Classroom Environment

The classroom environment plays a big role in helping maximize each student’s growth and the class as a whole. It also forms communication from the teacher to the student. There are many different factors that form the environment of the classroom. My first field teachers always had students work up around the classroom. I think this communicated to the students that their work was important and she valued it. She was always changing the stuff on her walls to the unit they were working on. She had posters and word walls up about their current units to offer help and support. I feel she created a great classroom community. If students can’t make connection with the environment around them it probably won’t mean anything to them.

Some other strategies to help build positive environments are:

• Study Students’ cultures- It’s important to understand our students and a little bit about their background in order to help them succeed and grow
• Convey Status-this will not only help build they student who you are recognize doing important and worthwhile things it will also help other students see positive attributes in others. I also think this will help them to look for and notice for themselves positive attributes in others rather than negative.
• Commend Creativity
• Make room for all kinds of learners-It’s important for teachers to realize students learn in all different ways. We must make it possible for all students to learn and grow to their max.
• Help students know about one another- There are many ways to help students get to know each other. My favorite it probably morning meetings. I feel if these are done right they can really bring classroom community and a sense of everyone helping each other learn and succeed. I think the more students really know each other the more they’ll want to help one another succeed.
• Celebrate success – Everyone likes to feel successful. Success helps motivate us to keep learning and growing.