DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

When I think fondly of my own school days, one thing that I particularly enjoyed about the classroom experience were the weekly multiplication quizzes, monthly projects, and daily reading time. I now realize that the reason I might have enjoyed these activities so much was due to their predictability. Kids thrive and succeed on having clear schedules and routines. According to an article entitled "Structure Routines" (http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/family-life/structure-routines) children are constantly meeting new experiences and trying new things, which is part of life, but these new changes can be handled best in the context of a familiar routine. Some routines that I have brought into my classroom include story time for my second grade class, checking notebooks on Friday, and daily announcements. This last one I find especially beneficial as it keeps all the students up to date on upcoming due dates, tests and quizzes and holiday announcements, as well as gives students a chance to share some of the special events happening in their own lives like a brother or sister's wedding, a birthday, or anything that the students want to share. Kids like the predictability of the habit and it's a great one to include in your own classroom.