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Creating a healthy, happy classroom environment is crucial for students’ academic, social, and emotional development. The classroom is where students spend a large portion of their day, so ensuring it is a positive space sets them up for success. As an educator, implementing strategies that promote health, happiness, and learning in your classroom benefits both you and your students. Below, we outline six research-backed approaches to make your classroom a healthier, happier place.
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Additional Learning for Teachers
One impactful way to boost health and happiness in the classroom is by pursuing additional learning opportunities as an educator. Engaging in professional development beyond required training expands teachers’ knowledge and skills. Courses on topics like classroom management, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive teaching provide valuable insights that translate to a healthier environment. Physical education courses for teachers offer benefits as well. Learning about facilitating group activities, games, and sports can give teachers fresh ideas for engaging students physically and building community. Prioritizing teacher learning pays dividends in the classroom.
Mindfulness Practice
Incorporating mindfulness practices is another excellent strategy for improving classroom climate and student wellbeing. Simple breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga breaks teach students techniques to manage stress and emotions. Displaying affirmations around the room promotes a positive mindset. Mindfulness builds students’ self-regulation, focus, and empathy. Teachers also benefit from practicing mindfulness themselves to manage the demands of the profession. Setting aside a few moments during the day for mindfulness exercises creates a calmer, more positive learning space.
Outdoor Time
Getting students outdoors periodically has been shown to reduce stress and boost learning. You can take the class outside for lessons when the weather permits. Outdoor time also provides a nice break from the classroom setting and a chance for movement. Go over a math lesson at picnic tables, conduct a science experiment on the playground, or read under a tree. Outdoor education increases engagement, retention, creativity, and motivation. It also allows active learning by utilizing the schoolyard environment.
Positive Relationships
Creating positive teacher-student and peer relationships contributes to classroom morale. Greeting each student daily and engaging in conversations builds trust. Encourage students to share about themselves and be open about their interests too. Get to know your students’ personalities, strengths, and challenges. Promote teamwork through group projects and peer tutoring. Celebrate student accomplishments and growth. Nurturing a sense of community and belonging boosts learning as students feel comfortable taking academic risks.
Brain Breaks
Incorporating periodic brain breaks avoids cognitive overload and refocuses students’ attention. Quick physical activities like jumping jacks, dancing, or stretching get the blood pumping. Fun brain teaser puzzles provide mental breaks. Hydration and healthy snack breaks replenish energy. Switching topics or activities resets the brain. Keeping brain breaks lively and fun makes them a classroom highlight!
Flexible Seating
Traditional desks in neat rows stifle collaboration and movement. Providing flexible seating arrangements balances collaboration and individual work while enabling movement. Options include floor cushions, yoga mats, beanbag chairs, couches, stools, and high tables. Allow students to self-select their seats based on the task and learning style. Flexible seating research shows improvements in student focus, engagement, comfort, and motivation.
Creating a healthy, happy learning environment is one of the most important roles of a teacher. Using strategies like those above makes a significant impact on students’ overall well-being and ability to thrive.
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