If you want to learn more about how to build a healthy classroom then read on…. Building a healthy classroom culture is one of the most important teachers can do to facilitate student learning.

The first step to build a healthy classroom culture is to listen to student ideas and implement them when possible.

I was teaching kindergarten and we were working a Science unit on living things. We talked about how we need air to live and to do other things.

One of the students mentioned that we need air to fly kites.  Another student then suggested that we make kites to fly in the air.

I  thought it was a great idea but I also wondered about how I could make this happen and what other science lessons I could incorporate.

 I gathered the materials and the students came up with the idea to fly the kites outside and test how fast they would go. I wrote up a lesson plan with their ideas included.

The students made the kites as a part of the lesson.  Once the children took the kites outside, they were so happy and excited.

I was open to the students’ ideas and actually took action. It was work at first, but it was one of the best things I did because I saw that my students so happy and excited.

The second way is to give students a chance to just socialize with their peers, just to socialize.

As teachers, we have a lot on plates, between teaching, lesson plans and everything in between, sometimes students need time to just talk with their peers.

Usually, at the end of the day, I’ll give students the time to just talk in the classroom and you’d be surprised to hear the things they talk about.

It helps them to be able to speak freely without restrictions, which helps them to feel safe and creates a healthy classroom culture.

Another way to build a healthy classroom culture is to model embracing mistakes.

Teachers are instructional leaders of their classroom and it can be hard to admit when you’ve made a mistake.

Sometimes we may have not assessed a situation correctly or blamed another student for something they didn’t do. 

Once you realize, admit that you’ve made a mistake and apologize, the students see this and will be more willing to do the same because you have modeled this behavior.

Third, encourage students to be problem solvers.

A lot of times, students want their teachers to solve every little problem they have.

However, this can be exhausting for teachers. The one question I always ask my students is how are you going to solve the problem? At first, they’ll say I don’t know but after a minute or so they’re actually able to give a viable solution.

This will make them feel able to handle problems individually and as a class, thus creating a healthy classroom culture.

Finally, have fun with your students to help build a healthy classroom culture.

When students are on brain breaks, sometimes its fun to join them and let them see your silly side.

Summary:

1. Listen to student ideas and implement them when possible.
2. Give them a chance to just socialize with their peers, just to socialize.
3. Model embracing mistakes.
4. Encourage students to be problem solvers.
5. Have fun.

What are some ways you build a healthy classroom culture?