Creating a positive classroom culture includes many different factors. Studies have shown that a positive classroom environment encourages student achievement. Students will thrive in a space they feel comfortable in. Positive classroom culture is beneficial to the teacher and students. Several factors can contribute to creating a positive culture.
What is Classroom Culture?
A positive classroom culture involves creating an environment where students feel safe and can speak, offer ideas and provide a place where they belong. It’s about creating a culture of trust and acceptance and establishing an environment in which students are empowered. As a teacher, you can cultivate healthy classroom environments by focusing on students’ critical thinking skills and being consistent in following rules and disciplining students.
Importance of Creating a Classroom Culture
A classroom culture of trust and acceptance is the foundation for establishing an environment with which students are empowered and comfortable. A positive classroom culture promotes student involvement.
How to Set up a Classroom Culture
Developing and maintaining a positive classroom culture enhance students’ personal and social development. Several factors contribute to creating a positive culture. Classroom culture involves creating an environment where students feel safe and free to be involved.
Positive Classroom Culture
A positive classroom is one where every student feels valued, accepted, and part of the group. One way to develop a sense of belonging is by doing team-building activities that will strengthen student relationships. These team-building activities are great at the beginning of the year or really at any time, you feel like your classroom may need a little refresh! Try some of these games next time!
Tip #1: Routines
Another way to set up a a positive classroom is by establishing routines and keeping them consistent. Establishing a classroom routine is another way to develop a positive classroom culture in which students feel comfortable. In contrast, if you do not have set routines it gives students the opportunity to “play games” and leaving a lot of wiggle room.
Tip #2: Rules and Expectations
It is also important to set rules and expectations with incentives for good behavior and deterrents for disruptive behavior. Check out this blog post for some whole class rewards! Students will know what is expected of them, what they can expect from their classmates, and what they can expect from their teacher. Therefore making classroom management a little easier. Establish routines and keep them consistent. You can even work together as a class and ask your students what kind of rules there should be.
Tip #3: Praise
Use praise well in the classroom to develop a positive culture in the classroom. Celebrating students’ successes and praising their efforts will then help to create a positive environment and help to develop the growth mindsets of your students. Along with giving praise to your students, it is important to turn problems into teachable moments.
You can view the problems as something to build upon. Try to put a positive spin on it and get students interested in taking steps to solve problems when they arise. This helps to develop problem-solving skills as well as teamwork in the classroom.
Tip #4: Jobs and Responsibilities
Give out “jobs.” Giving students responsibilities in the classroom not only makes them part of the day-to-day running of the classroom but can help to boost self-esteem. For example, jobs can include things like handing out papers, being the door holder, taking care of the classroom pet or plants, etc. You can change it up every week to allow each student to try every task.
I love to create friendship bracelets with my class. They are all the rage right now and my students love them. Each bead represents a different character trait or feeling and they are really easy!
Creating a positive classroom is more than just having fun lessons and activities. You have to develop a sense of classroom management, learning, and positive team building. In addition, it is important for students to know they belong in your classroom no matter what!