CPD Session on Positive Atmospheres

Positivity in Classrooms

ISP L.I.P - 2021

" A good atmosphere is safe, open, caring, collaborative and inclusive " 

​Atmosphere

​What do these words look like in a classroom?

Why create a positive atmosphere?

• Actively supporting students by teaching them what behaviour is expected of them.

• Teach rather than tell the students what you expect.

• Tom Bennett - Founder of researchED

​Proactive and Reactive Behaviour Management

'Positive Framing'

• Give feedback while keeping the culture strong and students motivated.

• E.g. - Assume the best in your students = Judge the behaviour not the person.

• David is whispering - "I should see your pen moving, David" not "Stop talking, David"

• Doug Lemov - Teach like a Champion 3.0

Open Ended

What do you already do in your classes that you believe creates a positive atmosphere?

Strategies to Create a Positive Atmosphere

1. Using House Points + Star of the Lesson

2. Focusing on the Positives

3. Establishing Routines

4. Getting to Know Them

5. Smart Seating Plans/ Grouping

HPs and Star of the Lesson

• Class Dojo - Awarding + Cold-Calling

• House Points for contributions

• Using the 5 Cs

• Star of the Lesson - 2HP and 1 sticker :)

• Showing-Off Work

• Postcards and Emails Home

Words to Actions

​Award a Student / Create Classdojo

• Send an email on iSAMs to a parent about a student doing well.

• Create a new Class Dojo Class

• Award 5 students 1HP for effort in class this week

• Write 2 postcards for students to send home

Open Ended

Tell me one strategy you're going to work on to improve your awarding of students. An action plan :)

Focusing on the Positives

• Positive Framing Technique - Doug Lemov

• Highlighting and celebrating what good behaviour looks like

• Adapting your praise to the abilities of the student

• Modelling what good work looks like

Poll

Which strategy do you want to work on?

• Positive Framing Technique

• Celebrating Good Behaviour

• Adapting my Praise

• Modelling Good work to set Expectations

Open Ended

What are your established routines for your lessons?

Establishing Routines

• Greet at Door - Do Now - Learning Journey - Homework - Title Page - Teacher Talk - Main Activity - Discussion - Plenary - Reflection.

• Teaching expectations and revisiting

• 3,2,1 - wait

• 1st warning, 2nd warning, out

• Homework every week

Words to Actions

​Create one new routine for your lessons

• Do you greet your students at the door?

• Do your students know the rules and expectations of your class?

• Is there consistency in the structure of your lessons?

• Do you set homework regularly?

• Do the students know when you need their attention?

Getting to Know Them - Discuss

How much do you know about your students?

How often do students ask you about their learning?

Getting to Know Them

• Circulation is key

• KS3 - More collaboration tasks to build openess

• Ask them "How are you?" / "How was your holiday?" and make sure you get a response - Social Skills

• Concerns? - Talk to them one on one after lessons/ outside

Poll

Do you have seating plans? (Plans for grouping)

• Yes

• No

• Sometimes

Open Ended

What are your thoughts on seating plans / purposeful grouping?

Smart Seating / Grouping

• Know your class/ students

• Fluidity - Can happen in lessons

• Not just as a sanction - As an aid to learning

• Thinking about this before lessons

• Are they meeting expectations?

Poll

This week, which strategy do you want to work on?

• House Points and Star of the Lesson

• Focusing on the Positives

• Establishing Routines

• Getting to Know Them

• Smart Seating Plans

I will send an email of resources
Thank You!