# data[].attributes.body
Some tips from this podcast for primary students:
- Change up the physical setup of your classroom every week or two.
- Have a place for students to put their work on the wall when they are proud of something they completed.
- Find patterns of when classroom management becomes more difficult (transitioning to science, first thing in the morning, etc)
- Create scenarios for students to answer ("'I dropped my pencil!' Is this a teacher problem or a student problem?") to alleviate their dependence on you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this week's episode, we discuss how to create a positive classroom environment, both in terms of the physical space, as well as the atmosphere and ethos within the class. We share some of our tried and tested tips, as well as some of the things which haven't quite worked so well for us!

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, share the episode with your friends and family and follow us on social media and let us know!

You can find us on Twitter and Instagram as well as via our website.

Much love!
Sam and Priya x

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
After School Club - The Podcast - Episode 13 - Creating A Positive Classroom Environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this week's episode, we discuss how to create a positive classroom environment, both in terms of the physical space, as well as the atmosphere and ethos within the class. We share some of our tried and tested tips, as well as some of the things which haven't quite worked so well for us!

# data[].attributes.body
My most important takeaways from this video:
1) Be mindful of your approach (self-control on the teacher's part, clear of excess emotion)
2) Have a consequence ladder for behavior (consistent levels of consequences; kicking a student out should be a last resort)
3) Address the student in private
4) Reach out to someone in the school community who has had positive experiences with this student
5) Do not make assumptions about that student (every student has a blank slate)

# data[].attributes.body
This PDF is a great resource for a variety of verbal de-escalation techniques for all students, but one that I feel is especially important for primary grades is making sure they feel heard. Students at this age are often overlooked as being too young to have mature ideas that benefit a conversation, which results with them feeling unimportant and invalidated. Doing something like repeating a child's phrase back to them is a simple way to make sure they feel heard.

# data[].attributes.body
Compliment Circles: each child will give and receive one compliment from another classmate. This facilitates inclusivity as well as a respectful community. The morning meeting is a good time to do this so that the teacher can review what is kind and what is inappropriate for students to say to each other.

# data[].attributes.body
This acronym is very useful for group work. If students start to stray from these expectations, the teacher can always remind them of this acronym.

# data[].attributes.body
Agendas that students write any homework in, and guardians can sign off. Every Friday, write a positive note in students' agendas.

# data[].attributes.body
There are some really cute ones here, but my top five are:
1) Hocus pocus, everybody focus
2) Chicka chicka, boom boom
3) Classity class, yessity yes
4) Ready to listen, ready to learn
5) Ba da ba ba ba, I'm lovin' it

# data[].attributes.body
This scholarly article describes a variety of well-known behavior management theories. One that I thought would be especially beneficial is Glassner's choice theory, which allows students to have more choice in their learning. This decreases behavioral disturbances and increases student engagement.

# data[].attributes.body
When a student shows a desired behavior (picking up a piece of trash, helping a neighbor understand a concept, etc), they receive items for their desk pet. I would  have a point system to work towards getting things for their pets because it seems like it could get expensive. So, if a child gets 10 points, they could get a new "habitat" for their desk pet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Desk Pets are a powerful tool to add to your classroom management toolbox. The original idea came from Marissa Begay, and at first, I didn't get it. How could animal erasers possibly benefit my students? After some research, it turns out Desk Pets are actually a positive reinforcement strategy I can get behind.

Desk Pets are simply 3D animal mini-erasers students keep at their desks or workstations. They can be turned into a fun reward system and a great incentive. Students adopt a Desk Pet and can earn food and accessories for it.

Kindergarten teacher Taylor raves, "My kids go crazy for Desk Pets in the classroom and love collecting them! It's so much cheaper to keep up with than a treasure box. I had all of these erasers I've been collecting throughout the years! My kinders go to the class store and can buy them with their bucket-filler points." Look at the pros and cons at Beginning Teacher Talk.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

Check out these tips for using Desk Pets in any classroom.

1. Establish the rules

As with anything in the classroom, setting parameters is important. Whether teacher-created or co-created with students, come up with a simple list of rules for Desk Pets that all members of the classroom community agree to and understand. For instance: "My Desk Pet will remain in its home while I work" or "I will not touch others' Desk Pets without permission," etc. Have students create and sign a contract with you before they earn their Desk Pets so that everyone is clear about the rules and expectations.

Get it: Free Desk Pet Rules from Miss Lamb's Freebies

2. Create criteria for earning pets and accessories

You will need criteria for how students can earn a Desk Pet and accessories. Reinforce behaviors like staying on task, making a smooth transition, working well with a partner, etc. Consider using a punch card to help kids keep track of positive behavior. Accessories can include food, habitats, toys, and "friends" (all of which are other mini-erasers). Even better, students can set their own goals or incentive plan. Keep track of students' progress.

In addition, plan a shopping day so that students know exactly when they will be able to shop for new pets, food, or goodies. This should help contain their excitement and keep persistent questions to a minimum.

3. Hold a pet adoption

One of the cutest ways I've seen to introduce Desk Pets in the classroom is to set up an adoption center. Students browse the pets and then write about the pet they want to adopt and why. It's a great way to incorporate those writing skills!

Buy it: 32-Piece Animal Eraser Set, 60-piece set, or 100-piece set on Amazon

"The magic in the classroom is Desk Pets!" teacher Lexe Roberts says. "My kids go wild for them! They have their homes and food to go along with them. There are so many ways to use Desk Pets in the classroom!"

4. Keep a stash of pets and accessories handy at all times

Pick a specific day or time during the week that students can visit the Pet Store to buy food, accessories, etc., for their Desk Pets. This will minimize interruptions to learning. Teachers have come up with inventive ways to store their inventory, from boxes and bins to hanging organizers.

Buy it: Storage Box, Store-in-Drawer Cabinet, and Hanging Shoe Rack on Amazon

5. Give students time to play with their pets

Whether built into the day or earned, students will want to play with their Desk Pets in the classroom. Identify times students can get out their Desk Pets and play with them. You'll love the imaginative play they come up with!

6. Decide where and how to store pets

At the end of the day, I want my students to put their Desk Pets away to minimize the risk of them getting lost or "disappearing." I love the idea of "Animal Control" coming around at the end of each day to take the pets to the Pet Hotel for the night. My simple solution is to put a bin labeled "Pet Daycare" by the door where students drop their Desk Pets (in their individual labeled containers) on the way out.

7. Let students build pet habitats

Another alternative to a pet hotel is to let your students build habitats. Any small container will work for everyday homes. Be sure to label them with each pet owner's name to avoid confusion. Long-term, why not tie in those science standards and challenge students to build their Desk Pets a habitat?! Some teachers make this part of a whole-group lesson, and others have students earn the pieces to create their habitat.

Buy it: Bead storage cases, beauty product containers, and baby food canisters on Amazon

8. Incorporate desk pets into the curriculum

Creativity knows no bounds when it comes to these cute little creatures! There are so many ways to incorporate them into your curriculum. Desk Pets make great reading buddies, interesting subjects for creative writing, art subjects, and models for science units on habitats. They can also be used for conversations about friendship.

In addition, Desk Pets can be a good tool for teaching empathy. Learning how to care for others can begin in early childhood. This often takes the form of caring for a doll or a stuffed animal. But in this case, kids can care for their desk pets.

To help get you started, check out these fun ideas from Teach Starter.

9. Set up a timeout procedure

Kids need to not be distracted by their Desk Pets. A timeout plan doesn't have to be seen as a punishment, just a natural consequence. Set up a fun timeout area like a daycare center (a designated spot on your desk) or a vacation spot (on top of a filing cabinet where they can still be seen, but not touched).

10. Don't overdo it

Dr. Lori Friesen recommends not introducing Desk Pets first thing at the beginning of the year. "Take the first month to ensure that you have clearly taught your rules and routines," she says. "Instead of focusing on individual rewards, have your students work towards a class goal to help build a sense of community and teamwork."

11. Go digital

Yes, Desk Pets can be used virtually! You can use Google Slides or Seesaw to create pet habitats and assign them to students. The actual pets can be digital stickers or animal clip art. Or check out these pre-made digital desk pet templates.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Desk Pets: The Positive Reinforcement Strategy Kids Love

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Desk Pets are an amazing classroom management tool, and they're fun! Check out our tips for using Desk Pets in any classroom!

# data[].attributes.body
These are simple rules that cover various parts of the body, which makes it ideal for primary grades.

# data[].attributes.body
This page offers four ways to build a safe learning environment for students:
1. It's about students
2. Work on yourself as an educator
3. Celebrate achievements
4. Build a judgment-free zone
It also offers a list entitled "The Safe Learning Environments Checklist," with quick items to help with providing a safe learning environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The importance of building safe learning environments for your learners is something that cannot be overstated. While it's true that every student learns a bit differently from the next, the environment itself plays a significant role in their development.

Safe learning environments translate into comfortable learning environments. They are places where learners feel at home.

In surroundings where students are willing to open their minds and actually listen to what you have to say, you can empower them to achieve their highest potential. The key to achieving this goal will require you to keep a few important things in mind.

It's About Students

In your quest to foster safe learning environments, your biggest ally along the way will be your learners themselves. Are your students feeling uneasy about the environment that you've already created? Y our first step should be to ask them what you could be doing to help them:

Are you moving from one lesson to another too quickly? Too slowly?

Are they disengaged from one particular topic?

Do they like to work by themselves or are they more comfortable breaking down into teams?

No question is too small to ask and no topic should be off the table. Take steps to change yourself to fit in with how they want to learn first and foremost.

Work on Yourself as an Educator

You can create safe learning environments for children if you also lead by example. If you show kids how important kindness is by taking every opportunity to be kind yourself, they will follow.

The reverse is also true, however. If you're quick to lose your temper, this will set a negative example that will eventually become hard to break from.

Safe learning environments translate into comfortable learning environments. They are places where learners feel at home.

Show your students that you yourself are comfortable in the environment that you've created. Then before you know it they will begin to grow more at ease themselves.

Celebrate Achievements

One of the major benefits of safe learning environments is that students will begin to take pride in their work and in themselves. One of the best ways to help your kids along on this goal is to skip right to the end result and celebrate their achievements as they are happening. By celebrating all students, you foster an open environment filled with happiness and creativity.

If a student writes a particular essay you're really impressed with, read it out loud for everyone else to hear. If a student draws a particularly striking image, post it in public so everyone else can enjoy it. The student may not be comfortable with this, though. As such, they'll feel a sense of trust if you ask them first.

Build A Judgment-Free Zone

If you ask most adults why they're afraid of public speaking, one of the most common answers that you will get is that they're afraid of being judged. The same concept is true of young students. If they feel like any time they open their mouth to answer a question they might get judged negatively by their peers, they will stop opening themselves up.

One of the major benefits of safe learning environments is that students will begin to take pride in their work and in themselves.

To combat this, you need to go out of your way to create an environment free from judgment. Let them know that differing opinions are a great thing and that being "wrong" isn't a bad thing. Remind them that failure is a learning experience. Even something as simple as this will put you on your way to creating the safe learning environments your kids always dreamed of.

The Safe Learning Environments Checklist

Here is a quick list of some suggestions and tips to help you out:

1. Keep a clean and orderly classroom

2. Allow students to be openly expressive and encouraging to others

3. Celebrate student work in different ways

4. Create a list of guidelines that are "law" (ex: no name-calling, bullying, etc.)

5. Stay calm and in control always

6. Practice useful failure and turn mistakes into learning opportunities

7. Model kindness every chance you get

8. Move around and interact with students, and create connection

9. Be patient and smile

10. Feel free to laugh with your students and be vulnerable

11. Give kids choices on how they can do assignments

Editor's note: This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. Originally published Nov 7, 2019, updated Dec 17, 2021

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
4 Ways of Building Safe Learning Environments for Your Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The importance of building safe learning environments for your learners is something that cannot be overstated. While it's true that every student learns a bit differently from the next, the environment itself plays a significant role in their development. Safe learning environments translate into comfortable learning environments.

# data[].attributes.body
This article lays out the basics of creating a  classroom environment where students feel safe and are eager to learn.

# data[].attributes.body
Having multiple levels and ways of seating for students keeps their interest throughout the day. The classroom in the picture is a great setup for small group stations, in which students can move to a new station every so many minutes for a new activity.