Classroom Climate, Environment and You!

How can I set the mood to help foster learning for students in
the classroom?
Visually:
1. Hang posters and quotes that motivate students on a daily basis.
You want students to enter the classroom with a positive attitude.
For example, All students have gifts; they just open them on
different days.
2. Display plants and flowers around the room. Students will learn the proper care of
plants and as a result gain a sense of responsibility and appreciation for science. Plants
will also provide a colorful and great addition to your classroom.
3. Example: Use the plant as a class project. The class could make observations
regarding plant growth and plant use. Note: Be sure to ask administrators about class
pets/plants that you can use in your classroom.
4. Pay close attention to the windows in your classroom. Due to lighting and positioning,
you may want to hang curtains to help hide outside distractions and/or block sunrays.
Chose curtains that are practical in your classroom, and you may even try to set a
theme For example, you may want to choose fabrics that portray the different seasons.
How can I design an organized working space where
materials are easily accessible for students?
Physical Layout
1. Designate areas around the room to help students easily
navigate. For example, in an elementary setting, provide a
colorful area carpet for the reading circle. For a secondary
setting, label the area designated for experiments in a
science classroom. Labeling surrounds the students with
words to help with word recognition.
2. Dont be afraid to change the arrangement of the desks in the classroom. Every class is
different and you have to be able to adapt. Even though you might not favor traditional
rows it might be the best solution to a behavior problem in one of your classes. Note: Be
sure to have clear aisles. Always keep up to date seating charts for the substitute
teacher.
Can I use music to enhance student learning in the
classroom?
Auditory

1. Use music as an influence in your classroom. Playing soft
non-lyrical music can help calm students and minimize t
when students are working on daily assignments. Inform
students that if you can no longer hear the music they are
talking too loudly.
alking
Example, use up beat music to motivate student activity or lighten the mood.
Play music during clean up, it can speed up an activity.
Use music to enhance thematic units.
Teacher Communication Skills
Ways to keep communication open with

How can I introduce the parents to classroom and school
activities?
Parents
1. Write a sample letter introducing yourself to the classroom. Include background
information to parents, short term goals, contact information, (no educational
jargon)
2. Ask about your school newsletter. Find out if you can add info in the school
newsletter. This will help you introduce yourself to everyone in the school.
3. It is important to contact administrators if your school has a homepage. If so, add
your own class website to the homepage. Include lesson plans, a class photo
gallery, students artwork, etc. If your school does not have a homepage see
about getting one started. This is a great resource for students as well as
parents.
4. Start a communication log for parents and students. Ask students to keep a
notebook and write notes weekly for students to send home to their parents.
Write positive notes as well as negative ones.
How can I create open communication between staff members?
Staff
1. Go to your school before the first meeting and
introduce yourself to the administrators. Take your
portfolio with you so he or she knows you are highly
qualified.
Bring questions to ask, gather staff contact
information, research school committees and volunteer, ask about extra
duties and the school discipline policy, find out where the mailboxes/lounges
are located, ask about professional development/how can you document it,
volunteer to update homepage (enhance technology), offer yourself so other
teachers come to you which helps build relationships, ask about how your
record your own absences
2. Be courteous to other teachers such as share master copies/ideas with teachers
at your level. Stick extra copies in their mailbox with a note that says, I had
some extra
3. Confidentiality- dont discuss a child by their name
4. Ask the administrators for a mentor, inquire about the mentor program. You need
to know what to expect from your mentor and what needs to be documented
5. Find out about extracurricular activities and be involved. The more you are
involved as a beginning teacher you will form relationships with the community as
well as staff
6. Get a copy of the school calendar and the emergency and safety policy
assemblies and write the times on the board. It is important to post the schedule
so all the students can see it.
3. Establish a morning routine for students and be consistent. For example, inform
the students that when they enter the room hand their coats, record hot lunch or
cold lunch, etc.
4. Always use visual reminders. Invest in a giant agenda to stress organization and
responsibility.
5. Create 5 rules or less. Students will more likely remember the rules if there are
less than 6. Also always have the rules posted along with the consequences.
You need to set expectations for your students.
6. Foster communication within the classroom using student blogs.

How can I establish clear and concise expectations
for both teacher and students?
Students
1. Start your first day of school the way you want to
end your last day. Show your personality the first
day to the students so they can adjust in the
beginning.
2. Review the days agenda for the students.
Highlight any differences such as pep
PROMOTING A POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE
What is school climate?
School climate may be defined as:
. . . the sum total of all of the personal relationships within a school. When these relationships are
founded in mutual acceptance and inclusion, and modelled by all, a culture of respect becomes
the norm.
What are the characteristics of a positive school climate?
When a positive school climate exists,
students, parents and staff members feel safe, comfortable and accepted
healthy and respectful relationships are promoted among all members of the school community
students are encouraged to be leaders and positive role models for example, by speaking up
about issues such as bullying
parents and community members are actively engaged
positive behaviour is reinforced and students are given opportunities to develop relationships
that are free of racism, discrimination and harassing behaviour
there is a culture of high expectations in which the improvement of learning outcomes for all
students is emphasized
all cultures are respected and valued.
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Students
who are safe and
welcome
in their school
Student
Voice
Character
Development
Equity and
Inclusive
Education
Leadership
Development
Safe and
Healthy
Schools
Parent
Engagement
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Developing healthy and respectful relationships among all members of the school community
Guiding principles
Everyone has a role to play in building a welcoming, positive and inclusive school climate.
Success depends on the active involvement of school leaders, staff members, students,
parents/guardians and community members who are committed to a shared, well-developed
vision of a safe, caring and supportive school community.
Building a positive school climate requires a focus on developing healthy and respectful
relationships throughout the school community among students, among adults and between
adults and students.
Building a positive school climate means embedding the principles of equity and inclusive
education in all aspects of the learning environment to support the well-being and achievement
of all students.
No single solution can guarantee the creation and maintenance of a positive school climate.
Success requires an ongoing, comprehensive and collaborative effort on the part of everyone
involved.