It’s important that your students feel like they belong in your classroom. For some, this means that they will need to be given a little extra attention and support, but for others, it may mean having more flexibility or being allowed to work at their own pace. Maybe you’re a teacher who has been told by the parents of one student that he doesn’t want to come back because “kids don’t like him” or another who was teased about struggling with math during lunchtime yesterday. These are difficult conversations to have as adults- how do we make sure kids feel valued and welcomed?
In order for that to happen, it is important to understand them and what they need. Here are 7 strategies that will help ensure that students feel they belong in your classroom!
1. Use inclusive language
Inclusive language in the classroom is a great way to make students feel more welcome and included. It’s a key component to creating a welcoming environment for all students.
The first tip is to always refer to your student by their name or preferred pronoun. Avoid using ‘he’ or ‘she’ unless you know that’s the gender they identify with. The second tip is to avoid grouping people into categories based on what they look like, where they’re from, how they dress, etcetera – instead of saying “boys and girls,” say “students.” And finally, if a student has a disability or medical condition which requires them to need certain accommodations, use that word to describe them instead of using “special.”
For example:
If a student has asthma and needs an inhaler, say they have ‘asthma’ or need their ‘inhaler.’ Don’t just tell other students this person is special. Using the term ‘special’ implies that there’s something wrong with them that they need extra help.
If a student has ADHD and needs to get up and walk around during lessons, instead of saying “the students who have special permission to leave their seats,” say ‘students with an accommodation.’
This language may sound silly or unnecessary at first but it will make your classroom feel more inclusive and welcoming to students.
2. Put names on desks, so students can see their names and feel like they belong
It is important for people to feel like they belong. One way to make students feel like they belong in the classroom is by putting their names on desks. The desk nameplates will allow students to see their names and have a sense of belonging.
The first day of school is always a tough one for students. They’re nervous about the new environment, making friends, and feeling like they belong. One way to help them feel more comfortable is by putting their name on their desk so that they can see it every time they look up!
Putting a nameplate on the desk helps remind them that they are valued in the classroom and have a place there too. The benefits of putting names on desks go beyond just remembering your own; it also encourages collaboration and communication with classmates because we all know how easy it is to find someone else if you know their first name!
3. Introduce yourself to the class at the beginning of every day
Introducing yourself to the class at the beginning of every day is a great way for you and your classmates to get acquainted. It sets up good communication throughout your school year because it creates an atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome by being able to put names with faces from day one! Everyone is expected to say hello at the beginning of every class. This allows you all a chance to talk and make each other feel welcome throughout your school year together!
4. Encourage student participation by asking questions that require more than one answer or allow for multiple responses (i.e., “What is your favorite color?”)
Do you find yourself struggling to get your students engaged in class? Asking questions is one of the best ways to do so. It helps them see that there are many different ways to answer a question, which can lead to higher engagement and better grades for everyone.
The first step to getting students more involved in the classroom is by asking questions. Asking good quality questions will help you engage your students and get them more interested in what they are learning. One way to make sure that you are doing this is by asking closed-ended questions, which can be answered with a yes or no answer. These types of questions give the student an opportunity to participate without making it too difficult for them. It also gives them confidence because they know what’s expected of them when answering these types of questions.
5. Create a classroom environment where it’s okay to make mistakes without feeling embarrassed
Do you believe that mistakes are bad? If so, then what percentage of the time do you think students feel this way?
“No one is perfect. We all make mistakes, and when we do, it’s okay.” – Dr. Seuss
A classroom environment where students are encouraged to take risks and try new things can be more productive than an environment of fear. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process, so why not create a space where making mistakes isn’t seen as something bad but rather just another step in the learning process?
The key to building this type of classroom culture starts with the teacher. If they’re able to openly admit their own shortcomings while still encouraging their students to learn from them then that will go a long way towards creating an atmosphere that encourages risk-taking and creativity without negativity or shame attached.
6. Ask students about their interests outside of school, such as sports teams or music they enjoy listening to
It’s often said that teachers will know a student better than their own parents. What if we could go one step further and know what the students like outside of school too?
Ask students about their interests outside of school so they know that teachers care about them. Different people have different passions and hobbies outside of school which will help teachers understand their students better as people. You can learn a lot about someone when you are able to speak with them not just as their teacher but also as a friend too!
7. Create engaging activities that encourage collaboration among classmates
In today’s society, students are encouraged to work independently. In the classroom setting, this can have a negative effect on academic performance as well as socialization skills. Creating engaging activities that promote collaboration among classmates will help your student develop these skills and improve their overall learning experience.
It can be difficult to encourage collaboration among students in today’s classrooms. With the use of technology, most students are more interested in playing games than working together on projects. As a result, teachers have begun using collaborative activities that not only foster teamwork but also create an engaging learning environment for the whole class.
Encouraging collaboration among classmates can help all students learn with greater ease while building lasting relationships with one another.
Conclusion
The early education center is a place where children are encouraged to take risks and try new things. Making mistakes should not be seen as something bad but rather just another step in the learning process. The key to building this type of classroom culture starts with the teacher, which can only happen if they’re able to openly admit their own shortcomings while still encouraging their students to learn from them. This environment will help your student develop these skills and improve their overall learning experience by creating engaging activities that promote collaboration among classmates. Early childhood education programs have begun using collaborative activities that foster teamwork without negativity or shame attached so all students can learn with greater ease while building lifelong relationships with one another.
When it comes to a classroom environment, you want your students to feel like they belong. The strategies we’ve shared will help ensure that each student feels welcomed and supported in their learning process. As educators, our duty is not only to provide the best education for our students but also to nurture them as learners.
The more a student feels they belong in your classroom, the better their attendance and achievement will be.