Using and Creating Routines to Promote Interactions

Use your daily routines and/or develop new routines to create interactive situations.  Turn these daily routines into 2 person routines.   Use visuals if needed to ensure understanding of new routines.  See the Process Section for specific examples.

“Using and Creating Routines to Promote Interactions”  is an easy way to embed interaction goals within a classroom.  Taking class routines and turning them into 2 person routines can promote interaction skills including cooperation and  language/verbal skills with little disruption to daily classroom schedules.

• Child's Age: 3-5, 6-10
• Planning Effort: Low
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Student ability to carry out specific assigned routines

1. Look at your established classroom routines and turn them into 2 person routines; and/or create new routines in a 2 person format.  The following activities are examples of 2 person routines.

• Office buddies for deliveries

• Fill a bin with student library books to be returned on ‘Library’ day.  Have 2 students carry the bin to the library.

• Two students clean desks – a washer and a drier

• Have a student pass papers and writing utensils to peers.  When possible have choices for peers so the passer can ask questions and receive responses i.e.:  “Do you want a red crayon or green?”

• Assign a student to use ‘Clipboard Surveys’ (see Resources) to interview peers and embed math with this routine.

• If you have special snacks in your class – create student placements with personal photos laminated on each mat.  Push desks together during snacks.  The photos promote verbal interactions between peers.

• Have a student take attendance

• Have a student call peers names and pass out lunch tickets