Use these 10 Essential Questions, Restorative Practices: Better Outcomes Through Solution Fluency, Mindful Assessment: The 6 Essential Fluencies of Innovative Learning, Growing Global Digital Citizens: Better Practices That Build Better Learners. COPYRIGHT 1996 - 2020 BY EDUCATION WORLD, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Of course, learning is strengthened and solidified when it occurs in a safe, secure and normal environment. Move around and interact with students, and create a connection. What not to do First, be sure the classroom is clean, orderly, and inviting. The student may not be comfortable with t… No thanks, I don't need to stay current on what works in education! Direct Instruction: 7 Important Differences, The 9 Big Advantages of Inquiry-Based Learning, 8 Exceptional Inquiry-Based Learning Activities Students Will Love, 6 Reasons Why STEM Learning Belongs in the Modern Classroom, 10 Imaginative Science Videos for Your Curious STEM Learners, 8 Ways to Start Building Ultimate STEM Learning Environments, 15 STEM YouTube Channels for Exciting STEM Learning, 10 Exciting Primary School STEM Projects Kids Will Love Exploring, The Simplest Ways to Practice Classroom Mindfulness Right Now, 4 Inspiring Stories of How Great Teachers Changed Someone's Life, 10 Reflective Questions for Teachers to Use Every Day, 7 Life Skills Learners Can Benefit From Having Beyond School, 10 Powerful Motivational Quotes for Supercharging Lifelong Learning, Future-Focused Learning: Ten Essential Shifts of Everyday Practice, How Constructivism Makes for a Meaningful Learning Environment, 6 Strategies for Writing Essential Questions That Will Inspire Learners, Teaching Global Digital Citizenship? Without these conditions in place, learning cannot b… Everyone is an individual, with different experiences, abilities and needs.” Why is security so important to us? International students coming from these educational or social backgrounds may be extremely hesitant about questioning the instructor, asking for clarification, or even answering questions posed by the instructor. Establish and sustain a safe, inclusive learning environment It is essential when teaching that the behaviour of learners is managed effectively and that you promote the appropriate behaviour and conduct, whilst encouraging respect between learners (Petty, 2009). Your movement around the classroom helps make your teaching more engaging. Students need to feel safe in order to learn. If there are papers on the floor or things falling out of desks, it is distracting. These days, workplace health and safety procedures are important for the well-being of both employees and employers because human loss is … Set it up so that it is easy for you to walk around. A safe classroom environment is the only type that is comfortable for learning. There are many components that go into making a positive learning environment for students. Are they disengaged from one particular topic? You can find security lights, fences, doors, locks, windows, cameras, alarms, and even mailboxes. Model respect for your students, and teach them to show respect for one another. It also creates a good environment for the kiddos and the teachers. Needs Improvement Proficient Exemplary Maintains a physical environment that is unsafe or does not support student learning. It encourages students to be directly involved, it helps them develop a basic skill –writing so that others can read what they write, and most importantly, it will save you work and allows you to keep your face to the students. Students who feel safe and secure in their classroom are more likely to do well in school and graduate. Teachers should create a welcoming atmosphere where student feel safe and willing to share. Teacher's Lounge Virtual Instruction Advice - Keeping My Smile. One of the major benefits of safe learning environments is that students will begin to take pride in their work and in themselves. One of the best ways to help your kids along on this goal is to skip right to the end result and celebrate their achievements as they are happening. Creating this condition requires thoughtful and constant attention to the security and safety of the facilities; creation of clear policies and procedures for student and staff conduct; frequent and effective communication with parents, families, and the school community; and attention to classroom management as well as the requisite professional development. positive, safe learning environment. You can find security lights, fences, doors, locks, windows, cameras, alarms, and even mailboxes. The student may not be comfortable with this, though. It's report card time and you face the prospect of writing constructive, insightful, and original comments on a couple dozen report cards or more. We like parks with clearly marked trails. Clean surfaces help prevent the spread of illness, which is common in an early childhood setting.Achieving a clean space boils down to having a consistent routine. Creating a safe learning environment for students is a daunting task. When you are greeted warmly, it conveys a positive atmosphere; someone cares that you are there. The classroom environment can contribute to problems between students as well as reduce student engagement and learning. Here are some tips: It is also important to think about the environment of the school, beyond the classroom. Learning Environment It is important to create a safe and healthy learning environment in order to ensure communication. Place mirrors next to the dry erase board and the chalk board so that even when you may have to turn your back to write on the board, you can still keep an eye on students. Teachers should keep in mind that the classroom is a child’s second home for the entire school year so they should feel as comfortable as possible (both physically and emotionally), safe, intellectually stimulated and respected. Staff are protected from misplaced allegations. All aspects of the learning space described encourage activity, thinking, and learning. Learning Environment It is important to create a safe and healthy learning environment in order to ensure communication. Students need to feel safe in order to learn. EducationWorld is pleased to present this administrator resource shared by Linda Dusenbury, Ph.D., a researcher and expert in evidence-based prevention strategies designed to promote student competencies and motivation, and to create safe and nurturing classrooms and schools. If you ask most adults why they're afraid of public speaking, one of the most common answers that you will get is that they're afraid of being judged. An effective environment will also be responsive, containing features that involve all five senses and provoke thinking, open-ended outcomes, and creativity. Without these conditions in place, learning cannot b… If a student writes a particular essay you're really impressed with, read it out loud for everyone else to hear. Look at your classroom and ask yourself if it is a place that is distracting, or a place that encourages students to do their best. If a student writes a particular essay you're really impressed with, read it out loud for everyone else to hear. When you stand in the hallway or cafeteria, what do you see? Practice useful failure and turn mistakes into learning opportunities. It also helps with classroom control. No matter what a student says, make it a habit to respond with respect. The culturally responsive teaching practices outlined above can help establish a learning environment that sets all students up for success. Water and hydrogen peroxide mixture 3. Some schools have given a lot of attention to what happens in all areas of the building, working hard to make sure students are always well supervised by adults. The environment itself plays a significant role in their development. Feel free to laugh with your students and be vulnerable. Lysol wipes 2. Too slowly? We all have a need to feel safe in our environment. Some schools feel like prisons, where students may not even be allowed to talk, and students may seem overly compliant. This is the only reason that why it is important to create a safe working environment. Smaller group sizes and lower child-to-adult ratios help you create and maintain an environment that promotes health and … Carelessness in the safety can sometimes cause a bigger damage. If you show kids how important kindness is by taking every opportunity to be kind yourself, they will follow. They need to feel secure in order to want to participate. A safe classroom environment is the only type that is comfortable for learning. Contact us to find out more about how we can help your transform your school. As a teacher, you have a moral obligation to create a safe learning environment in which students can grow and learn. Think of how you feel entering a room of people. When teachers and schools give careful thought to how the environment is arranged, authentic learning is enhanced and incidental behaviour issues can be prevented. Parents talk to other parents about the importance of education and creating a peaceful home environment so children can study. Both extremes are likely to take something away from the learning experience. Classroom setup is an important component in a learning environment because it is an essential piece of classroom management to support both teaching and learning. Let them know that differing opinions are a great thing and that being "wrong" isn't a bad thing. A school must be safe. learning environments, some of your learners come into your setting feeling this chip. It also creates a good environment for the kiddos and the teachers. Creating a classroom that is organized and that is characterized by mutual respect makes it a lot easier to teach effectively, and one of the most important things teachers can do to promote learning is to create classroom environments where students feel safe. What do you hear? A clean child care center looks good to prospective families. Staff are protected from misplaced allegations. A positive environment is one in which students feel a sense of belonging, trust others, and feel encouraged to tackle challenges, take risks, and ask questions (Bucholz & Sheffler, … An effective environment will also be responsive, containing features that involve all five senses and provoke thinking, open-ended outcomes, and creativity. If you want to survive the school year, then you must set clear expectations … When the students understand that their teacher cares about them and wants them to do well, students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and taking risks in order to learn something new. Creating a positive learning environment is essential for success in the classroom. Keeping your face to the students is important for good classroom control, especially when you’re using active teaching methods that invite student participation. Creating a safe learning environment for students is a daunting task. Copyright © 2020 Education World, Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and receive. You can create safe learning environments for children if you also lead by example. Ensure that the physical environment is tidy and disinfected on a daily basis. This includes safe transportation to and from schools, healthy relationships with teachers, and a positive school climate that … Struggling Students? If you’re using interactive approaches such as small groups and cooperative learning, it’s especially important to create a classroom where students feel safe asking questions and contributing to discussions. The classroom environment can contribute to problems between students as well as reduce student engagement and learning. These days, workplace health and safety procedures are important for the well-being of both employees and employers because human loss is … Just as each of us hold memories of good and negative. Are you moving from one lesson to another too quickly? Give kids choices on how they can do assignments. Simply put, students learn better when they view the learning environment as positive and supportive (Dorman, Aldridge, & Fraser, 2006). Students literally become active players in the learning environment, which is an empowering and exciting shift away from the passivity of sitting stationary at a desk for an hour. A stimulating environment makes for a stimulated child - the environment in which a child is in can have a very direct impact of their learning, children who feel more engaged in their learning environment are known to be more receptive. In order to provide a safe and engaging learning environment for students, it is important for teachers to: Consider simple addition… Assuring that all children experience safe, stable and nurturing environments is an important goal for public health. Of course, learning is strengthened and solidified when it occurs in a safe, secure and normal environment. Do they like to work by themselves or are they more comfortable breaking down into teams? Unfortunately it's a very rotten task to fix a pipe on time or looking out for cracks in doors and windows. The reverse is also true, however. When you create a climate of safety and respect, learning will follow. Apply this to children by greeting them by name and welcoming them at eye level (with a smile!). There are a number of things teachers can do to set up classrooms that feel safe and well-organized. Everyone is an individual, with different experiences, abilities and needs.” Create a list of guidelines that are "law" (ex: no name-calling, bullying, etc.). We like parks with clearly marked trails. In the long run, engaging students in learning will make all your teaching more effective. Even something as simple as this will put you on your way to creating the safe learning environments your kids always dreamed of. Allow students to be openly expressive and encouraging to others. Are your students feeling uneasy about the environment that you've already created? These thoughts only get us goose bumps. It’s everywhere: Despite how tough their lives can be, kids wake up ready to laugh. Classrooms should represent the students equally and everyone should know each other's name. Creating a supportive and understanding learning environment is particularly important when discussion activities deal with sensitive issues in relation to mental health and wellbeing. Our professional learning programs,  award-winning blog, and books and resources support the journey. Education World®     Students literally become active players in the learning environment, which is an empowering and exciting shift away from the passivity of sitting stationary at a desk for an hour. When the students understand that their teacher cares about them and wants them to do well, students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and taking risks in order to learn something new. Lysol wipes 2. It's just one single question that drives your whole unit, so be sure to make it count. Students not only need to feel physically safe in their school and classroom, but emotionally and intellectually safe as well. Communication leads to trust, and trust leads to a safe learning environment for the children. Take steps to change yourself to fit in with how they want to learn first and foremost. According to the National School Climate Center, a safe and caring school environment is one in which students feel positively connected to others, respected, that their work is meaningful, and that they are good at what they do. We would love to keep the conversation going on social. Deep thinking, helpful insights, and inspiring stories from schools around the world. Arrange your classroom so that you have all the resources you need – all the books, calculators and materials – right where you can find them, within easy reach, so that you never have to stop teaching or turn your back on your students. A safe learning environment is focused on academic achievement, maintaining high standards, fostering positive relationships between staff and students, and encouraging parental and community involvement. A positive classroom environment is an important tool for establishing a successful and effective school year. Teachers should keep in mind that the classroom is a child’s second home for the entire school year so they should feel as comfortable as possible (both physically and emotionally), safe, intellectually stimulated and respected. Make it safe for students to participate and ask questions. We look for places that allow us to recognize and respond to any d… Make the environment such that it's okay to express confusion respectfully. When teachers and schools give careful thought to how the environment is arranged, authentic learning is enhanced and incidental behaviour issues can be prevented. Here are some supplies that are useful to have on hand: 1. Why Is School Safety Important? Be conscious of the environment in your school and classroom. Why it is so important to deliver PSHE education in a safe learning environment Some of the strategies which can be used to help do this PSHE education covers a very broad range of themes but is fundamentally about the way in which we can support pupils to develop the knowledge, skills, understanding and attributes that they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. Classrooms should represent the students equally and everyone should know each other's name. Everyone in the organisation is clear about roles, responsibilities and … Make it easy for students to pull their desks together to do small group work. In your quest to foster safe learning environments, your biggest ally along the way will be your learners themselves. These thoughts only get us goose bumps. Safe, responsive, and nurturing environments are an important part of supporting the learning and development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. According to the National School Climate Center, a safe and caring school environment is one in which students feel positively connected to others, respected, that their work is meaningful, and that they are good at what they do. Ask students to write on the board for you. If a student draws a particularly striking image, post it in public so everyone else can enjoy it. Unfortunately it's a very rotten task to fix a pipe on time or looking out for cracks in doors and windows. The result is that their children are learning … Many children view school as a refuge such as the children that live in the school district known as the ‘Corridor of Shame.’ Learners can rely on those in positions of trust. Everyone in the organisation is clear about roles, responsibilities and … Such environments also help to prevent challenging behaviors and serve as a core component of interventions … This is the only reason that why it is important to create a safe working environment. They are places where learners feel at home. Classroom setup is an important component in a learning environment because it is an essential piece of classroom management to support both teaching and learning. Water and hydrogen peroxide mixture 3. Creating a supportive and understanding learning environment is particularly important when discussion activities deal with sensitive issues in relation to mental health and wellbeing. Clean surfaces help prevent the spread of illness, which is common in an early childhood setting.Achieving a clean space boils down to having a consistent routine. One of the best ways to help your kids along on this goal is to skip right to the end result and celebrate their achievements as they are happening. All staffs should have a responsibility for ensuring health and safety in their environment at all time. Sign up for our newsletter. Teachers can enhance their lessons / courses by creating a safe and supportive learning environment. For students to learn, they need to feel safe. Uses inappropriate or ineffective rituals, routines, and/or responses to reinforce positive behavior or respond to behaviors that interfere with students' learning. There are a number of things teachers can do to set up classrooms that feel safe and well-organized. Communication leads to trust, and trust leads to a safe learning environment for the children. Classroom environment is one of the most important factors affecting student learning. An effective learning environment encourages learning through play with a rich set of materials and learning opportunities. Emotional Environment Creating a positive learning environment is essential for success in the classroom. All staffs should have a responsibility for ensuring health and safety in their environment at all time. Creating an inclusive learning environment is an extremely important aspect of modern education, which, according to Gravells (2008: p18), ensures that “ […] all learners are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity. The practices at the … Celebrate student work in different ways. Health and safety is one of the most important factors to consider when a practitioner provides an appropriate environment for learning and development. Adverse childhood experiences … All aspects of the learning space described encourage activity, thinking, and learning. Safe learning environments translate into comfortable learning environments. When you build a unique relationship with children, learn their cues and communications, their likes and dislikes, their strengths and the areas where they need support, you help them feel safe. 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