As a teacher you set the tone of your classroom. From the way your classroom is set-up to the procedures you set in place, your classroom environment will either encourage or hinder a child’s learning experience. My classroom is far from perfect and I would NEVER tell anyone that I have everything figured out. However, I have found 5 things that have really changed my classroom environment and I believe they will change your classroom too!

 

1. We listen to music for the majority of our day.

Studies show that listening to classical music can assist in your brain’s memory and increases brain wave activity. We listen to classical playlists of Mozart, Beethoven, and relaxing nature sounds throughout our day.

Mozart and Beethoven are not the only thing we have in our collection of music for the classroom. I teach in a Christian School and so that allows me to be able to play praise and worship during our day. Each morning I start an upbeat praise and worship playlist. I believe this sets the tone for our day. I would encourage you to find a fun playlist to play as you welcome your students into the classroom each morning. We normally have 10 minutes before the tardy bell rings in our classroom and Mandisa’s “Good Morning” is a crowd favorite.

My students are so used to having music playing in the background, they now ask for me to turn on music to “help them think”. As I get my students started on an independent activity or center work, the music brings about a hushed concentration where I can visibly see that all of my students are engaged.

2. We have a trampoline in our classroom.

I wish you guys could have heard the questions that my kids asked the day a trampoline showed up in our classroom. I quickly said that the trampoline was not to be touched and let them wonder why we had a trampoline in our classroom. The kids waited with anticipation and curiosity for me to explain. Actually come to think of it, I don’t think I ever really explained why we had a trampoline. I waited for a moment when I knew my kids were zoning out and about to enter into a math induced coma. I hopped onto the trampoline and jumped with excitement over our math lesson. Heads turned, mouths dropped, and giggles ensued as they watched their dear teacher jump on a trampoline in their classroom.

You would have thought I told the class they were going to Disney World, the moment a little girl brought me an assignment where she had gone above and beyond what I asked. I announced that “she believed in excellence and told her to give me 10 good jumps on the trampoline.” Heads turned. Mouths dropped. Gasps! The child beamed with pride and I noticed my students motivated to provide me with their very best work. Not everyone has been able to jump on the trampoline yet. Jumping is not a daily thing for students, but it is an honor that is earned. My students are quick to tell others they have to earn jumping on the trampoline and when they do it is a HUGE celebration.

3. We write on our desks.

Gasp! Do you remember getting in trouble for writing on your desk in elementary school? Each of my students keep an expo marker in their desk. When I am working on whole group phonics lessons, I have my students use their desk as a dry-erase board. My rule is if you start drawing pictures and doodling, you have to use a regular pen and pencil.

4. We get comfortable when we read.

I allow my students to sit where it is most comfortable for them when they read. I have areas in our room that encourage alternative seating arrangements. As long as my students are focused, I do not mind where they choose to read or work on a center.

5. We teach each other.

I remind my students that learning is hard work. I try to come up with little chants and rhymes to help my students remember things we are studying. I encourage other students to share their strategies for learning a new concept. It makes my heart happy when my students make up their own chant/cheer to remember things. Most recently a little girl came up with “Watch me Flip, Flip. Now watch me add, add” We were covering flipping the addends in addition.