It is so important to me to create and establish a caring and encouraging community in my classroom. Here are just a few ways that I do this!
(1.) Last year was the first year that I was deliberate about having my students write kind and caring notes to encourage their classmates. I was inspired by the book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today - A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud and David Messing. It was wonderful to see the excitement on the faces of my students when they received a note in their bucket. Encouragement is something we all need! I know I sure do!
I will read about “bucket filling” every year from now on. Here is the link to order it on Amazon.
(2.) On the first day of school, I establish my expectations by going over our class rules. I have three simple rules: Respect all of the teachers they work with. Next, I remind them that we will always put safety first. Finally, I remind them to respect each other, by keeping their hands and things away from others. I feel these three simple rules help to establish a caring environment, with expectations, as we give and receive respect from one another.
(3.) It is important for me to create an inviting environment. I do this by labeling things around the classroom with my students’ names. I believe this lets my students know that they were planned for and that they are valued!
(4.) I believe in being prepared each day. My students deserve the very best I can give them. Students know when we have taken the time to be prepared. I believe that this further inspires excellence in their day-to-day work. When I am prepared, I am a better teacher and it is much easier to model excellence, when I am doing what I expect from my students. It shows them that they really do matter!
(5.) Finally, I work at validating my students by listening and acknowledging day-to-day successes and wins! Positive encouragement goes a long way!
I am always excited to see our class treat one another with respect and encourage each other. It is a beautiful thing to behold. My hope for this year is to continue to CREATE, ESTABLISH, PREPARE, ENCOURAGE, VALIDATE, AND CELEBRATE!
No comments:
Post a Comment