TEAM BUILDING :)

Creating a positive classroom is a way to foster student self-esteem. When you create a positive classroom environment, students learn better. Students will enjoy entering a positive learning environment. 

According to a University of Delaware study, a teacher can create a positive and constructive learning assessment environment within the first few class sessions. The same study showed students learn better in classrooms where they are actively involved with the teacher and other classmates. Meanwhile, class programs that utilize long lectures and few learning activities can lose a student's interest. Teachers are able to take an active role in shaping the kind of classroom they lead.

TEAM BUILDING

• Team building activities work much the same way as cooperative learning activities, though the goal is usually to help create a cohesive and positive classroom environment from a social perspective as well as an academic one. 
• Team building activities may involve pairs of students, small groups, large groups or even the whole class. 

Build Group Identities

•  Provide a way for students to get to know one another in their groups, such as having them find out three things they all have in common, then giving themselves a name that reflects their identity.

CREATE SPECIAL TRADITIONS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM.

• Traditions help students make an emotional connection to the class, prompt positive feelings, and provide a sense of belonging to the group. 
• Classroom traditions include activities and experiences that are unique to the class, known to everyone in the class, and repeated over time.
• Make up responses and songs that work best for your class. Your classroom climate will be more inviting if students are encouraged to participate in making up the words as a group. Or let small groups come up with their own opening traditions and take turns leading the class with an Opening Tradition.

• Start Each Day with an Opening Tradition

    Begin each day with the same song or opening choral response. 

        Here is an example: 
        Teacher: How do you feel? 
        Students: Awake and ready! 
        Teacher: How do you feel? 
        Students: Positive, energetic, and enthusiastic! 
        Teacher: Are you ready for class?       

        Students: Yes!