Elementary Unit 0: Launching a Modern Classroom

Routines and procedures to consider when planning a unit 0 for elementary learners

Classroom Routines & Procedures

Use these guiding questions about Student Routines to help you develop important routines and procedures.

• What are students doing during self-pacing?
• How do they know their pace and place in the unit?
• How can students ask for help?
• When will students work together?
• How do students celebrate each other?
• Where can students sit during class?
• When can students take a mastery check?

As implementation continues, reflect back and consider if your students could answer these questions themselves.

Classroom Routines & Procedures

Use these guiding questions about Materials Routines to help you develop important routines and procedures.

• Where will student gather class materials, guided notes, and practice problems?
• How will students manage and access technology?
• Where will headphones be stored?
• Can students use computer mice rather than a trackpad for easier navigation?
• How will students access and submit mastery checks?

As implementation continues, reflect back and consider if your students could answer these questions themselves.

Gradual Release

Slowly introduce students to self-pacing.

• Begin with modeling how to:
• Login to LMS
• Find lessons
• Submit assignments
• Digital work and paper versions
• As students internalize the processes, add more opportunities for self-pacing.

Scaffolding a Successful Launch

Scaffolding suggestions from elementary educators:

• Use paper keyboards to practice typing login info.
• Put labels on computers with login and password.
• Mark keys that are needed for login.
• Lots of modeling, lots of practice!
• Have fun with expert badges.

Sharing your Classroom with Stakeholders

Along with creating a Unit 0 for your students, it is important to share the changes you are making with your school community as well. We’ve compiled some resources to help with questions that you may face.

• Explain how your Modern Classroom works: Our Comprehensive Guide for Introducing Your Modern Classroom includes several resources that help explain our models to caregivers.
• Orient classroom visitors and address screen-time concerns.
• Explore our guidance on framing progress trackers.
• Share the research. Offer families our research briefs on the educational benefits of self-pacing and mastery-based learning

Remember that launching your Modern Classroom is a journey. You can do this!