The first weeks of school always bring the same thought to mind: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this new group of students already knew all the classroom procedures? We all know the reality. Teaching procedures is essential, but they can also feel repetitive, dull, and endless.
If you’ve ever wondered which procedures you should teach or wished for a more engaging way to teach them, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find a helpful list of common procedures plus a free Scoot game that turns all of that teaching into something students actually enjoy.
Lesson Handout
The PDF contains a version of print-and-go task cards. It also contains the links to two additional versions of the cards: the editable Google Slides and PowerPoint versions, whichever works best for your classroom.
What Classroom Procedures Should You Teach?
Students arrive with dozens of unspoken questions about how your classroom works. Teaching procedures early helps eliminate confusion and sets the tone for a smooth year.
Here are some of the most common questions students have (even if they never ask them out loud):
Everyday Needs
What do I do if I need a pencil, paper, or supplies?
What should I do before class officially begins?
What happens if I’m tardy?
What do I do when I return after an absence?
How should I respond when a visitor enters the classroom?
Situations That Always Come Up
I forgot my textbook or notebook, now what?
I need a tissue.
I need to go to the bathroom.
I don’t have my homework.
I need something from my locker.
I need help.
I feel sick.
Students also need to know what to do during emergency drills:
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What does the fire alarm sound like, and what should I do?
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What about a tornado warning?
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What happens during an intruder alert?
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What does an evacuation warning mean?
These are the kinds of procedures that make a classroom run smoothly, but teaching them doesn’t have to be boring.
Turn Procedures Into a Game with Scoot
Because procedures can feel monotonous, I created a set of Procedure Task Cards designed specifically for the game Scoot. If you’ve never played, Scoot is a fast‑moving, high‑energy activity that gets students out of their seats and thinking.
How Scoot Works
Place one task card on each student’s desk.
Give every student a recording sheet.
Students read the card at their desk and write their answer.
After about a minute, give a signal — “Move!” or a bell — and students scoot to the next desk.
Repeat until everyone returns to their starting point.
Students stay engaged, you get to review procedures in a meaningful way, and the whole class gets a chance to move around.
⭐ What Teachers Are Saying
Kelly: “Great idea. I plan on using this at the end of the first week. Hopefully, students will know what to do by then, but if they don’t, this will be my chance to find out. I anticipate some good discussion.”
Jennifer: “Great idea! I have customized and printed.”
Julie: “I have really enjoyed using previous products of yours, and I look forward to using these.”
Beth: “My students love Scoot, and this made a great review of procedures after their initial teaching. Thanks!”
Marita: “Love Love Love this…thanks for sharing! You’re awesome!”
⭐ Download the Free Editable Procedure Task Cards
You can grab the free set in Google Slides, PowerPoint, or PDF. Use them during the first week of school, after long breaks, or anytime your class needs a refresher.
Wishing you a smooth, joyful, and well‑organized school year!
