The first day of school is right around the corner.

Your classroom is set up. The name tags are in place. The supply bins are color-coded, and everything looks picture perfect.

But there’s a question sitting in the back of your mind:
How do I actually get students to follow expectations during the first week of school?

Maybe you’ve done student teaching. Maybe you’ve observed classrooms in action. But no one really showed you how to introduce classroom expectations in your own room. And now, with the countdown to back-to-school ticking away, you’re starting to feel a little nervous.

Because the truth is, for a lot of first-year teachers, the first few days of school feel more chaotic than calm. And you can’t figure out why students aren’t following the expectations you’ve set.

Here’s the truth:

Most new teachers make the same classroom management mistake during back-to-school season.
But once you know what it is, you can avoid it—and set your classroom up for success from day one.

Let’s dive in.

The #1 Classroom Management Mistake New Teachers Make

Not teaching classroom procedures like a lesson.

Here’s what that means:

Most new teachers assume that once they explain the classroom rules and expectations, students will remember them—and follow through.

But students don’t just “know” how your classroom works. Every classroom runs differently, and your students need to learn your expectations the same way they’d learn a new math concept or reading strategy.

Classroom procedures must be:

• Taught
  
  
• Modeled
  
  
• Practiced
  
  
• Reinforced consistently
  
  

Treat them with the same level of intention you would use to teach your core content—and you’ll see a major difference in behavior, focus, and independence.

Why This Mistake Happens (And Why It Matters)

This mistake is extremely common, and it’s not your fault. Here’s why it happens:

• You’re juggling everything: lesson plans, Meet the Teacher Night, and setting up your classroom
  
  
• You assume students already “know” how to behave
  
  
• You explain routines on the fly instead of planning how to teach them intentionally
  
  

The result?

• Constant reminders
  
  
• Students pushing boundaries
  
  
• Repeating yourself all day long
  
  
• Feeling like you’re not in control
  
  

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But the good news is—it’s totally fixable.

How to Avoid This Mistake: Step-by-Step

1. Decide on Key Procedures Ahead of Time

Before school starts, write down the non-negotiable procedures you want to teach. These are the routines that help your classroom run smoothly without you micromanaging.

Some key procedures to consider:

• How to enter the classroom
  
  
• Turning in assignments
  
  
• Lining up
  
  
• Asking to use the restroom
  
  
• Transitioning between subjects or activities
  
  
• Using classroom supplies
  
  

The more intentional you are now, the less you’ll have to correct later.

2. Teach Procedures Like a Lesson

Treat each procedure as its own mini-lesson.

• Step 1: Introduce the procedure
  Let students know what they’ll be learning and why it matters.
  
  
• Step 2: Model it
  Show them exactly what it should look like and sound like.
  
  
• Step 3: Ask students to model it
  Choose a few volunteers to demonstrate the right way.
  
  
• Step 4: Practice as a class
  Have everyone try it. If needed, do it again—and again.
  
  
• Step 5: Reteach as necessary
  Keep practicing daily during the first few weeks.
  
  

3. Use Visuals and Stay Consistent

• Display classroom expectations with visual slides, posters, or anchor charts
  
  
• Use clear, consistent language to describe what behavior looks like and sounds like
  
  
• Avoid vague praise like “Good job.” Instead, say, “I love how Jamie is walking quietly with hands by their side.”
  
  

The more specific you are, the more students understand exactly what’s expected.

4. Reinforce with Praise and Reteaching

• Catch students doing the right thing and call it out
  
  
• Use redirection strategies like proximity or positive narration
  
  
• If a procedure breaks down, pause the class, reteach, and have them try again
  
  

Repetition is what turns procedures into habits—and habits are what make your classroom run without constant correction.

Final Thoughts

Let’s recap.
The biggest classroom management mistake new teachers make during back-to-school is not teaching procedures like a lesson.

And when procedures are skipped or rushed, it leads to:

• Constant redirection
  
  
• Classroom disruptions
  
  
• Teacher exhaustion
  
  
• A lack of student independence
  
  

But when you:

• Decide on procedures ahead of time
  
  
• Teach them step-by-step like a lesson
  
  
• Reinforce them with visuals and repetition
  
  

You create a classroom that practically runs itself.

Ready to Feel Confident About Back to School?

If you want help mapping out your procedures and setting up your classroom with intention, here are your next steps:

Download the Free Classroom Setup Guide

This guide walks you through the top 10 strategies to save time, reduce stress, and feel more prepared for the first week of school.

Grab the Classroom Setup Bundle

Inside you’ll get 26+ done-for-you templates to set up your classroom systems quickly and confidently—without wasting your summer.

Enroll in the Classroom Kickstart Mini-Course 

This self-paced course will walk you through how to plan, organize, and automate your classroom for the year—so you can walk in feeling calm, clear, and in control.

You’ve got this. 

Love,

Helena <3

AKA 

The Present Teacher