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Routine Rescue

Lesson Plan

Routine Rescue Resource Plan

Students will co-create consistent daily routines by identifying key segments of their day and complete a personalized schedule to support on-task behavior and boost independence.

First graders often feel uncertain during transitions and may become off-task. This MTSS Tier 2 small-group lesson helps them structure their day, build consistency, and develop self-management skills through ownership of their routines.

Audience

1st Grade Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided discussion and hands-on planning activities

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and remind them why routines help us stay on task and feel more confident
  • Ask: “What parts of our day do you know by heart?”
  • Record responses on chart paper to reference later

Step 2

Day Overview Slides

5 minutes

  • Project the Day in the Life Slides
  • Talk through each slide: morning arrival, work time, snack, recess, etc.
  • Invite students to share what they do during each part of the day

Step 3

Routine Brainstorm

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Routine Brainstorm Discussion
  • In small groups, have students list three routine ideas for transitions (e.g., cleanup song, class helper)
  • Rotate groups to add or build on others’ ideas on chart paper
  • Highlight strategies that promote independence and on-task behavior

Step 4

Worksheet Practice

7 minutes

  • Distribute the My Perfect Schedule Worksheet
  • Students draw or write their ideal routine for their day in each box
  • Circulate to support students in sequencing tasks and using clear, simple routines

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Reflection

3 minutes

  • Invite a few students to share one routine from their worksheet
  • Reinforce how following these routines will help everyone stay focused
  • Remind students that they’ll use these routines each day to build consistency
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Slide Deck

Morning Arrival

• Hang up your backpack
• Greet your teacher and friends
• Choose your morning activity

Introduce the first part of our day. Ask students: “What do you do when you arrive in the morning?” Guide them to share steps they follow and why routines help start our day smoothly.

Work Time

• Find your spot at the table or rug
• Listen to the teacher’s directions
• Focus on your task until finished

Explain why we have work time. Invite students to share their favorite tasks and how they stay focused. Emphasize listening to instructions and managing materials.

Snack Time

• Wash your hands
• Choose and eat your snack quietly
• Clean up your area

Talk through snack time steps. Ask: “How do we get ready for snack?” Encourage students to recall washing hands and cleaning up when done.

Recess

• Line up quietly to go outside
• Play safely and follow playground rules
• Line up when you hear the bell

Discuss recess routines. Prompt: “What games do you play at recess? How do we keep everyone safe?” Reinforce lining up when the bell rings.

Dismissal

• Pack your backpack
• Return materials to their spot
• Line up for home time

Cover end-of-day steps and home routines. Ask students to share what they do before going home to stay organized and ready for tomorrow.

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Discussion

Routine Brainstorm Discussion

Purpose: In this small-group discussion, students will generate and share ideas for simple, clear routines to use during classroom transitions. This helps everyone stay on task and become more independent.

Group Setup and Materials

  • Divide students into groups of 3–4.
  • Provide each group with chart paper and a marker.
  • Assign each group to a different chart to record their ideas.

Discussion Guidelines

  • Listen carefully when others speak.
  • Take turns and raise your hand before sharing.
  • Respect everyone’s ideas—no idea is too small!

Prompts (5 minutes per chart)

  1. When it’s time to clean up after snack, what routine could help us finish quickly?





  2. How can we line up quietly and safely after recess?





  3. What steps could we follow when we switch from work time to story time?





Rotation

  • After 5 minutes, rotate groups so each group adds to another chart’s ideas.
  • Look at what’s already there and build on it or add something new.

Follow-Up Questions (Whole Group Debrief)

  • Which routine seems easiest for us to remember?
  • How will this routine help everyone stay focused and on task?

Once complete, we’ll highlight the top 3 routines and try them out during our next transitions!

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Worksheet

My Perfect Schedule Worksheet

Instructions: Draw or write your ideal routine for each part of the day. Think about what you do first, next, and last to help you stay on task and feel confident!

Morning Arrival 🏫

Draw or write your routine for when you arrive at school:













Work Time 📘

Draw or write your routine for during work time:













Snack Time 🍎

Draw or write your routine for snack time:













Recess 🏀

Draw or write your routine for recess:













Dismissal 🎒

Draw or write your routine for the end of the day:













Great job! Keep this schedule in a safe place and use it every day to help you remember your routines. 🎉

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