Classroom Routines to Include in Every Lesson Plan

Entry routine: What students do in the first 90 seconds. A Do Now, a journal prompt, or a review question eliminates the 'What are we doing?' chaos.

Transition routine: How students move between activities. 'When I say go, push in your chair, move to your lab station, and read the first instruction.' Specific, sequential, practiced.

Participation routine: How students contribute during instruction. Cold call, hand signals, whiteboards, or think-pair-share. When participation is routine, engagement isn't optional.

Exit routine: How the lesson ends. An exit ticket, a 30-second reflection, or a partner share gives closure and prevents early packing.

If the routine isn't in the plan, it won't happen consistently. Writing 'Do Now on board' in your opening section takes 3 seconds and ensures you never forget. Writing 'Transition: countdown from 5, move to stations' takes 5 seconds and prevents a 3-minute time sink.

Over time, these notes become automatic. But for the first month — and for any substitute teacher who uses your plans — the written routine is essential.

LessonCraft plans include transition cues and participation structures within each section. The routines aren't add-ons — they're part of the pacing and flow.