Room 18 & 19 – Classroom Culture

In Room 18 and 19 we are very excited to be working together as one class. We have had a great start to the year and focused on our classroom culture to develop a positive learning environment and a place where everyone feels safe and like they belong. Below are a few aspects of our classroom that highlight an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment.

Class Contract

During the first week of school we collaborated to develop our class contract. It is created around our 6 school values. As a class we unpacked what each value meant so students were able to develop a deeper understanding of each. Students worked in groups to create ‘we will’ statements for each value. Students then shared their thinking, and as a class, we created one statement for each value that was agreed upon to embed into our daily practise for the year.

Positive Affirmation Station

Positive self-esteem is an important aspect of a student’s everyday life. We have two Positive Affirmation Stations in our classroom above our sinks. Students can look in the mirror and read the statement above that says, “I will do amazing things because I am…” and then choose one of the words placed around the mirror to say to themselves. Some of the words include: Confident, kind, brave, enough, smart, important, worthy, mindful, friendly, unique, special, caring, amazing, helpful, positive, thankful, determined, grateful, loved, awesome and strong.

Gratitree

Gratitude is one of many positive emotions. It’s about focusing on what’s good in our lives and being thankful for the things we have. Gratitude is pausing to notice and appreciate the things that we often take for granted, like having a place to live, food, clean water, friends, family, even computer access. Our Gratitree was created to help teach our students all about gratitude. Lots of our students brought along some prior knowledge from their last years’ classes. Each fortnight we will focus on a different topic. Students will then write one word about something they are grateful for in their lives around this topic. We have completed our first leaf which was a free choice topic to begin. We look forward to watching our Gratitree bloom with gratefulness.

Kimochi Corner

We have created a break space in our classroom where students can go if they feel like they need a quiet space to do some thinking or calming down. Students can read the Kimochi books, use the Kimochi keys and emotion cards to help regulate their feelings.

We look forward to continuing the development of our classroom culture, and helping our students grow into passionate life long learners.

Leah Watkins and Chanele Litchfield – Room 18 & 19