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In these first few months of teaching, I have leaned into the idea of positive attending as I work with some very rudderless and disinterested young men at my school. Often, these students are also doing poorly to terribly academically and are very disruptive in class. These kids not only need a warm classroom that challenges them because they do not conform to what my school expects and need intervention, but because that environment may be the only one that will get them to re-engage with school.

Instead of taking massive amounts of time and lots of formal actions to correct student behavior, I chose to use that energy being persistent in holding kids to account. I focus on making students deal with the fact that they are making their peers' classroom difficult to learn in. I find that this kind of warm-demanding where I focus on engaging students with the "why" of the corrections that they receive. Giving students a reason for keeping them quiet or ignoring a question for a moment helps them understand why I push so hard sometimes. Even those very difficult boys I mentioned earlier seem to understand that I don't want to punish them but to change their minds, help them find their place in the world.

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Positive attending can create an atmosphere of positive energy that permeates the classroom culture and helps create the foundation of this culture. When students hear what they are doing well rather than not, they will be more open rather than putting up protective walls. Therefore, they will be more receptive to learning, especially as their behavior improves. This will also improve relationships between their peers and their teacher, as positive interactions increases.

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Building a warm and nurturing environment in the classroom through positive attending will go a long way in helping build confidence and trust in the whole community. Students who are interacting with one another, or with their teacher in a way that reinforces their actions rather than their character as a whole, helps reinforce great practices in both academia and in interpersonal relationships. If I as a teacher can pinpoint exactly what someone is doing and recognize their efforts and commend them in an authentic way, they are not only going to be more likely to do that, but are going to encourage that behavior in others and it will have a ripple effect in the classroom. Ultimately, being able to build relationships with students is a core aspect to this job and is one of the more rewarding parts of our efforts. If we can't start from that platform of trust and understanding, we will find ourselves fighting an uphill battle.

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Building a positive classroom culture benefits all students' experience of the class as well as the ability for the class to run smoothly. When teachers do not focus on positive attending, their classroom environment is reactive to student behavior in a negative way. Constant redirection of students without positive praise leads to them feeling like teachers aren't "on their side" and builds an environment where that IS the role of the teacher.

Building relationships with students can be impossible when they don't feel that you support them, or when they feel shamed by you, or feel that you only see the bad. Additionally, I believe that teachers taking on the attitude to look for opportunities for praise impacts their ability to build relationships with students. When they are in a reactive space, teachers are looking out for behaviors that they want to discourage. When teachers are intentionally looking for behavior and content-specific things to praise, they see what is so great about their students that they may overlook otherwise.

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1. Positive attending creates a warm, forgiving classroom culture. The mutual respect that is practiced between the teacher and students along with students and students will shape the classroom culture. I like the emphasis on focusing on student effort over innate ability. For me, if my students showed up every day and tried their best-- that's all I can ask for.

2. Building relationships with students is so important and honestly so fun. The positive attending, mutual respect, and warm classroom culture all supports your students in feeling comfortable to take risks and be themselves, which are building blocks for positive relationships.

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I think it can be easy to get so caught up in my stuff that I forget how much power I hold as a teacher. What i say to students matters. What I don't say matters also. Students are developing human beings, meaning they may not be fully equipped to handle redirection and praise as an adult can. To that end I think it is important to be conscious as possible not to create a space full of shame or embarrassment.

I can try my best to build relationships with students but if they feel like I just don't like them or I keep picking on them then it will be harder to put them in a mindset where they are going to succeed and get the most out of my classes. I don't want to just praise students for "being smart" because then everyone will just think that's an inherent trait. I think instead focusing on behaviors or study habits will help students find achievable goalposts for them to get praise. I think it's okay for them to also just get praise because. Being their age isn't easy. They don't have a lot of control in their lives and they can stand to hear something positive. I guess at the same time I want it to feel sincere. It's a bit of a tightrope. Lastly, when I have to talk to a student about any more serious offense, I also say that I am not mad at them, and really try to make an effort for them to feel like I am not mad at them. It's not about my emotions, which like anyone can vary and are personal. Instead there are set boundaries and expectations that everyone has to meet.

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For me positive attending can really shift the whole vibe in the classroom. It might be just the unpretentious way for getting kids on board and keeping things structured and afloat in the classroom especially dealing with inner city kids (East New York) like I do. Therefore due the backgrounds of my students, I’m learning that it's not just about reacting to bad behaviors, it's about creating an environment where positive behavior is the norm. When I subconsciously try to use positive attending, I'm setting the tone for the classroom and fostering a community where everyone feels respected and valued.

Now I believe positive attending will build a tremendous sense of trust and rapport between all stakeholders of the classroom. I think consistently noticing and acknowledging positive behaviors will lead to a level of trust that can be particularly impactful for students who may not always receive positive reinforcement at home or in their communities. Not to mention, students are going to more likely recognize and appreciate each other's contributions when they see those behaviors consistently acknowledged and reinforced. Contributing to a more supportive and inclusive classroom community.

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Positive Attending Discussion Post | Kimberly Boyce-Lazare

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Positive Attending Discussion Post | Kimberly Boyce-Lazare

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Positive attending can transform classroom culture by focusing on student performance rather than innate ability. It's like Michelle Obama's take on her not being particularly "special" in her book, Becoming - labeling kids as "special" can lead to identity struggles when they face challenges. Instead, we should teach students they can do hard things. Saying things like, "I like how hard you worked to find the answer," encourages effort over natural talent. This approach creates a classroom where all students see themselves as capable learners, each reaching for their own unique style of excellence. It makes the space more inviting and less threatening, reducing fear and encouraging responsible risk-taking. Ultimately, it gives students the tools to co-regulate their behavior, fostering a collaborative classroom culture where everyone can thrive.

Positive attending is a major resource for building relationships in the classroom, both between teachers and students and among students themselves. It develops trust and confidence, cultivating safety and fostering brave spaces. This approach lays the groundwork for deep, meaningful connections and a strong sense of community, ultimately leading to a significant boost in student engagement and investment in their learning. Moreover, it encourages positive role modeling among peers and develops leadership skills in students. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and capable, positive attending naturally leads to stronger connections all around. It's like setting up a positive feedback loop of good vibes and solid relationships, making the classroom a place where everyone can grow and succeed together.

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1. How can positive attending impact classroom culture?

Positive attending impacts classroom culture in many ways, positive attending is a form of. Great motivation for students. Not only do kids feel seen but they also feel heard when you give kids positive feedback. It can be the little things; it can motivate students to expand their horizons and not be scared to volunteer or participate in class. I believe that these builds trust between the teacher and the student, and the student feels more open to being able to speak up in class. Given the affirmations it not only shows students that you appreciate their participation but that you see them and you are there for them.

2. What impact might this have on building relationships with students (teacher to student/student to student)?

This impacts students massively as the students feel more confident in the teacher. Not only will this motivate the student to participate more but it gives the student more confinement in the teacher to be brave enough to not be judged because of the relationship that's built based on the positive reassurance you give to the student.

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In order to have a classroom culture that encourages children to take risks, children need to feel comfortable and safe. Positive attending is a strategy that can have a positive impact on classroom culture, because it aids in fostering an environment where students feel safe. As said in the text, "... may be used to emphasize improved social interactions and interpretation of social cues for students with interpersonal difficulties, behavioral control for students with emotional regulation challenges, brave behavior for students experiencing anxiety, happy or prosocial behavior for students experiencing mood difficulties..." When being used properly, this strategy can help to encourage good classroom behavior, while simultaneously helping students promote strong social skills that will aid them in building relationships with both the teacher and other students.

Positive relationships within the classroom are also essential in order to have a classroom where students feel safe to take risks. Students will be more likely to participate and ask questions during classroom instruction, if they feel as though they will not be made fun of or ridiculed for attempting to answer a question or asking a clarifying question. Students will also be less likely to ridicule others if they have close bonds with them. Overall, positive attending can positively impact a classroom by aiding in students feel safe to take risks with their education.

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Positive attending can impact classroom culture in multiple ways. One way is that it keeps the teacher and the student accountable. Being aware of our attitudes and individual personalities is extremely important. Ensuring we are proactive, positive, and calm is a part of modeling expectations. Being intentional about praise before the trigger is essential in the classroom. What you put into something and/or someone is usually what you get back. Another way that classroom culture is affected is that it keeps potential power struggles from manifesting. Positive attending sets a tone and an expectation that can be executed and will undoubtedly produce an extremely productive learning environment. It causes you to be attentive and engaged with others and not just be a surface-level responder.

I believe the impact that positive attending will have on student-teacher and student-to-student relationships is one of mutual respect. I think that as we grow older, we learn that even though we may not like someone or care for something they may have done, it is still important to respect them as another human being. Positive attending is a sure way to create an unbiased environment while breeding positive relationships that nourish and positively reinforce those involved. This strategy can eliminate a degree of toxicity that can easily breed in many relationships. I also think that an environment of trust and honesty is more easily created.

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1. Positive attending can be really influential in classroom culture because it allows your students to feel seen and heard. Giving all your students your undivided attention and respect can give them a sense of confidence and boost their self esteem because it emphasizes that whatever they want to share is just as important. This kind of class environment where students feel like they are equals with their peers and their teachers give them more confidence to participate and interact with the lessons because they don't have to worry about feeling like they aren't "smart" enough to do so.

2. positive attending not only improves the classroom culture but also the relationship between the teacher and the student as well as the relationships among students. with positive attending students wont feel that their teachers are adults who are only there to teach them material and grade them based on their performance, instead they would have more trust. Because they now have the feeling that a teacher is someone who sees them and thinks theyre as amazing as they are, they will be less scared of asking questions and building a stronger relationship. They will be more willing to ask their teacher for help on topics regarding their course or they may asked for help regarding their personal lives. Students may also become more friendly amongst themselves because they soon begin to form a respectful relationships where they aren't afraid to help each other but also ask each other for help.

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A)

positive attending can impact classroom culture by encouraging students to do what is expected of them without being told. Students who receive positive words of encouragement even when already doing the right thing can lead to more students following in their footsteps. Often we focus so much on correcting student behavior that we forget about the students who typically do the right thing without being told to do it. students like to be acknowledged even its just a "great job".

B)

Positive attending will have a positive impact on teacher to student relationships because the constant reassurance that a student is doing what they are expected to do will cause students to feel more comfortable with the teacher. they began to trust that the teacher is acknowledging them and creates a space where the student feels seen. When it comes to student to student relationships, students will grow and become better based on seeing how their peers behave. The students who may not receive as much positive attending will begin to lean on their peers and copy what they see they are doing and become a better version of themselves.

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Positive attending, which involves giving focused, respectful, and engaged attention to students, can significantly impact classroom culture and relationships in several ways: One being it encourages engagement. When students feel that their contributions are valued and their needs are acknowledged, they are more likely to participate actively and stay engaged in the learning process. It also promotes respect and trust. Positive attending creates a respectful and supportive environment. Students are more likely to feel safe and valued, which can enhance their willingness to contribute and collaborate.

Positive attendings impact on building teacher to student relationships: Positive attending helps build stronger, more trusting relationships between teachers and students. When students feel heard and respected, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards the teacher and the subject matter.

Positive attendings impact on building student to student relationships: By modeling and encouraging positive attending behaviors, teachers can create a culture of respect and attentiveness among students. This can improve peer interactions, collaboration, and mutual support, creating a more cohesive and cooperative classroom community.

Overall, positive attending contributes to a supportive and productive learning environment, enhancing both individual student experiences and the overall classroom dynamic.

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As you prepare to complete and submit your first assignment, discuss:

How can positive attending impact classroom culture?

What impact might this have on building relationships with students (teacher to student/student to student)?

Ensure that you add your name to your post AND reply to at least one colleague!