Domain 2
Learning Environments
2A: Cultivating Respectful and Affirming Environments
Creating a classroom environment that every student feels safe in is the #1 priority I have as a teacher.
Elements:
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Positive Relationships
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Sense of Belonging
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Cultural Responsiveness
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Positive Conflict Resolution
Use in a Classroom: Having a morning meeting would allow for students to interact with their teacher and share what they are excited about or worried about. This is a way for students to form positive relationships with their classmates and their teacher. It’s an easy, free, and quick way to get to know your students more and start each day off by forming a strong classroom community and culture before beginning to learn each day.
2B: Fostering a Culture for Learning
This component discusses the value behind a supportive classroom environment. Students should feel encouraged to learn.
Elements:
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Purpose and Motivation
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Dispositions for Learning
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Student Agency and Pride in Work
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Support and Perseverance
Use in a Classroom: Giving students a sense of purpose is key when it comes to learning. Assigning each student a classroom “job” allows for each student to feel purposeful and a part of the classroom community.
2C: Maintaining Purposeful Environments
Maintaining a classroom climate that has intentional lessons, conversations, and kindness is something that benefits every student.
Elements:
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Productive Collaboration
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Student Autonomy and Responsibility
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Equitable Access to Resources and Supports
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Non-Instructional Tasks
Use in a Classroom: Having a one-on-one conference with your students frequently allows you to get to know your students better and allows for your students to feel comfortable asking for help if they are confused on anything. This provides every student with access to support and help when they are struggling.
2D: Supporting Positive Student Behavior
Supporting students and encouraging good behavior is key to developing strong and positive relationships with students.
Elements:
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Expectations for the Learning Community
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Modeling and Teaching Habits of Character
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Self-Monitoring and Collective Responsibility
Use in a Classroom: Setting expectations for the learning community is essential when establishing respect for one another in a classroom. Creating a “classroom contract” allows for students to make the rules they want to see in the classroom and allows the rules to be put into words that the class understands. The students and teacher can then sign the contract showing they all agree with the rules they established as a class.
2E: Organizing Spaces for Learning
This component discusses the benefit of having a variety of educational spaces in your classroom.
Elements:
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Safety and Accessibility
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Design for Learning and Development
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Co-Creation and Shared Ownership
Use in a Classroom: Having specific places in the room that are devoted to different types of learning is a great way for students to differentiate between the different types of learning they are being taught. Having Reading in your classroom library, small group learning at a teacher workspace, and math at your desk is a great way for students to get up and move around throughout the day. This method will also keep them alert and focused through the day.
