Your first day is vital in starting to build a positive classroom culture. As soon as your students walk in the door, they will need to feel the culture of your classroom, and by the end of the first day of class, your students will have a solid idea of who you are as a teacher and what you expect from your students.
We have discussed creating a positive classroom climate. But how can teachers create a positive classroom culture? And what is the difference?
Classroom Climate vs Classroom Culture:
Classroom climate refers to the feel of the classroom. This is driven by relationships, the space, the sounds and smells, the teacher’s tone, and emotional safety.
Classroom culture is defined by the shared beliefs, values, traditions, and norms of the classroom. It’s how things are done, the underlying philosophies that drive behaviors and decision-making. Culture drives climate.
How do you build a positive classroom culture?
Culture is often referred to as the “unwritten rules” of the way a place works. We recommend you write them down. You can, and must, teach and live your classroom culture from day one.
Here are tips to build a positive classroom culture with intentionality.
- Set up Behavior Management Processes: There needs to be clarity about behavior expectations and consequences for not meeting those expectations. These expectations must be agreed upon by the students and upheld consistently and fairly. Be explicit about the school’s (and your classroom’s) mission, vision, and values. Align student behaviors with these values. Don’t talk about respect (abstract); talk about actions of respect (concrete).
- Have High Expectations: Hold your students accountable for their behavior, their work, and how they treat one another. Expect them to give their best and believe they can and will.
- Build and Model Strong Relationships: Give time and energy to get to know your students, listen to them, and learn about them. You can also share parts of your life with them. If you want to build relationships, you have to allocate time for them.
- Build Strong Relationships with Your Students’ Families: We are in the age of the drone parent. So, when you have high expectations, you need to communicate this with families. Tell them that their student will feel challenged and frustrated at times. And that’s part of the education process, and you don’t doubt they will succeed. Bring those drones on board!
- Be a Great Student: The best teachers are the best students. Show your love for learning. Prepare your classes to meet the diverse learning needs of your students. This requires different teaching strategies, engaging curriculum, and relevance. Show vulnerability and allow yourself to not know the answer, and discover learning with your students as well.
Culture is every day. Your classroom culture is revealed in what you share and emphasize. What you allow and tolerate. It is ongoing and the undercurrent of what your students will live. As a teacher, it is up to you to build a strong, positive classroom culture from the moment your students walk through your doors.
Great school culture is not an accident. It happens when we recognize that we all depend on each other, and then work together to create supportive, caring conditions for everyone — students, teachers, support staff, guests, everyone! ~ David Geurin, Principal
