The best time to start developing a positive learning environment in your classroom is during the first days, weeks, and months of the school year–but it's never too late to get started. As educators, it is our responsibility to create an atmosphere conducive to learning and where students can find a sense of place. These aspects include learning new vocabulary and learning to use new vocabulary in speaking. Classroom setup is an important component in a learning environment because it is an essential piece of classroom management to support both teaching and learning. When the children feel safe, they are more willing take the risks necessary for effective le… Ive been promoting this idea for years, and was recently reminded of its importance when reading a recent article featured in ASCD in support of content-area literacy-rich classrooms. One method is to monitor what you say as children are sensitive to words, especially coming from a teacher (or parent). Teachers must first make sure that materials are safe for classroom use. It is also important to be a positive role model to students. Students have voice and choice in matters that pertain to them. Supplies such as scissors, glue, crayons, etc. Classroom environment is one of the most important factors affecting student learning. Writing is another aspect of a language rich environment. Creating a classroom environment where children feel motivated to engage in only positive behaviors will reduce disruption and create little need to apply reactive strategies. Additionally, issues of diversity play a role in how students and teachers view the importance of the classroom and what should happen there. A differentiated classroom should support, and is supported by, an evolving community of learners. You can start on creating an environment that is conducive to learning and maximizing student social and academic growth in 10 easy steps: Greet your students each day with enthusiasm. Find something positive to say as much as possible or as much as time will allow for. The literacy-rich environment emphasizes the importance of speaking, reading, and writing in the learning of all students. This makes it possible for the teacher to introduce new skills or steps suited to a particular group. Ensure that feedback is positive and accurate. Do everything you can to make the physical environment of your classroom as comfortable and cheerful as possible. If you plan on an individualized, self-paced curriculum, you might set up learning stations.The physical layout should also reflect you. Children also learn to use voice inflection and convey feeling through speaking. Too much sugar reduces a child’s ability to concentrate while foods with caffeine like chocolate or pop can be over stimulating and keep children from sitting still or staying on task. If classroom furniture is uncomfortable or broken enabling students to wiggle in their seats they will not stay focused. Here are five elements of a strengths-based classroom environment. In fact, students come to the university classroom with different backgrounds, sets of experiences, cultural contexts, and world views. How to Help an Attention-Seeking Child in the Classroom, 10 Ways Teachers Can Communicate Expectations to Students, How to Create Classroom Management Routines, 6 Ways Elementary School Teachers Can Welcome Students Back to School, Individualized Education Programs That Support Self Esteem, How to Handle Aggressive Behavior in the Classroom, 10 Ways to Promote Self-Directed Classroom, Teaching Strategies to Promote Student Equity and Engagement. Making sure each student feels like they belong in the classroom is essential in order to maximize the effectiveness of the learning process. Creating an Effective Physical Classroom Environment Every teacher knows that a safe, clean, comfortable and attractive classroom can stimulate learning and help build a classroom community. Creating a positive classroom environment is a very important aspect of effective teaching. Learning habits are constantly modeled. Children who feel good about themselves tend to have an easier time handling conflict, resisting negative influences and remaing optimistic. The physical layout reflects your teaching style. After establishing a classroom community, the final step in creating a positive atmosphere conducive to learning is to develop a positive classroom climate and culture. In order to make sure your classroom environment is appropriate and welcoming for an ELL learner there are a few essentials. These students may move ahead rather than being held back while the rest of the class catches up. One of the goals of creating a student-centered environment should be to make learning joyful, challenging and engaging. Other ideas: color coordinating by class or activity, alphabetizing, and arrangement of supplies by class schedule. Resources in this section address how an instructor might keep students motivated, and how to prevent, detect and deal with cheating, plagiarism and other infractions of academic integrity. Similarly, what is displayed on bulletin boards and on the walls of classrooms tell a great deal about the learning that is occurring in the classroom environment. Another feature of a conducive classroom environment is proactive and encouraging social relationship. Our \"humanistic exercises\" were a bad joke in this setting.I suggested that she ditch the exercises and work with the class to totally change the physical environment. But for many teachers, setting up the physical environment of their classrooms can be quite daunting, especially when faced with older buildings, crowded classrooms and insufficient storage space. If you have the responsibility of providing a snack, some healthy ideas are: raw vegetables and a low-fat dip, fresh fruit cut in slices or halves, non-sugared cereals, snack mixes made with popcorn and whole grain cereal and unsweetened fruit juices. If you want students to collaborate in small groups, for example, organize them around tables or clusters of desks. It is relatively easy to help foster good self-esteem in students as an educator. There are several ways to describe a classroom depending on the layout and what perspective you are describing it from. Self-esteem plays a major role in how students perform in school. Cognitive, meta-cognitive, and behavioral ‘good stuff’ is constantly modeled. Positive teacher-child relationships build trust, help the children feel secure, and increase the level of cooperation. Regardless of the perspective, you can take advantage of the senses of sight, touch, and smell. 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All Rights Reserved. Building a positive relationship with your children is at the foundation of effective teaching. Clean out your attic, basement or garage. Classroom environment in a setting that strives for differentiation is, if anything, even more of a factor in shaping success. It is important for children to start their day with a wholesome breakfast which depending on circumstances, doesn’t always happen at home. Classroom set-up and environment are not the only factors, which affect learning. Foods that contain sugar are unhealthy, and interfere with learning. When we walk into any room, the first pieces of information we get about the environment are visual. With out consistent application, teachers will not be able to create a sense of place for their students; A place which needs to exist whether students need a nap or not. In a language-rich classroom, you can foster all aspects of language in young children. Here are 10 specific strategies for developing the optimal classroom climate… Almost all of us have spent a great deal of time in the classroom, beginning in kindergarten and extending for years beyond. I knew she'd have support from a principal committed to transfor… Creating a supportive and understanding learning environment is particularly important when discussion activities deal with sensitive issues in relation to mental health and wellbeing. By nurturing your own self-esteem and exuding a positive image, students will try to mirror you and your actions. However, many common snack foods are high in fat, sugar and sodium. A classroom is a learning space in which both children and adults learn. A classroom’s climate and culture are the atmosphere and quality of life in a classroom. Provide floor cushions, beanbag chairs and inspiring artwork. Students should be able to work with others in group to … In many scenes set in classrooms, windows are highly symbolic. Tubs, shelves, or containers labeled with student names or class to store their work in when it is in progress and trays for turning in work to the teacher help to easily locate and keep items in place. Toxic properties and age appropriateness must be recognized. Seating should also be arranged so that the teacher can move easily among students to monitor their work and behavior. Frequently, parents try to blame their children’s learning difficulties on educators when in fact their children are simply not getting enough rest. Proactive approaches may include students co-creating classroom rules, or having students create and sign a learning contract at the beginning of the year. This involves the selection of materials that will facilitate language and literacy opportunities; reflection and thought regarding classroom design; and intentional instruction and facilitation by teachers and staff. Thrive Public Schools is one of the most joyful places we have visited. Early Childhood Classroom Environment For Children 1241 Words | 5 Pages. As educators, we want to ensure that our students achieve success in our classrooms. It was more like an interrogation chamber than a classroom. Greet children in the morning, call them by name, communicate at eye-level, etc. Have you ever noticed what the teacher did to make learning more inviting? A short story set entirely within the boundary of a classroom is “ Carnation ” by Katherine Mansfield. You can start on creating an environment that is conducive to learning and maximizing student social and academic growth in 10 easy steps: Sue Watson is a developmental support counselor who has worked in public education since 1991, specializing in developmental services, behavioral work, and special education. Was it colorful posters, clear and consistent rules, and fun and interesting teaching methods? Copyright © 2020 Bright Hub Education. Children do not feel like listening or learning when they are tired and perform below their learning potential. I believe that one of the most important things to do is to make the student feel comfortable. Positive teacher-child relationships will also positively contribute to your children’s intellectual and social development. In order to provide a safe and engaging learning environment for students, it is important for teachers to: While we do not have power over what parents do at home, as teachers we may have to make accommodations and adaptations for these instances including, keeping snacks in your classroom to energize students and always being a positive role model to promote self-esteem. 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