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How to…create a happier classroom!
1. A Sense of Belonging
- Welcome your students with a smile!
- Invest time in knowing your students, and make time to have a chat with them individually.
- Encourage discussion and ensure they know to come to you with any problem and that you will be actively involved in the resolution.
- Hold open house discussions where your students can voice their opinion on anything.
- Choose a classroom goal that everyone can work together to achieve. Collective goals help to build inclusivity and encourage teamwork to build a strong tribe.
2. Praise and Recognition
By paying attention to complimenting the behaviour, not the child, we can also support a growth mindset and a sense of self-efficacy. (Professor Carol Dweck of Stanford University) Studies have consistently shown that children with a strong sense of self-efficacy are more confident and have higher levels of intrinsic happiness. Smiles all around!
3. Three Good Things
After all, it’s scientifically impossible to feel negative if you are feeling grateful. So, at the end of each day, get your students to write down three things that went well for them. Then, give them time to share with the rest of the class or the person sitting next to them. When repeated, this behaviour has a long-term effect on overall happiness.
4. Shared Gratitude
It’s great to give a few examples first and then ask the students to share any compliments or gratitude with the rest of the class. Then, create a gratitude wall to remind everyone how many things we can be grateful for!
5. Reset and Reboot
- Meditation
- Time to socialise with their peers
- Physical activities (stretching or moving their bodies)
6. Get Moving
Studies also show that exercise also boosts brainpower, giving kids what they need to thrive academically. What a win-win!
- The Daily Mile encourages jogging or running a mile every day
- Star jumps
- Dancing to their favourite song
- Running around the playground
- LifeWise lessons include physical challenges to get their blood pumping!
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