Creating+a+Positive+Classroom+Community

=** What is a "Positive Classroom Community"? **=

toc * A Place where students feel safe to take academic and social risks. __In Addition__: ** *Procedures and rules are clearly established and practiced consistently.
 * Students view their classmates in a positive manner.
 * Students treat others with respect.
 * Students know appropriate ways to handle social problems
 * Teachers are viewed as authority but are approachable and respected.
 * Parents feel welcome and are involved in class activities.
 * Parent communication constant.
 * Students are learning to take responsibility for their actions.
 * Students feel appreciated and valued.
 * Students take pride in their work.
 * A bulletin board for student work is established.
 * Students have responsibility in the classroom.
 * Morning meetings set the pace for social encounters.
 * Morning procedures are easy to follow and involve students directly.
 * Cooperative Learning is emphasized
 * Discovery through hands on learning is encouraged
 * Technology is integrated into the classroom

** 1. Teacher approach to learning **
In any classroom the teacher sets the pace of the learning environment. The teacher needs to have a **positive attitude**, be **enthusiastic** about learning, and **inspiring** to others. The teacher is **authoritative, but approachable**. In a positive classroom learning environment, students know the teacher has their best interests in mind and is **committed** to them. A day could begin with the teacher greeting students at the door with a warm smile and a meaningful hello. (Handshakes, High Fives, Hug to enter) __ Students know the morning routines __ that were established within the first few weeks of school. Students create the classroom rules within the first few weeks of school and they are visible for referral for the entire year. The teacher explains everyday procedures and the students practice them. (ie. Bathroom passes, lunch count, make-up work). The schedule for the remainder of the day is posted in a place for students to see. The teacher is **organized** and able to **transition smoothly** between subjects. The __students know what to expect__ in a day. __ Positive reinforcement __ is used in a consistent manner throughout the course of the day. The teacher, in a positive classroom environment, **emphasizes positive decision making** and inspires intrinsic learning. Consistent behavior management techniques are established. Students are rewarded for positive behaviors and appropriate consequences are given if a problem occurs. A teacher keeps the momentum going in a positive learning environment with his or her approach to teaching.

** 2. Classroom Set-Up **
No one wants to trip over chairs or get stuck in the flow of traffic. A classroom layout is important to creating a positive learning environment. The room needs to be **easily navigated through** and make sense for “traffic” flow patterns. Desks are clustered in a way to **encourage peer cooperation** and to keep the focus of the learners at the task at hand. **Learning centers** are around the room for students to engage in hands-on discovery.

** 3. Student to Student Relationships **
Kids are great! But let’s face it, they can also be really nasty towards each other too. Building positive relationships in a classroom is not always an easy task. Yes, a lot of times the mix of kids and the dynamics of personalities can create a more difficult social environment, but with guidance students can get along.
 * Morning Meeting ** is a time where students get together daily to share their ideas, struggles, and strengths. A morning meeting can be as simple as greeting each other in a friendly way, or students could reflect on an insightful question or share something personal to them. Through these short more structured encounters with their peers, it is hoped that students continue conversations in free time and learn similarities and differences of their classmates. By modeling these positive peer encounters, students learn how to respect others who are different than themselves. Through meeting times students also learn how to engage socially with each other and express themselves. Establishing this form of respect for oneself and others is critical in a positive classroom environment.
 * When Conflicts do Occur ** : Students also need to know what steps are appropriate to take if a conflict occurs. The classroom teacher and other staff workers are often whom children turn to in times of disagreement. These adults help guide students to know how to handle disputable situations. While each circumstance is different, it is important for teachers to not only help solve the problem, but to encourage students to make positive choices of their own. This will assist students in understanding how to eliminate future problems and how to take responsibility for their own actions by making healthy decisions.

** 4. Parental Involvement **
What is going on in the classroom is not a secret. Throughout the course of the year, teachers and parents need to have **constant open communication**. Before school even begins, the communication between parents and the teacher is ignited. Teachers send home information about how their class is run and what the parents can expect in the upcoming school year. In a positive classroom community, parents know how to contact the teacher if they have questions or concerns. The teacher may establish take home folders or parent communication journals to ensure the parents know what is taking place in school.
 * Parents know their children best ** . With insight from a parent, teachers are able to see more fully what the child’s life is like, and understand factors that may be affecting their education. Parents offer key information that can aid in the success of the student. Teachers work together with parents through conferences and regular correspondence to establish what is best for each individual.

Parents are often excited to be **involved in the classroom**. Parents volunteer their time to help plan class parties and special events. Having a special guest reader, a computer lab assistant, or a small group helper are ways parents can demonstrate they are dedicated to their child’s learning. Parents are great resources for any classroom!