Building a Positive Classroom Environment
Building a Positive Classroom Environment
Lesson duration is: 30 minIntroduction
Items in this lesson
Building a Positive Classroom Environment
Welcome to this lesson for promoting a positive learning environment!
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Building a Positive Classroom environment
Learning Objective
Students will explore the elements of a positive classroom environment and reflect on their own contribution to it.
Learning objectives page
Think of your favourite class or teacher you've ever had. What made that experience positive?
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What makes a class feel positive and welcoming?
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Scenario 1: “First-Day Nerves”
Amira is new to the college. She walks into the classroom looking a bit unsure. As she sits down, Jamie (another student) turns to her, smiles, and says,
“Hi, I’m Jamie. We’re going over last week’s work — let me know if you want to borrow my notes.”
Later, Jamie checks if she found everything okay and tells her which teacher is nice about giving extra time on assignments.
How did Jamie help create a positive classroom environment?
Three scenarios for individuals or groups to work through.
How did Jamie help create a positive classroom environment?
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Scenario 2: “Small Things Matter”
In a group activity, Malik notices that Joe isn’t speaking much. When there’s a quiet moment, Malik says,
“Joe, I think you had a good point earlier — want to share it with the group?”
Joe looks surprised but then speaks up, and the group listens.
Three scenarios for individuals or groups to work through.
What effect did Malik’s comment have on Joe and the group?
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Scenario 3: “Acknowledging Others”
At the end of a class debate, Keira turns to her partner and says,
“That was a brilliant point you made about climate change — I hadn’t thought of it like that.”
Her classmate smiles and says thanks, looking more confident.
Another scenario to discuss!
Why do you think Keira’s comment made a difference?
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What Makes a Positive Classroom?
Respect goes both ways
Everyone feels included
Mistakes are okay – that’s how we learn
Clear expectations
A sense of calm and purpose
You feel safe to speak up
Information slide with revealing bullet points.
Drag and Drop
Listening when someone else speaks
Which behaviours make a positive classroom environment?
Positive
Using phones mid-task
Negative
Turning up late
Encouraging someone who's stuck
Saying 'thank you'
Talking over others
A drag and drop activity. You could easily modify or add more examples.
In groups, come up with 5 rules or values that you think would help make a classroom feel more positive.
Each rule should begin with We will… (e.g. “We will listen to each other without interrupting.”)
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What can you do to help make the class a positive learning environment, starting today?
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Maintaining a Positive Classroom
Every member of the class counts
Show mutual respect and be courteous
Everyone benefits from a positive classroom!
Help each other
No raised voices, no wasting time
Listen to others and be patient
Information slide reiterating points from earlier in the presentation.
Thank you for using this lesson!
