Mar 09 2009
My Supportive Classroom
This idea of a supportive class room is one, which I battle with all the time. I keep thinking how I would go about creating a classroom that is consistant, safe, inviting, fun and supportive for everyone.
To this I think that the first week of term should be all about relationships , building a sense of team work and community in the classroom.
Holding honest disscussions with the students of what they think, it means to build a supportive and inclusive classroom. Get their ideas down and together work out the rules of the classroom, despite my usual few rules, which have to go along with me no matter what. I would do this so, everyone understands what is going on and how the process is going to work. No one one can turn around later and say I didn’t know etc, because everyone was present and engaged in the process and agreed to the rules. Possiably using an “OOGA BOOGA” Stick to get a turn at talking etc. Maybe get the students to write a rule down on a peice of paper and pull it out of a hat, and then as a class discuss the rule etc.
Making sure that there is space for everyone to have a turn and voice their opinion, and how to do that in a constructive manner, instead of a combating and defensive manner. Also that they feel safe to bring up issuess that they are concerned about. And really try and emphasize honesty with the classroom. Do lots of work on the differnt roles that we have when we are talking and the roles of the audience etc.
Lots of games where students have to problem solve with differnt people in the class and really get to know each other. The games would help the students to think as at team and develop some empathy for eachother. Also they can see that each person in the class is different and have strengths in different areas to them, emphasize that this is a good thing and is important to respect eachother and that difference and they can help out when needed etc.
Also I think that, I would set aside some time on a day maybe Friday each week, to have a class disscussion where students can raise any issues about the class and not be scared to talk about it. I would assure them that no one is going to judge them and that they are supported by everyone in the class and therefore can talk about what they want. Then as a team , see if we can work on it together. Of course I would lay down some guide lines, and talk about what is appropriate and not in front of the class. Some things you might just want to talk to me or an adlut about, but if it is on how the class is running or something they saw in the play ground or in the community, then that is great. I would talk about the steps of how we resolve problems if they arise with each other, and we never use names of people if we are having a disscussion about or something that has happened.
Thats how I think I would try and build a supportive classroom.
Please comment on this idea, if you disagree with it. I would love some input. Maybe you have got some good ideas that I havent thought about. Cheers
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I think you made a really good point with the need to foster a sense of community in the classroom. That is where i think good and productive behaviour management strategies can also come into play through class involvement in a class set of rules.
I agree with your blog on creating the supportive classroom. especially the part of the frist week of school being focused on building relationships. Personally i think that the first 5 or six weeks should be spend on this topic, because that then sets the classroom up for success for the rest of the year. Also depending on the age of the students. Say if they were younger the process may be harder and more time consuming than if they were older. Great ideas in your blog i found it very enjoyable to read. thanks