A sense of belonging by https://padlet.com/michelle_faulkner/3pmo87u9xgld Ways of developing and maintaining a classroom environment in which all children feel they belong. How do you know if they feel they belong? en-us 2019-06-13 03:52:24 UTC 2019-08-05 16:12:08 UTC hello@padlet.com To me, it's about understanding each child and having clear, consistent rules and expectations. https://padlet.com/michelle_faulkner/3pmo87u9xgld/wish/367322069 Not easily done. I find the best way to start is to simply talk to each child. One to one, as much as you can over the first few weeks. Sounds obvious, but far too often we do not spend near enough time doing this. We ask them to complete activities and participate in games that tell us something about them. There are too many confounding factors in these situations. Nothing can replace direct, one to one or small group interactions. When talking to the children, make yourself real. You don't have to get deeply personal, but make sure the children see you as a real person, with real strengths and weaknesses.
Learning is 90 percent motivation and is 100 percent connected to emotion. Know each child.

In my opinion, in order to create a safe, risk-taking environment, the children must know the rules and expectations clearly. No grey areas. Be consistent. Children feel safe when they know what they can expect. 

Prioritize teaching values over curriculum. ]]> 2019-06-13 04:28:54 UTC https://padlet.com/michelle_faulkner/3pmo87u9xgld/wish/367322069 I spend the first couple of weeks getting to know each other - me to student, student to student, just observing and listening... https://padlet.com/michelle_faulkner/3pmo87u9xgld/wish/368233071 I use the usual activities - all about you questionnaires, crests to show different things about you, games to get to know each other etc. 
During this time, I observe and listen.
I also like to read their transition notes, reports from the previous term and look at their best writing books to build up a picture. 
We set up a contract of behaviours and expectations and I set my class rules clearly so all aware. 
Consistency is key, especially at the beginning, and I talk about us as a family within the school.
Communication with parents is vital - I stand by the door at the end of each day and greet each parent with a handshake and my first name. Try to put face to names. ]]> 2019-06-19 03:40:08 UTC https://padlet.com/michelle_faulkner/3pmo87u9xgld/wish/368233071