Students are quiet and in their seat when the bell rings: This allows me to get started right away. It also allows for a signal stating that it is my turn to talk.
When the bell rings, the students will take out any homework from the night before: This saves time on asking the students to do this every day. They know that as soon as the bell rings I will start looking/collecting the assignment(s). The assignment is considered late if not out or handed in at the appropriate time.
Seating: Students are not to leave their seats unless they notify me first by raising their hand and asking (e.g. getting tissue, bathroom use, or sharpening a pencil).
Lecture: During lectures, students will have their notebooks open and be to ready to take notes.
Group work: The students are told how to place the desks before and after each session. As a class, we practice the routine until they understand what is expected.
Bathroom: Unless it’s an emergency, it is made clear not to ask until independent/group work time. If students abuse the privilege, I just stop letting them go.
Lateness: 3 tardy's result in a school detention by school rules.
Dismissal: The students do not leave their seats until I dismiss them. This is to ensure that I finish explaining anything that is important for them to hear.
Finishing work early: If students finish work early they have the opportunity to work on other work, or on the monthly extra credit problem.