A Positive Classroom Climate

How should a teacher establish and maintain effective relationships with students (knowing something about individual students, showing interest and affection for each student, including student interest in content, engaging in physical behaviors that convey interest, and using humor when appropriate)?

 

1. Wait outside the classroom for the students to line up and greet them before they enter the classroom.

2. Create an environment where mistakes are welcome and celebrated.

3. Bring positive energy and attitude to the classroom.

4. Take into account student interests and implement them in unit and lesson planning.

5. Promote growth mindset 

6. Create time in the classroom for free-play of materials and experimentation 

 

High Expectations

How should a teacher communicate high expectations of all students in the areas of academic achievement, behavior, the affective domain, pride in work, and student goal-setting?

 

1. Clearly state expectations at the beginning of the year

2. Design art jobs that give every student the opportunity to showcase their leadership skills. 

3. Reestablish expectations when necessary 

4. Encourage students to produce and deliver their best in class

 

Rules, Norms, and Procedures

How should a teacher establish and enforce rules, norms, and procedures (to include behavior, transitions, equipment use, bathroom use, etc.)?

 

1. Rules and expectations are reviewed periodically.

2. Chimes and non-verbal cues implemented to indicate the transition from one task to the next. 

3. Draft and create classrooms norms with the students 

4. Introduce classroom procedures at the beginning of the school year and re-teach them when necessary. 

 

Managing Behaviors

What positive and negative strategies should be used (think token systems and Class Dojo, etc.)?

 

1. Reinforce a motivating classroom environment through positive reinforcement and appropriate consequences

2. A seating chart designed with the collaboration between students and teacher

3. Regular check-ins with the homeroom teacher and administrative team to ensure the progress of each student.

 

De-escalation Strategies

How should a teacher handle, prevent, and/or intervene in disruptive behavior?

 

1. Giving the student the space to express themselves and guiding them to regain their composure through peaceful exercises. (counting backward slowly from 10 to 1, deep breaths, etc)

2. Acknowledge the student’s feelings and validate them 

3. Ensure the seating arrangement is set up in a way that minimizes conflict. 

4. Speak in a calm manner and peaceful manner 

5. Keep the homeroom teachers, administrators, and counselors informed about the progress of students in the classroom. 

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