My classroom will have a welcoming, caring, productive, and positive climate.
Welcoming What will this look like tangibly?
Welcome Mat by the Door
This makes it feel like home. When students see the word “welcome” as they are entering the room, they can feel that they are in a place where they belong.
Students’ Desks Labeled with their Names
Labeling each desk with a name gives the students a place in the room that they can call their own. It is their “home base” while they’re in the classroom. There will always be room for them in the classroom and they never have to worry about someone else filling their place.
What will this look like intangibly?
Teacher Greeting Students at the Door
It is important that the students are greeted with a smile as they enter the classroom. This says, "I'm happy you are here today!" Using names and welcoming students into the room makes them feel valued (Wong, 2009).
Welcome Letter
The teacher will send a letter to each student before the school year begins. This letter will include a little information about the teacher so that the students can get to know him or her and start to feel comfortable with their teacher before they start the school. This letter will let the students know that their teacher is excited to have them in their class for the year.
Caring What will this look like tangibly?
Notes for Friends
Once a week, students will write a note to a classmate. Each student will receive one note every week. These notes will be given a template, such as, “You are a great classmate because______.” Students will feel cared for by their classmates because of the kind words that are written about them.
Student of the Week
Each week there will be a “Student of the Week”. This student will get to assist the teacher in special tasks, get a special seat, and will have a chance to do a show and tell in front of the class (Newingham, n.d.). The student will feel cared for as they share their personal interests with their teacher and classmates.
What will this look like intangibly?
Open Communication
The teacher will be available and open for students to talk to. This will help the students develop respect and trust for their teacher. It gives the teacher a chance to show how much they care for the students.
Personal Facts
There will be a can of popsicle sticks, one with each students' name on it. At the start of the school day, the teacher will draw a few sticks from the can. The students whose names are drawn will share a little fun fact about themselves, what they've been up to, or future plans that they are excited about (B. Frazier, personal communication, 2015). This allows the students to feel as though their teacher and classmates care about their personal life.
Productive What will this look like tangibly?
Full Assignment Tray
Students will be using their class time effectively so that they do not have to use their personal time to complete assignments. At the end of each lesson, the assignment turn-in tray will be full of completed work.
Wall of Success
One of the bulletin boards in the classroom will display student work that shows great effort. Students will also be able to staple a star to the board that has their initials on it. The star will be given to them by their teacher when they have gone above and beyond expectations.
What will this look like intangibly?
Hard Workers
Because of the classroom expectations and procedures in place, students will know how and why they should work diligently. They will use their time in the classroom effectively.
Collaboration
Students will work together and draw ideas from each other. They will share their thoughts and ideas and give each other feedback.
Positive What will this look like tangibly?
Encouragements on the walls
Posters, plaques, and signs with encouraging words will give students motivation and help them feel optimistic. Students will remember these sayings as phrases as they see them on the walls every day.
Sticky Notes
The teacher will write affirming words on a sticky note as they notice positive behaviors in students in stick them on their desk as students are silently working. This will lift students up and help them feel good about themselves.
What will this look like intangibly?
Optimism
Students will have positive attitudes and be encouraging of each other. They will rejoice in the success of others and work toward their own successes.
Positive Feedback
The teacher will give specific feedback to students on their positive behaviors and actions. This will allow students to feel capable and allow them to develop their self-concept (Fay, n.d.).