Creating the Supportive Learning Environment

1. Creating the Supportive Learning Environment

2. Words to think on… • “Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” –St. Francis of Assisi • "Stay committed to your decisions; but stay flexible in your approach." –Tony Robbins

3. Where to start… • Promote a safe learning environment • Promote learning and embrace different learning abilities, and learning styles. • The classroom should be inviting to all students • The environment both physically and emotionally should reflect your teaching philosophy.

4. What to Think about when creating the Physical Environment • What space do I have available? • What type of desks and or seats are available in my classroom? • How will I accommodate for high traffic areas? • How will I accommodate for students with special needs? • Will the setup/arrangement of seating work and be comfortable for the group of students I have this year?

5. The Physical Environment • Think back to your middle school years, what did the physical environment look like in your classrooms? • Did the physical environment change from classroom to classroom or was it uniform?

6. Physical Space with Rows

7. Physical Space Horseshoe

8. Physical Space with Clusters/Pods

9. Physical Space with Pairs

10. What does the rest of the classroom look like? • Rules (top 5) of the classroom should be hung up and presented in some way in the classroom. • Both decorative/appealing and educational posters should be hung on the wall • A classroom/daily schedule should be in a place that students can easily see from their desks • A poster or representation that signifies where homework folders are located or where homework should be handed in. • Important classroom reminders should be displayed (sometimes directly associated with the subject you are teaching) • Turn to page 65

11. Classroom Visual examples

12. Ambiance of the Classroom • Make respect of each individual student a top priority • Ensure that every student in the classroom can see and hear • Take pride in your classroom!

13. Building Parent Relationships • “The parents of your students are an invaluable resource. Utilize and appreciate them at every opportunity, and you will gain the most important ally you will ever have as a teacher!” • Jerry L. Parks • Why is building positive relationships with the parents of your students an important part of creating a supportive learning environment for adolescent students? • Turn to page 70, 76, and then 84 in our Parks book

14. Student/Teacher Relationships • Don’t’ over step boundaries, but be there and be approachable for students. • Address the multiple intelligences in your classroom! • Get to know your students interest and hobbies outside of the classroom • Engage your students • Respect your students as the young adults they are becoming • Be Aware! • Turn to page 90

15. Something to Remember… • "They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel." –Carol Buchner


16. Resources • Kellough, D. K. and Kellough, N. G. (2007). Middle School Teaching: A Guide to Methods and Resources. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall (5th Edition). • Google Images • Parks, Jerry, L. 2004. Teacher Under Construction: Things I Wish I’d Known (a survival handbook for new middle school teachers). IUNIVERSE.