As the school year begins, the importance of creating a positive classroom culture is essential. Students learn best in environments where they feel safe, valued, challenged, and connected to the adults around them, write Tiffany Wilson-Pugh, Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Dr. Luther Riley, and Rachel Campbell of the Empower Community School, in an eSchool News essay.
Begin with relationships
As educators, we cannot expect students to respond positively if we are directing without first connecting. Greeting students by name, learning about their interests and their families, noticing when they are absent, checking in with their families, and repairing relationships after a conflict (regardless of who “started it”) demonstrate that each child matters.
Emphasize consistency, intentionality, and high expectations
Effective teachers remain fully present, intentionally plan engaging lessons, adjust instruction when students need additional support, and bring positive energy into the classroom every day. Students often mirror the emotional climate established by their teacher. When expectations remain clear and consistent for behavior, attendance, participation, or academic performance, students flourish. Maintaining high expectations recognizes every learner is capable of growth even though the circumstances behind a student’s struggles may be real.
eSchool News
