"Sit down and Shut up!!You better stop before
I...I don't care, just do your work!!" -
Some Negative Teacher
Imagine a classroom where your teacher was
consistently irritated, angry, repeatedly yells at you and makes threats, is
sarcastic or disrespectful, and is always negative. Would you be able to learn? Focus? Would you feel supported? Warm and invited? Would you want to come to school? Chances are
less likely...right?
Establishing a positive classroom climate is just as
important as actually teaching a lesson.
In fact, I would say, you cannot do one without the other. Social development and academics are highly
effected by your classroom climate. It
is important, from day one, to establish positive relationships with both your
students and their families. It is very
easy for adults to make assumptions which leads to ignorance and/or disrespect.
Teacher must take the time to get to know and
understand students’ cultures, backgrounds, and upbringing. These factors shape who we are as
individuals. Even for us, our ways of
teaching, has a lot to do with our own backgrounds and/or beliefs. In some cases it shouldn't but it does. Teaching prekindergarten, gives me the
opportunity to help shape students attitudes towards learning and life.
Developing a positive climate in the classroom,
starts by having a set schedule and rules. Procedure and routine will help guide and support students. Keep rules simple and easy to understand.
Discussing rules with children and writing them down, gives them guidance and a
since of security. Choose your words
carefully when you are guiding children's behavior. Focus on what to do rather than what not to
do.
Displaying students work, labeling of cubicles, and tables gives students a since of ownership in the classrooms and helps them transition into their new classroom safely. Posting pictures of students with different backgrounds, and having books with students of different cultures will help children identify and relate.
Always set a good example, especially since children
watch you at all times. Students watch
how we cope with frustrations and anger, therefore we should be more conscious
of our actions. Also, encourage children
to set good examples for their peers.
This serves as a warm and positive cultured classroom, with less
conflict. Teach students how to resolve
conflict and solve problems. It is not
ideal for people to always get along or agree, however, having students recognize
and name feelings, identify problems clearly, and try possible solutions, will support resilience.
On day one of school, you should greet your families
at the door with a warm smile, find out as much as you can about the background
of each family. Give your students
praise and a lot of encouragement. Check
in with families and follow up with students, especially when students are
absent from school. Get parents involved
with changing the climate, by having class meetings, inviting parents to read
to the class, help plan outside play dates, and keep parents informed.
Providing safe classroom environments is an
important part of the mission to reduce bullying. Students need to see and
recognize that teachers and staff are in control and that they care about their
students. Here are a list of suggestions
that will help build a safe and secure classroom:
- Develop, post, and discuss rules and sanctions related to bullying.
- Treat students and each other with warmth and respect. Demonstrate positive interest and involvement in your students.
- Establish yourself as a clear and visible authority with responsibility for making the school experience safe and positive.
- Reward students for positive, inclusive behavior.
- Take immediate action when bullying is observed and consistently use nonphysical, non-hostile negative consequences when rules are broken.
- Listen to parents and students who report bullying in your classroom. Quickly and effectively resolve the issue to avoid perpetuation of bullying behaviors.
- Notify parents of all involved students when a bullying incident occurs, and resolve the problem expeditiously, according to discipline plans at school.
- Refer students affected by bullying to school counseling or mental health staff, if needed.
- Protect students who are bullied with a safety plan.
- Hold class meetings during which students can talk about bullying and peer relations.
- Provide information to parents about bullying behaviors and encourage their involvement and support in addressing bullying issues.
