Classroom Environment

Creating a positive classroom environment is vital. It establishes the tone and atmosphere is which teaching and learning will happen. Tomlinson says that the classroom environment will “support or deter the student’s quest for affirmation, contribution, power, purpose, and challenge in the classroom” (pp. 37).  Walls, furniture arrangement, bulletin boards, artifacts, materials, charts, posters, learning materials, and exhibits are all part of the classroom environment. Students, parents, and colleagues can get a sense right away of the teacher’s personality and goals by examining the classroom environment.

However, the classroom environment is more that just physical attributes. The affective attributes are just as important. The teacher’s demeanor and interactions with students play a huge role in the classroom climate. Do the students have a voice in the classroom? Are they seen as individual learners? Does the teacher take time to get to know students individually? Are individual cultures and learning styles respected? These are questions that every teacher must honestly consider.

Below are a few of my favorite ideas and tips for creating a positive classroom environment:

Physical Environment

·      Organize the geography of the classroom in a way that conveys flexibility
·      Represent various cultures and backgrounds through books, posters, and décor
·      Make space in the room for all kinds of learners, including students who need quiet and those who need interaction
·      Commend creativity by providing many materials for students to work with
·      Use lots of color and interesting things to look at in the classroom

Affective Environment

·      Greet students at the door each day
·      Call on students equitably
·      Teach multiple perspectives
·      Create opportunities for students to get to know one another and form connections
·      Use exit slips, journals, or class meetings to give students a safe place to communicate with the teacher and express concerns