Creating Classroom Climate
Classroom Layout
Many of the tangible elements of my classroom environment can be seen on the classroom diagram on the left. In an ideal classroom I will have seating pods, which contain a grouping of six desks. This allows students to easily break into partner groups, triads, or small groups to create an classroom climate conducive to cooperative learning and collaboration. The arrangement of these pods provide an open space in the classroom permitting me to walk around the room and check on students without difficulty. Also, all students will be able to see both the black board and the teacher with ease. My desk will be located in the front right corner of the classroom, where I will be able to view all students and they will be able to see me.
In the front left corner of the room will be the reading corner. Bookshelves will contain a variety of books and reading materials. A rug, comfortable chairs, and a reading lamp will also be included, creating a pleasant area to read.
Also located in the front of the classroom are several bulletin boards. These boards will hold the daily class schedule, the calendar, important classroom information, and highlight the Start Student of the week.
The kidney shaped table supplies an area for me to work with a small group of students and creates a space which can be used during classroom learning centers.
The rectangular table in the diagram on the right of the classroom represents the classroom science learning station. This area will be used for science labs, to hold science equipment, and also to hold classroom plants, which will be tended by students.
At the back of the class are six computers. This allows a small group (one pod) to work at a computer based center. The computers can be used as a resource for students' learning and a tool for word processing.
On the bulletin board at the rear of the classroom, I will display high quality examples of students' work. I will ask students for permission before displaying any work. This creates a way for students' work to be showcased and celebrated in the classroom.
Posters and pictures will also be hung throughout the classroom to brighten the room, add color, and create a more engaging learning environment for the students to enjoy.
In the front left corner of the room will be the reading corner. Bookshelves will contain a variety of books and reading materials. A rug, comfortable chairs, and a reading lamp will also be included, creating a pleasant area to read.
Also located in the front of the classroom are several bulletin boards. These boards will hold the daily class schedule, the calendar, important classroom information, and highlight the Start Student of the week.
The kidney shaped table supplies an area for me to work with a small group of students and creates a space which can be used during classroom learning centers.
The rectangular table in the diagram on the right of the classroom represents the classroom science learning station. This area will be used for science labs, to hold science equipment, and also to hold classroom plants, which will be tended by students.
At the back of the class are six computers. This allows a small group (one pod) to work at a computer based center. The computers can be used as a resource for students' learning and a tool for word processing.
On the bulletin board at the rear of the classroom, I will display high quality examples of students' work. I will ask students for permission before displaying any work. This creates a way for students' work to be showcased and celebrated in the classroom.
Posters and pictures will also be hung throughout the classroom to brighten the room, add color, and create a more engaging learning environment for the students to enjoy.
Classroom Environment
The intangible elements of my classroom are equally as important as the tangible components in creating a safe and welcoming classroom environment.
Beginning of the Year
First Day of School Activities
On first day of school, students will:
Throughout the Year
Star Student
Every week, one student will be highlighted as the student of the week. This student will have their picture put up on the front bulletin board along with a written reason why they are a star (e.g. a talent or special skill that student has). The rest of the students will write on a card for the Star Student, telling this student why they think they are a star and what they like about having the Star Student as a classmate. The Star Student will receive the card at the end of the week.
Classroom Jobs
Classroom jobs foster student responsibility and help each student to play a vital role in the classroom. Each student will have a responsibility to complete his/her classroom job. Student jobs will be assigned on a rotating, weekly basis. A list of student jobs will be located on the bulletin board. Students can easily check to find their weekly job by finding their clothespin, which is located next to their classroom job. I will review the expected role of each classroom job with students at the beginning of the year.
Jobs will include:
Nurtured Heart Approach
Howard Glasser's Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) will be used in the classroom. This approach to classroom management holds three main tenets:
In my classroom, I will use the NHA to create a positive learning environment that encourages positive student behavior, creates favorable teacher-student relationships, and communicates a sense of student responsibility. The NHA increases the desired actions of students, while decreasing negative actions, creating a classroom climate that is advantageous to learning.
Beginning of the Year
First Day of School Activities
On first day of school, students will:
- Complete a Student Interest Inventory sharing personal interests and opinions. This will allow me to get to know my students on a deeper level.
- Participate in a class-building activity, a classmate scavenger hunt. This activity will provide the students with an opportunity to get better acquainted with their classmates.
- Share questions and concerns. Student will have the opportunity to privately share any concerns or ask questions about the upcoming school year. I will be able to address these student questions and concerns with students individually.
Throughout the Year
Star Student
Every week, one student will be highlighted as the student of the week. This student will have their picture put up on the front bulletin board along with a written reason why they are a star (e.g. a talent or special skill that student has). The rest of the students will write on a card for the Star Student, telling this student why they think they are a star and what they like about having the Star Student as a classmate. The Star Student will receive the card at the end of the week.
Classroom Jobs
Classroom jobs foster student responsibility and help each student to play a vital role in the classroom. Each student will have a responsibility to complete his/her classroom job. Student jobs will be assigned on a rotating, weekly basis. A list of student jobs will be located on the bulletin board. Students can easily check to find their weekly job by finding their clothespin, which is located next to their classroom job. I will review the expected role of each classroom job with students at the beginning of the year.
Jobs will include:
- Line Leader
- Door Holder
- Teacher's Assistant
- Pledge Leader
- Pencil Sharpener
- Gardener
- Librarian
- Messenger
- Sweeper
- Paper Passer
- Clean-up Crew
Nurtured Heart Approach
Howard Glasser's Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) will be used in the classroom. This approach to classroom management holds three main tenets:
- Refuse to Energize Negativity
- Energize the Positive
- Provide And Uphold a Perfect Level of Limits (Ahmann, 2014)
In my classroom, I will use the NHA to create a positive learning environment that encourages positive student behavior, creates favorable teacher-student relationships, and communicates a sense of student responsibility. The NHA increases the desired actions of students, while decreasing negative actions, creating a classroom climate that is advantageous to learning.