Creating A Positive Classroom Environment

Building Relationships

Get to know your students! Make an effort to learn your students' names early on. Knowing someone’s name can go a long way. Also, take time at the start of class to ask check-in questions that allow students to share personal stories if they choose to, and follow up on those things so students know that you care. Asking them how their soccer game went over the weekend or what they thought about the book they just finished will create a positive rapport with your students, promoting a positive environment.

Promote Feelings of Safety

When a person feels unsafe or vulnerable it impacts their learning. Feeling safe is one of the most basic needs of all living beings. Students will not be able to learn as effectively if they do not feel safe. So, it is extremely important to create a classroom that students feel safe in so they can learn as much as possible. Establishing this feeling at the beginning of the school year, semester, or marking period through classroom expectations is a key strategy to build a foundation for a safe classroom. Then, holding all students accountable for following the expectations will be crucial for maintaining the environment. This is especially true in a health education setting since there are many topics brought up that students can be sensitive to.

Using A Variety Of Learning Styles

Incorporating various learning styles (tactile, auditory, visual) to appeal to all types of learners I will have in my classroom. This will also keep students engaged in what they are learning if there is variety. I will also provide opportunities for students to choose their formative or summative assessment assignment (paper, presentation, video, poem, etc) at times so they can use their strengths when showcasing what they have learned.