Establishing a Positive Classroom Environment

One of the most important aspects of being an educator is creating a classroom environment that is

welcoming, friendly, and acknowledges student diversity. In my experience, students learn better, and are able to absorb more information when their classroom environment is safe, and comfortable. The school and classroom environment is a home away from home for all students, and for some students this institution provides a safe haven. School can be a place where students are able to find peace, understanding, support, and positive trust figures. For students that have more structured home environments schools becomes an immediate place for learning, and developing social relationships. 

In order for teachers to establish a positive classroom environment, the school climate should resemble what teachers are implementing in their classrooms, and vice verse.  Establishing clear school rules and expectations creates an overall positive school environment. While having clear classroom expectations will create a well-balanced and structured classroom environment. There are some rules and expectations that should work equally between the school and classroom; one in particular would be an Anti-Bullying policy. I have visited some schools, and noticed that they have lots of Anti-Bullying signs posted in their hallways. I question myself, what are schools really doing to make sure that students are not being bullied? What resources are available for students that are being bullied, that will give them the opportunity to seek help? And furthermore, do teachers and administrators really know what signs to look for inside and outside the classroom when a student is being bullied? It is important that teachers are aware of specific behaviors and signs that a student is being bullied.

As teachers we should spend time getting to know our students and understand them. It is important that teachers show students that they are concerned and that they care about who they are in spite of the cultural differences we may share. Every morning I greet my student as they walk into the school building. I greet them with a smile, and give them a positive compliment, or tell them that I am happy to see them. This initial greeting gives me the opportunity to show my students that I care about them, and that I am happy to see them. It also gives me an opportunity based on their response and body language to see if they are having a good or bad morning. When students know and understand that their teacher cares and is concerned about them they are more likely to ask their teacher for help, and guidance. On the other hand when a student feels that their teacher does not care, they may exhibit aggressive behaviors in class, lack participation, become disruptive, or isolate themselves. 

As a special education teacher there are several things that I would like to implement in my classroom to ensure that all of my students are being included, and that there is no cultural division within my classroom. At the beginning of the school year I do a class activity call “Who Am I.” I give my students magazines, newspapers, crayons, glue, and construction paper. Using the materials and resources that they have they are to create a poster that explains who they are. The poster should say where they are from, what their hobbies are style of cloths, favorite food, sport etc. After the students have completed their projects they will present their project to the class. After they present the projects, their peers are given the opportunity to ask questions about what they presented. This activity gives me to opportunity to learn a lot about my students likes and dislikes, and their cultural backgrounds. I have Creative Fridays in my class every week. On Creative Fridays students are given the opportunity to bring in something that is valuable to them, and that represents who they are as a person, they are also allowed to bring in a cultural dish. My Ethiopian students brought in a rice dish that she eats when she is in her country. It consisted of some sort of homemade tomato paste, and vegetable all blended together.  The students really enjoyed tasting and being a part of her culture for the moment. Some of them expressed that the moment was important because they may never get to travel away from the United States, yet they can experience the cultural differences within their class.

Classroom Strategies: Including Diversity

1.      Post signs that address cultural diversity

2.      Teach students simple greetings in another language

3.      Incorporate cultural learning experiences within lessons

4.      Allow students to share stories about their cultures

As teachers we take on many different roles and responsibilities. I can honestly say the hardest part for me when trying to develop positive relationships with my students is being completely honest with them about how I feel. No, I am not saying that I want to share my life story with them, however I find it difficult and challenging when trying to understand them to relate because I don’t want to cross the line of professionalism. However, I have come to realize that I can be honest and “real” with my students, because I too have been in similar situations. I took five steps back and addressed my own personal bias and vendettas in order to move forward with my career, and building positive relationships with my students. I have put aside my own beliefs and perceptions become more open to a world of different beliefs. I have realized that the reason I have struggled with some of my students is because I allowed my own personal feeling and beliefs to determine the way I work with them. We all have different beliefs, perceptions, and ways of thinking, and this should not affect our abilities to develop positive teacher-student relationships. Once I accepted that “my views are not the same for everyone” I have been able to develop some very positive relationships with my students. We are able to communicate and understand each other better, and it makes the learning environment less tensed and more positive.