3 Tips To Create Classroom Culture That Students Can’t Deny

With the school year in full swing, teachers may be endlessly searching for ways to expand their effort as educators to create a positive classroom culture that nurtures individuality while also promoting engagement for every student. In 2020, the University of Turku looked closer at the connection between psychological safety in the classroom and an increase in engagement (Kaila, 2020). Educators can easily promote MORE LEARNING through language, responsibility, and procedures to create the best space for all students social and emotional needs within education.
 

Here are 3 tips to provide a consistent, safe, and relaxed environment for every student:
 

1. New ways to create inclusive environment – Lets create a great environment for all walks of life: race; ethnicity; color; national origin; language; geographic location; religion; gender; sexual orientation; gender identification; age; physical ability; size; occupation; and marital, parental, or economic status.

• You need to have those uncomfortable conversations. Avoiding conversations about sensitive subjects will not teach, heal, or build unity throughout your classroom.

• Spend time getting familiar with social justice and equity conversations before you start making changes in your classroom.

• Model acceptance of all students by providing a safe space where they feel respected, valued, and cared for. If you do this, your students will do the same.

• Work on class values through writing prompts (“what do you stand for?”, “what does empathy and respect mean?”, “what classroom rules should we follow?”, “what does___ mean?”.

• Emphasizing pronouncing students’ names correctly. We all come from different backgrounds and taking the time to learn an uncommon, hard to pronounce name will squash students’ perception of “different”. (Plus, the students won’t feel singled out for something as simple as a name!)

• Make sure you include diversity in your classroom posters and decor – This can be a free and fun way to create a positive and inclusive environment for every student. You could even create a self-portrait wall of all the students in the classroom to show off everyone’s uniqueness.

2. Deal with the Stress – It can be impossible for students to learn when they are stressed. Taking account for the social-emotional wellbeing of your class is more important than ever.

• Developing a classroom management plan can give students some control in the classroom. Obviously, teachers need to have control over the curriculum but sharing this plan and considering your students’ feedback can alleviate stress for not only you, but your students all year long.

• Having extra help sessions for struggling students outside of class will not only reduce the confusion for students who don’t speak up in class but may help those who need to understand the concepts through different learning styles.

• Provide resources on the first day to give students easy access to school counselors, mental health contacts, and any other important contacts your students might need to succeed. Make sure to post these in a visible spot in your classroom or make them available on websites or syllabi for easy access.

• Teaching time management allows students to spend less time on their assignments and more time on activities unaffiliated with school. Not only does this reduce stress but will also hand students the tools to achieve future goals.

• Have a moment of humor and laughter every day. Everyone loves a mood booster benefiting the mind and body. Laughter releases dopamine in your body, reducing stress and makes a positive impact on their memory. So, play that fun music every morning, a silly video in the afternoon, or assign a student to tell a joke before each lesson. Get creative and let this be fun for you as well.

3. Provide Consistency – This goes hand in hand with making you and your students feel less stressed. If your classroom is predictable, you will not only build trust and respect but increase participation and engagement with your students.

• Daily Agendas – Posting a schedule for students to follow, expect, and understand at the beginning of everyday is a simple step in the right direction. It automatically makes the day predictable. Just make sure you follow this schedule!

• Fresh starts at the beginning of everyday can limit resentment and animosity between you and the students. While students are focused on their education, they are also focused on their bad day, big emotions, homelife, and countless other reasons leading to their behavior.

• Use silent signals. Be consistent on handling classroom disruptions and rule breakers. You can use many methods such as silent desk tapping as a reminder to stay on task, handing out stop sign signals, or gentle reminders when walking around the room. This provides consistency yet doesn’t distract OR embarrass students.

• Prioritize self-care. Putting energy into yourself reduces exhaustion and frustration that can lead to a lack of effort carrying out consistent classroom practices. Prioritize restful sleep, nutrition, hydration, and meditation. You could even have your students take a mindful minute and instill self-care while benefiting yourself.

Every educator is here to make an impact on their students’ lives, big or small, so let’s start here. These simple changes in your classroom could be the reason a student loves their educational journey. Remember that learning stems from a mindset, so providing the right tools in a safe environment will set your students up for success.