How to Create a Positive Classroom Climate

Build a positive climate in your classroom.

Providing a positive classroom climate sets the tone for learning and appropriate behavior from your students. Declare your classroom a positive zone and take steps to build an atmosphere conducive to helping students engage with you and each other.

Instructions

1. Take two minutes a day for 10 days to talk to your most difficult students individually. This will help set a caring tone, letting them know that you are interested in seeing them succeed.

2. Build a team spirit by letting your students get to know you and each other. Share stories about your family and likes and encourage them to do the same.

3. Ask students on the first day of school to help you set rules for the classroom, including consequences and rewards. Rules that students help to make will be less likely to feel arbitrary.

4. Make your classroom a safe place for students to ask questions of you and each other. This encourages conversation rather than you lecturing. Let your students know that there are no dumb questions and prove your point by thoughtfully answering queries.

5. Do not allow bullying in any form and take any report of this sort of behavior seriously, making Make it clear that your classroom is a place of acceptance and diversity. Model appropriate behavior by exhibiting interest in different cultures, learning styles and traditions.

References

• Teachers at Risk: Three Easy Strategies for Positive Classroom
• Penn State: Creating a Positive Classroom Climate
• University of Wisconsin: Creating Positive Classroom