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New teachers must embrace the power of routines
SEND students find ambiguity and inconsistency challenging
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Monday 11th August 2025 |
In this advice for early career teachers, Dr Sarah Mullin explains that establishing routines is vital for creating a positive classroom culture.
Drawing on research, the article highlights that routines reduce cognitive load for students and improve time on task, which is particularly beneficial for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Mullin recommends starting lessons with a clear routine and explicitly teaching, practising, and reinforcing all classroom expectations.
It is suggested that this approach provides consistency, which is described as the "greatest kindness" a new teacher can offer their students.
Mullin concludes with five research-informed strategies for implementing routines successfully.
Source: TES (UK)
https://www.tes.com/magazine/analysis/general/
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