TL;DR:

• Consider the importance of establishing a classroom climate that is warm.
• This post shares lesson ideas you can try to establish and incorporate into your own routines.
• It is important to consider student voice when building climate.
• To make climate a first priority in teaching, there are 3 items to include in your teacher toolbox. (1) Build empathetic relationships. (2) Have clear norms and expectations. (3) Teach meaningful content that makes your lessons memorable.

Classroom Climate Tool Box = Mindful, Meaningful, and Memorable

Building my classroom climate has been my secret superpower for establishing and nurturing relationships with students while fostering a clear understanding of expectations.

Building my classroom climate has been my secret superpower for establishing and nurturing relationships with students while fostering a clear understanding of expectations. Click To Tweet

 Equity and Inclusion Reflection Questions:

1. What climate do you visualize in your classroom?
2. What is a lesson that you can do to bring your classroom together?
3. Write down three reasons why building a classroom climate will make your life better as a teacher.

Toolbox Item 1: Build an empathetic relationship with your students.

Not starting off the day right away but giving time to settle in is a key consideration.

Creating a space where students have the choice and voice to establish their routines at the beginning of the day is crucial, whether you are teaching online or in person.

Board Games, Quote of the Day Reflections, Quiet Reading, Snack Stations, and Doodle Books are some established stations that I have used to start the day. These allow students to find their own choice of seating and start off the day with success.

Toolbox Item 2: Establish an understanding of the classroom expectations and commonly established norms of collaboration.

Morning check-ins are an established practice in my classroom. I also love the idea of a greeting at the door. Because it starts out the day well, it is something I try my best to do even when there is a snowstorm outdoors and there are delays. Moreover, please note, do this according to the established practices in your school district and supported norms.

For example: According to Ontario, Canada certification, we as educators are not allowed to touch a student other than to hi-five them. So in Ontario, we will be using this model in a differentiated manner so that we are following Ontario College of Teachers Regulations.

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Toolbox Item 3: Teach mindfully, meaningful content that makes your lessons memorable.

When teaching, one crucial aspect I prioritize is transforming the curriculum into a student-centered approach, actively involving them in their own learning. I am genuinely interested in learning more about your lesson ideas.

If you have been following my blogs, you’re probably aware that video hooks are among my favourite methods to captivate students and initiate discussions about various topics they are studying. For instance, I have a compelling lesson hook that revolves around fostering conversations about nutrition, cultivating healthy eating habits, exploring diverse cultural foods, and promoting a sense of acceptance towards all types of food during snack time. Extensive research indicates that maintaining a healthy diet at school and throughout the day can enhance student performance on tests, while also fostering motivation and concentration, ultimately helping them reach their full potential.

Here are 6 opening and closing routines for teachers.

One online idea that has worked for me is whooshes. I love asking students for input to get insight into their learning, ideas, and answers so that we can collaborate online while working on learning curriculum-driven content.

An in-person/hybrid idea that has worked for me is silent ball. This game establishes a classroom climate to ensure students are united. The game encourages participation. It builds a supportive network of friendships and establishes a group of students that network together like family. All you need are a couple of safe small balls to throw into the circle that students make around the classroom.

Yours in Education,

Nilmini

References

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/6-opening-and-closing-routines-new-teachers-rebecca-alber

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About Nilmini Ratwatte-Henstridge

Nilmini lives in Ontario, Canada. She was born in Sri Lanka is immigrated Canada. Educator at heart, she is passionate about equity, inclusion, social justice and human rights in education.

She believes in understanding people as she travels to explore cultures in our world during her spare time, loves cooking at home and trying out new flavours, and continues to follow the latest fashion news!

Nilmini loves staying connected with global educators via social media: author, blogger, podcaster and most importantly, just exploring life.