Instructional Routines

Instructional routines are recognized teaching strategies and methods that can be associated with content nodes. Tagging content with routines helps teachers identify familiar instructional patterns and understand how to deliver the content effectively.

Overview

Instructional routines enable you to:

• Tag teaching strategies - Identify which instructional methods a lesson uses
• Support teachers - Help educators recognize familiar routines
• Enable filtering - Allow users to find content by routine type
• Promote consistency - Encourage use of proven instructional methods

What Are Instructional Routines?

Instructional routines are structured, repeatable teaching strategies that teachers can use across different content. They provide:

• Predictable structure - Students know what to expect
• Efficient delivery - Teachers have a proven framework
• Cognitive focus - Structure frees mental energy for content
• Flexible application - Same routine, different content

Example Routines

Using Instructional Routines

Adding Routines to Content

1. Open a content node for editing
2. Navigate to the Instructional Routines section
3. Click Add Routine
4. Search or browse available routines
5. Click to select and add

Viewing Assigned Routines

In the content node editor:

• The Routines section shows all assigned routines
• Each routine displays its name and description
• Click to view routine details

Removing Routines

1. Find the routine in the Routines section
2. Click the Remove button (X icon)
3. The routine is unassigned from this content

Note: Removing a routine from content doesn't delete the routine itself—it only removes the association.

Routine Picker

The routine picker provides easy access to the routine library:

Searching Routines

1. Open the routine picker
2. Type in the search field
3. Results filter by name and description
4. Select from matching results

Browsing by Category

Some routines are organized by category:

• Discussion - Talk-based routines
• Problem-Solving - Strategy-focused routines
• Sense-Making - Understanding-focused routines

Filter by category to narrow your search.

Routine Details

Each instructional routine includes:

Best Practices

Appropriate Tagging

Do:
- Tag content that genuinely uses the routine
- Use multiple routines if content incorporates several
- Choose the most specific routine that applies

Don't:
- Tag content that only mentions a routine
- Over-tag with loosely related routines
- Use routines as general topic tags

Routine Selection

Consider how the routine is implemented:

• Explicit use - Content is designed around the routine
• Suggested use - Content recommends the routine
• Adaptable use - Content can use multiple routines

Tag based on the primary intended use.

Teacher Communication

Routines help teachers quickly understand:

• How to structure the lesson
• What discussion patterns to use
• What materials to prepare
• How students will engage

Choose routines that accurately communicate these expectations.

Multiple Routines

Content can have multiple routines when:

• Different parts use different routines
• The lesson transitions between routines
• Routines are combined or scaffolded

Example:

Lesson: Exploring Fractions
├── Activity 1: Notice and Wonder (with fraction images)
├── Activity 2: Number Talk (comparing fractions)
└── Activity 3: Convince Me (fraction equivalence)


The lesson might be tagged with all three routines.

Routines in Search

Instructional routines enhance content discoverability:

• Filter curricula by routine
• Find all "Number Talk" activities
• Identify content using specific strategies

This helps teachers find familiar instructional patterns.

System-Level Routines

Instructional routines are system-level records:

• Shared across all accounts
• Managed by system administrators
• Consistent naming across curricula
• Not customizable per account

To request new routines, contact your system administrator.

Routines in Editions

When publishing an edition:

• Routine associations are included
• Routine definitions are referenced
• Editions show which routines content uses

Common Questions

"Who manages the routine library?"

Instructional routines are system-level and managed by administrators. Authors can use existing routines but cannot create new ones.

"Can I create custom routines?"

Custom routines require administrator access. If you need a routine that doesn't exist:
1. Check if a similar routine exists
2. Request the new routine from your administrator
3. Provide the routine name, description, and category

"What if content doesn't use a routine?"

Not all content needs routine tags. Use them when:
- Content follows a recognized pattern
- The routine helps teachers deliver content
- Routine tagging aids discoverability

Skip routine tagging for content without structured instructional patterns.

"Do routines appear to students?"

Routines are primarily for authors and teachers. Whether they appear to students depends on your publishing implementation.

"Can I see all content using a specific routine?"

Yes, use the routine filter in content search to find all nodes tagged with a particular routine.

"How are routines different from node types?"

Related Documentation:
- Working with Content - Content editing
- Managing Node Types - Node type configuration
- Attribute Bundles - Custom attributes