Creating a Community of Learners

Offer a variety of teaching materials, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, or audio recordings

different ways to demonstrate understanding, such as through projects, presentations, or written work

Acknowledge and celebrate differences in culture, backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles

"Cultural Days," or "Learning About Us" activities

Clear Expectations

Collaborate with Students

Discuss the importance of rules and ask for their input on what behaviors should be prioritized in the classroom.

Be Specific and Simple

Clearly define what you expect in terms of behavior, tasks, and responsibilities.

Create Visual Aids

Post the expectations around the classroom in visible areas.

Model Expected Behavior

Demonstrate the behaviors you expect.

Reinforce Expectations Consistently

Regularly acknowledge when students meet expectations through positive reinforcement

Review Expectations Regularly

Go over classroom expectations periodically, especially at the start of each new term or after breaks.

Positive Reinforcements

Acknowledging effort and progress

Provide Specific Praise

Celebrate Small Wins

Share Achievements Publicly

Incorporate Reflection

Create a Growth-Focused Environment

Celebrating achievements

Creating a reward systems

Active Engagement

Student involvement in class discussions

Create a Safe and Respectful Environment

Foster an atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas without fear of judgment. Set clear expectations for respectful listening and encourage all contributions, ensuring that every student feels valued.

Use Open-Ended Questions

Ask questions that stimulate critical thinking and invite multiple perspectives. Open-ended questions to give students the opportunity to engage more deeply and encourage discussion.

Encourage Peer Interaction

Incorporate activities like think-pair-share or small group discussions before bringing the conversation to the larger class. This allows students to formulate their thoughts in a smaller, less intimidating setting, increasing their confidence in contributing to the whole class discussion.

Interactive activities

Jigsaw Activity

Students in small groups, study a material or topic. After the groups learn their section, they come together with members from other groups to share what they've learned, teaching one another.

This promotes collaboration, student responsibility, and deeper understanding of the topic.

Attention management strategies

Use of Visual and Auditory Cues, Incorporate signals like hand raises, clapping patterns, or a bell to grab students’ attention and signal transitions.

Task Chunking, Break assignments into smaller, manageable parts to prevent students from becoming overwhelmed and losing focus.

Positive Reinforcement, Acknowledge when students are staying on task and focus on rewarding the behaviours you want to encourage

Minimize Distractions: Arrange the classroom to minimize distractions (e.g., limit extraneous materials, seating arrangements that reduce off-task behavior).

Clear Expectations and Routines, Establish clear instructions and predictable routines so students know what to expect and can focus better.

Redirection, When attention drifts, gently redirect students back to the task with specific reminders, such as asking them a question related to the lesson.

Interactive Lessons, Use activities that require students to actively participate to keep them engaged.

Personalized Check-ins, Occasionally check in with students individually to make sure they’re on track, which keeps them accountable and focused.

Movement Breaks, Incorporate short physical activity breaks to help students refocus, especially during long lessons or after intense periods of sitting.

Varied Instructional Methods, Change up the delivery of lessons by incorporating multimedia, storytelling, or student-led discussions to maintain interest.

Use Clear and Consistent Feedback

Provide timely and constructive feedback that guides students in their learning journey

Focus on Growth Mindset

Teach and reinforce the idea that intelligence and abilities grow with effort and practice.

Reinforce Positive Behavior

Use praise, rewards, and recognition to encourage positive behavior and academic achievement

Use Active Learning Techniques

Engage students in hands-on, interactive activities that require them to think critically and collaborate.

This could include group projects, debates, role-playing, or problem-solving tasks where students actively participate and apply what they are learning.

Incorporate Technology and Multimedia

Use technology in fun, meaningful ways

such as educational apps, interactive whiteboards, or multimedia presentations

, these are things that can capture students interest and enhance their learning experience.

Keep Lessons Varied and Dynamic

Mix up teaching methods to maintain engagement.

This could involve alternating between lectures, group work, videos, games, and independent research

Keep the content fresh and interactive to prevent boredom and disengagement

Show Consistency and Fairness

Be predictable and fair in your responses. When students know they can rely on you to be consistent in expectations, they’re more likely to feel secure and respected.

Ensure that classroom rules, expectations, and consequences are clearly communicated and consistently enforced.

Encourage Open Communication

Create a space where students feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. Establish open communication through activities like "class meetings"

Build Trust with Students

Take time to get to know your students personally and show genuine interest in their lives.

Use icebreaker activities, one-on-one check-ins, or “student of the week” programs to connect with them on a deeper level

Achievements Attainable but Challenging

Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to keep students motivated and provide a sense of accomplishment along the way

Reflection and Feedback

After achieving a goal, encourage students to reflect on how they did it. Provide feedback on what students did well and where they can improve.

What worked well?

This was awesome, do you think doing it this way would work better? That part was really great!!

What would they do different next time?

Compliment Sandwich

Start with a Positive Compliment

Begin with something genuine and specific that the child has done well. This helps them feel acknowledged and valued

I really like how you worked hard on your math problems today. You did a great job staying focused.

Introduce the Area for Improvement

Next, offer constructive feedback in a gentle, supportive way. Focus on what they can do to improve, and be specific

One thing I think could help is to slow down a little more when reading the instructions. That way, you'll be even more accurate in your answers.

End with Another Compliment or Encouraging Statement

Finish by reinforcing something positive about their effort or behavior, showing confidence in their ability to improve

You're doing a great job overall, and I know with a bit more practice, you'll get even better at it. Keep up the great work!

You're doing a great job overall, and I know with a bit more practice, you'll get even better at it. Keep up the great work!

How to Reflect

Guiding Questions

Use open-ended questions to prompt students to think about their learning process and outcomes.

Reflection Journals

Have students keep a journal where they regularly reflect on their work. They can write about what went well, what they learned, and what areas they could improve.

Self-Assessment Checklists

Provide students with a checklist or rubric that outlines key components of their work. Ask them to assess their own performance based on these criteria before submitting or presenting their work.

Peer Reflection

Pair students up to discuss their work with a peer. Encourage them to give constructive feedback and share what they’ve learned.

Exit Slips

At the end of a lesson or activity, ask students to take a few minutes to write a short response on what they learned, what they found difficult, and what they would like more practice with.

Model Reflection

Demonstrate your own reflection process. Talk aloud about how you assess your own work or learning experiences.

Improves Behavior

By allowing students to release pent-up energy, they are often less likely to become fidgety, restless, or disruptive

Encourages Brain Development

Physical activity promotes the development of motor skills, coordination, and physical literacy

Supports Emotional Regulation

It provides an outlet for excess energy or frustration and can help children calm down during stressful situations

Improves Physical Health

Physical activity breaks contribute to developing healthy habits that can last a lifetime

Enhances Social Interaction

Students learn how to interact with one another in a positive, non-academic context

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Physical activity releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood elevators

Boosts Energy Levels

A quick burst of movement can refresh students, boosting their energy levels

Improves Focus and Concentration

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which helps improve cognitive function

Model and reinforce respectful language and behavior.

Use activities or discussions that teach empathy and allow students to understand the perspectives of others.

Incorporate inclusive language and be proactive in addressing biases or prejudices when they arise.

Set clear, specific expectations for behavior

Respecting others, raising hands before speaking, being on time

Classroom Rules Poster

Positive Reinforcement

Modeling Behavior

Clear Academic Expectations

Set high but achievable academic standards

completing homework on time, participating in class discussions, striving for improvement

Help students set personal learning goals

Use rubrics and grading systems so students understand how their work will be evaluated

Open and Consistent Communication

Create a Positive and Welcoming Environment

Work Together to Support the Child's Learning and Well-being

Respect Cultural and Individual Differences

Be Transparent and Honest

If a student is struggling, address it early with the parent and work together to find solutions

Recognize and respect cultural differences in parenting styles, family dynamics, and educational values. Show understanding and offer flexible solutions to accommodate diverse family structures

Establish clear academic and behavioral goals for the student with both the teacher and parents working together to support the child in achieving them

Create an open-door policy, where parents feel comfortable approaching you with questions or concerns. Let them know that their input is always welcomed and valued

Send a monthly email or a newsletter updating parents on what their child is learning and any important dates to remember.

Encourage parents to share any concerns, questions, or updates about their child’s home life that may impact their learning

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Floating topic

Floating topic

The 7 Competencies of the 21st Century Learner

Creativity and innovation

Critical thinking and problem solving

Social responsibility and cultural, global, & environmental awareness

Digital Literacy

Lifelong Learning, self direction, and personal management

Collaboration and leadership

Communication