The classroom environment is one of the most important factors affecting student learning. Students learn better when they view the learning environment as positive and supportive. A positive environment is one in which students feel a sense of belonging, trust others, and feel encouraged to tackle challenges, take risks, and ask questions.
As teachers, we must provide the best that we can to our students. How do we create a healthy classroom environment that motivates our students and enhances the teaching-learning process?
Here are some guidelines that I follow:
- Set clear behavior expectations from the first day of school and stick to them throughout the year
- Have a no-bullying tolerance policy with clear consequences
- Spend time building the classroom community and discussing how students are more alike than different
- Adopt “bucket filler” thinking and encourage students to point out the positive. Hang up motivational posters to keep kids in the right mindset
- The model is the positive person you want your students to be from the moment they enter the classroom
- Create a class “Get Fit” routine and take daily fitness breaks even if it is just for five minutes
- Dance to relieve stress, get the wiggles out, and transition to new activities. Use online videos to teach the kids a few dance moves to one of their favorite songs
- Encourage healthy snack options and host a “Mystery Fruit Friday” by bringing in unusual fruits each week for children to sample
- Have a “Walk Across America” challenge throughout the year and encourage students to wear pedometers and track their steps
- Bring in plants or grow an herb garden in your classroom
- Open the windows and let fresh air in at least once a day
- Take water breaks and encourage students to stay hydrated. Allow students to have reusable water bottles that they can keep at their desks and refill as needed
- Play calm, relaxing music throughout the day. Provide privacy shields to help students focus
- Boost moods with happy, exciting music during transition times
- Have “Mean Clean Friday” every week where students clean out and wipe down their desks, chairs, small group tables, large manipulatives, etc.
- Give genuine praise, praise, and more praise. And then some more
- Validate students’ dreams and goals by posting them on bulletin boards, on the class website, and in the weekly or monthly newsletter
- Keep pump bottles of hand sanitizer around the room in easy to reach places for students’ use. Remind students to wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom
- Talk about “gross behaviors” and “healthy choices” to promote healthier interactions. Give examples of positive changes students can make rather than calling out poor choices they’ve made in the past
- Get to know your students individually. When you know them, it is easier to quickly spot when they are having a bad day
- Do team-building activities frequently to encourage respect, communication, and collaboration between students
- Emphasize that the classroom is a safe, healthy environment for all students, and no one has the right to take that away from anyone
- Never “call out” a child in front of the class. If there is an issue, deal with it away from the other students
- Make parents and families aware of your classroom rules, code of conduct, and expectations for behavior from the very first day of school
- Let your students know that you adore them and think that they are the best group of children you have ever had. Remind them frequently throughout the day
Happy teaching!
