On February 24th, 1970 Jackson Five knocked the Beatles’ “Let It Be” off the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with their single “ABC.” The well-known chorus was simple and began with the phrase “A-B-C, easy as 1-2-3.” When it comes to safety, hazards have always been present, however we no longer live in the -70’s. Students seem to be exposed to a lot more at earlier ages than previous generations. Through the increased use of technology and easier access to everything students encounter a plethora of content that could inflict physical, mental, emotional, or psychological harm.
Safety may not be as “easy as ABC” however Educators in the classroom have the mandated obligation to establish barriers of safety for their students on various levels. Safety can begin in the classroom arrangement. Student assignments, assessments, and projects should be posted around the classroom on the walls. By seeing their classroom dominated with their materials a sense of comfort will be established and ownership will be developed. In addition to student work, incorporate artwork and occasionally play music which will both almost feed their souls. As you provide instruction, circulate through the classroom to monitor student progress and make observations regarding any tension or conflicts that could be forming between students. You can also listen to student conversation and address inappropriate dialogue, praise positive conversation, or provide clarification to the whole class regarding common questions. If a student seems a little quite or isolated, take a moment to sit by them and strike a conversation with them. Sometimes you can develop rapport with reserved students when you are in closer proximity to them. As you interact with your students, take the time to model appropriate behavior and kindness to your students, and if addressing a discipline issue follow through. Students will feel safer in a setting if they see students receive consequences for not following instructions or if there is a serious infraction.
You will be surprised the affect a smile has on a student or allowing them to see you vulnerable or even laughing! Learning is important, but it can also be enjoyable. To increase the level of enjoyment, when possible, provide options for students. I incorporated “choice boards” in my classroom in the past at times, even for project grades, which allowed them to display their level of comprehension using their learning style. I recall a student that failed a test. I mean really failed! From class interactions, in my mind I knew that the student was more knowledgeable about the content we had been studying. I pulled him in the hall the following day and asked him to describe a few major components of the topic we were on and he hit the nail right on the head. I simply went back to the grade book and modified his assessment grade to at least a passing average. It was moments such as those which created an environment where my students began to feel comfortable and safe
I did have “non-negotiables” in my classroom regarding expectations that I did not compromise on, however because I made it a point to always remain calm and level-headed my students respected me. As the year proceeds, incorporating some of these strategies will transform your classroom into more of a little community. The students learned to keep our community organized and clean. Our Community was one that was a safe-haven, where the learning environment was mostly peaceful. It was not perfect, however I learned not to take misbehavior personally.
With about 14 years in the classroom, I was fortunate not to have too many issues where my students’ physical safety came into jeopardy. Due to our community philosophy, students felt safe enough to inform me of potential conflicts, when students brought inappropriate items to school, or even the select few over the years had extreme intentions of inflicting harm school-wide! It cannot be overstated how important it is for students to have a safe learning environment. Safe in all aspects. Research states that students learn in different ways, however the environment in which it occurs plays a significant role. Students are the most successful where they feel the most comfortable. This year, focus on taking your classroom and/or school to the Next Level!
The Jeremy Anderson Group