Happy Classroom

  School-going children spend a greater part of their day in classrooms, and for teaching and learning to be truly effective, it is important that classrooms are safe, happy and welcoming spaces. Here are nine strategies that can help teachers create a positive classroom experience. The ‘Whale Done’ response Teachers often wait for perfect work or behavior to praise a child. Sometimes it may never happen by the teacher’s standard of perfection. Instead, what if one praises the little steps the child is making to reach the goal? Taken from the book titled  Whale Done  by Ken Blanchard, the 'Whale Done' response empowers one to build positive relationships – teacher and pupils, parents and children or in fact any relationship. A beautiful line in the book says ‘Praise progress, it’s a moving target’. Here is the 'Whale Done' response: Praise students immediately, i.e. as soon as the behaviour occurs. Be specific about what they did right o...

  Tips on How to Achieve a Happy Classroom 1. Invest some time to get to know your students. Make an effort to know each and every one of your students. Not only will this allow students to feel comfortable in class, but will also help a teacher build a caring classroom community. Knowing your students will help you understand them better. 2. Use humor. Use any opportunity to use humor inside the classroom. After all, who doesn’t want to laugh? Tell a joke, funny story, or an unforgettable experience. Try not to take things too seriously all the time. Whatever subject you are teaching, you can relate it to real-world situations to better engage students. 3. Give praise. Do not underestimate the power of praise. Children love to be told that they are awesome. It can be as simple as saying “Good job!” or an announcement to the rest of the class. Instead of highlighting what is wrong, do the opposite and have good behavior stand out. Students want that kind of attention and will work ...

  "A teacher takes a hand ,opens a mind and touches a heart" A happy classroom is every teacher’s dream. This can be achieved without compromising academic results and the personal growth of your students. So how do you balance happiness and learning? Three things need to happen for a happy classroom to exist 1. Students must feel safe For a classroom to be safe, it should be under control.  A teacher needs to implement procedures/policies that promote physical, social, and emotional security.  Be firm but fair.  Allow students to have a say inside the classroom and listen to their sentiments.  Model the behavior you want to see from your students. 2. Students must feel Valued Get to know students as individuals. You need to develop a positive rapport with them if you want to have a happy classroom.  When a student misbehaves, try to talk to him/her in private.  Humiliating a student in public will only make things worse.  Students won’t care much...