Classroom Expectations Matrix and Routine Teaching Plans: Back to School, High School

Posting rules is not the same as teaching them. A kid who has never seen what "be responsible" looks like during group work will not guess right. This matrix turns your expectations into something you can actually teach and reteach.

What's included:

• A filled in example matrix (middle grades) for starting class, working alone, group work, getting help, and leaving class

• A blank matrix

• A five step plan for teaching any routine

• Ready to use mini lessons for six common routines

• A reteach plan for January

How I'd use it:

Teach one routine a day the first two weeks, with examples and non examples. Then reteach after every long break, because everyone forgets. The January plan is the page I wish I had my first year.

The mini lessons are short enough to teach in five minutes at the start of class: entering the room, getting help, group work, transitions, using materials, and leaving. Each one says what to teach and how to practice it. Use the blank matrix with your class to write expectations together in their words. Kids follow the rules they helped write more than the ones taped up in August. The January reteach plan walks you through which routines to reteach first and how to make it feel fresh instead of like a punishment.

Who it's for: Teachers and administrators. Grades K 12.

What you download: one printable PDF, 3 pages, US Letter.

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.