Mzteachuh: Creating a Joyful Classroom

 

Emotional Safety: Students require a welcoming environment where the teachers  are happy to see them each day. The procedures and activities are kind, non-threatening and available for acceptance and success. 


Curiosity and Acceptance: Students have the ability to question, imagine, and use flexible thinking. When comfortable to experiment and find answers for themselves, they develop productive struggle in a positive experience.

Play and Creativity:

When you integrate games, role-play, arts and movement the brain triggers a chemical boost that increases motivation, attention, and perseverance.

Social Connection; When students feel secure with social interactions through shared tasks and play with peers, and also confident to interact with adults then there is a positive emotional environment. Students feel confident to enjoy their school day.

Identity and Relevance:

 When classroom activities and lessons connect to students' experiences and real-world experiences, learners feel validated and the group may share  familiarity.

And don't forget...


Humor: Students love to expect a joke on the board and waiting for the punchline, the cheesier the better. Puppets for the younger kids. And don't neglect the 'teachable moment' of something surprising for a laugh, even if it is a little embarrassing for the teacher.