what they’ve learned during the mini-lesson. It could involve individual practice, problem-solving, reading, writing, or working on a specific task related to the learning objective. This dedicated time allows students to work at their own pace, deepen their understanding, and develop their skills. It also provides you with the opportunity to circulate, offer individualized support, and conduct informal assessments.

   
   

4. Wrap-Up/Summary: This crucial component brings the lesson to a purposeful close. It’s a time for students to synthesize their learning, share their insights, and make connections. You might facilitate a brief class discussion, have students share their work with a partner, or guide them in summarizing the key takeaways from the lesson. This helps solidify understanding and reinforces the main learning objectives.

   
   

5. Exit Ticket: A quick, focused task at the very end of the lesson, the exit ticket provides you with a valuable formative assessment of student learning. It could be a brief question, a quick problem to solve, or a request for students to summarize the main point of the lesson in their own words. Exit tickets offer immediate feedback on student understanding and inform your planning for future instruction.

   
   

The beauty of this 5-part routine lies in its predictability and adaptability. It provides a consistent framework that students can rely on, fostering a sense of security and allowing them to focus on the learning itself, rather than navigating unfamiliar structures. Whether you're guiding students through a traditional content-based lesson or facilitating a more open-ended project, this routine can be easily adapted to provide clear expectations, maintain instructional focus, and keep student engagement levels high, even amidst the end-of-year excitement.

Call to Action: This week, commit to using this 5-Part Instructional Routine™ to plan out one full week of your engaging instruction. Be mindful of how each component contributes to the overall flow of your lessons and observe the difference it makes in your classroom's rhythm and student engagement. You might be surprised at the sense of calm and productivity this simple structure can bring, even in the midst of the May energy.

Need ongoing support in refining your instructional routines, maintaining momentum, and navigating all the unique challenges and opportunities of the school year? Our 1-Year Virtual Residency is designed to provide you with the guidance, community, and practical strategies you need to thrive every step of the way. Let us help you build a classroom where structure empowers both you and your students to succeed.

Need immediate support? 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

In partnership,

Dr. O