What is a Routine?

A routine is a sequence of actions or steps that are regularly followed. In education, routines are established patterns of behavior or activities that create a predictable structure for learning. These can be as simple as how students enter the classroom or as complex as a structured problem-solving process.

There are different types of routines:

• Daily routines (e.g., warm-ups, problem-solving activities, math talks, and exit tickets)
• Weekly routines (e.g., math games, journaling, and collaborative problem-solving)
• Long-term routines (e.g., inquiry-based learning, error analysis, and math competitions)

Why Use Routines in a Math Classroom?

Routines offer numerous benefits for math learning:

• Create a Positive Learning Environment: Routines provide structure and predictability, reducing anxiety and increasing student focus.
• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Routines that involve problem-solving, reasoning, and justification foster critical thinking.
• Enhance Communication: Math talk routines encourage students to articulate their thinking and listen to others’ ideas.
• Increase Engagement: Varied routines can maintain student interest and motivation.
• Save Time: Established routines streamline classroom management and allow more time for instruction.
• Provide Assessment Opportunities: Routines can offer insights into students’ understanding and progress.

How to Transform Traditional Routines into Critical Thinking Opportunities

While traditional routines offer structure and familiarity, they often fall short in developing higher-order thinking skills. To maximize the potential of classroom routines, it’s essential to transform them into opportunities for critical thinking.

• Identify the Critical Thinking Gap: Analyze existing routines to pinpoint areas where critical thinking can be enhanced. Shift the focus from procedural knowledge to conceptual understanding.
• Incorporate Higher-Order Thinking Questions: Transform simple recall questions into those that require analysis, evaluation, or creation. Encourage students to justify their answers, explain their reasoning, and support their claims with evidence.
• Foster a Culture of Inquiry: Create a classroom environment where questioning and exploration are valued. Encourage students to generate their own questions and seek answers.
• Build on Existing Routines: Adapt traditional routines to incorporate critical thinking elements. For example, transform a simple math fact drill into a problem-solving activity by asking students to explain the patterns or relationships between numbers.
• Provide Opportunities for Collaboration: Encourage students to work together to solve problems and share their thinking. Promote peer-to-peer feedback and constructive criticism.
• Model Critical Thinking: Demonstrate how to approach problems with a critical mindset. Think aloud to reveal your thought processes.
• Incorporate Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Use effective questioning techniques, apply visible thinking routines, and encourage problem-solving, inquiry, and mathematical reasoning.
• Create a Growth Mindset Culture: Celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities and provide constructive feedback.

Math Facts: From Traditional to Critical Thinking Routine

Traditional Routine: Math Facts Drill

A common routine in elementary math classrooms is the daily math fact drill. While essential for fluency, it can often be perceived as monotonous and devoid of critical thinking.

Transforming the Routine: Number Talks

To transform this routine into a critical thinking opportunity, consider implementing Number Talks.

What is a Number Talk?

A Number Talk is a short, daily routine where students solve mental math problems and share their thinking processes. The focus is on number relationships, mental computation strategies, and mathematical reasoning.

How to Implement:

1. Present a problem: Begin with a simple equation or number relationship, such as 8 + 7.
2. Think time: Allow students time to think independently about different solution strategies.
3. Share strategies: Invite students to share their thinking processes, using visual representations or explanations.
4. Compare and contrast: Facilitate a class discussion where students compare different strategies and justify their choices.
5. Look for patterns: Encourage students to identify patterns and generalize their findings.

Example Number Talk:

• Present the problem: 15 – 8.
• Possible student strategies:

–   Counting back: 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 7

–   Using friendly numbers: 15 – 5 – 3 = 7

–   Relating to addition: 8 + ? = 15

• Facilitate discussion on the efficiency and accuracy of different strategies.
• Encourage students to explain why their chosen strategy works.

By transforming the math fact drill into a Number Talk, you shift the focus from rote memorization to flexible thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning.

Checklist for Evaluating Routine Effectiveness

The following is a checklist to guide teachers in evaluating their implementation of thinking routines.

 

Tips for Success:

• Start small: Begin with one or two routines and gradually add more.
• Involve students: Let students help create and modify routines.
• Be consistent: Regular practice is key to establishing routines.
• Be patient: When introducing a strategy for the first time, allow students sufficient time to explore it. It will gradually become routine.
• Celebrate success: Acknowledge when routines are working effectively.

Conclusion

Establishing effective routines is crucial for creating a structured and engaging learning environment. By following these guidelines and using the provided checklist, teachers can transform traditional routines into powerful tools for developing critical thinking skills.