While flipping through an old journal, I came across a question I once jotted down — likely something I heard at a conference:

“What is your best classroom management trick?”

I smiled when I read it, because I remember my answer clearly — and I stand by it:

Tricks and gimmicks for class management eventually wear out. They lose their charm, their novelty, and their effectiveness, leaving the teacher constantly chasing the next technique. It’s an exhausting way to teach.

But a solid routine?
That never wears out.

A well-structured routine doesn’t depend on charisma, mood, or new trends. It works across subjects, grade levels, and school environments. It creates stability. It builds habits. And most importantly, it gives students a framework they can carry with them as they move from class to class and year to year.

Of course, it takes time to build. Routines require thoughtful planning, clear modeling, and repeated practice. But that investment is worth it — for both students and teachers.

Because here’s the payoff: when routines are in place, the classroom can function as a learning space, not a behavior management center. Teachers can teach. Students can learn. And time isn’t wasted putting out fires that could’ve been prevented with structure.

We often say we’re in the business of building brains.
But let’s remember — we’re building character, too.

And that kind of growth thrives in consistency.

So no, I don’t have a trick.

I have a routine.

And it’s a commitment worth making.