So, it’s October and by now your class has done the work of creating classroom norms and/or values. You might have them posted on your wall. You’ve done your ice breakers and get to know you games. You’ve learned your students’ names. Done.
But not really.
Here are three ideas for maintaining classroom culture after laying the initial groundwork:
One – Continue to Build Rapport and Relationships
All those getting to know you games and activities at the beginning of the school year have a way of falling off the radar once we start getting into the “real work.” How can we continually work on deepening the trust with and among students beyond the first weeks of school? One strategy I have used for building trust is to have students decorate a folder or notebook with pictures and words about themselves, their interests, and their preferences. When I approach a student, I try to make a connection or ask a question about their folder. The folder can also be used to have conversations in groups. Each time students move into new seats or groups, remember to let them connect with each other as people first before asking them to become learning partners. This can be brief but is sometimes (often, by me!) overlooked.
Two -Revisit Class Norms and Values Regularly
Use those posted values or norms as a reference point for students to give each other encouragement and feedback. Have students nominate each other for class awards based on the values or norms. For example, on Fridays, students could nominate a Star of the Week (or two!) and justify their choice based on evidence related to the class values or norms. I used a Google form to collect nominations. It had two questions. (1) Which student in this class has done an outstanding job with following our class values? Write the name below. (2) Why did you choose this student? Be as specific as possible. What did this student do or say that showed our values?
Three – Set and Revisit Goals for Collaboration
After students have worked together in groups, have them debrief what worked and what did not work. As a class, identify specific strengths and areas for growth. Set specific collaboration goals based on student input and feedback. I used a Google form to collect students insights and chose three goals for the year. They were (1) respecting and sharing ideas, (2) staying on task / on topic, and (3) motivating others to do their best. Every time we worked in groups, I tried to remember to refer to the goals that were posted on the wall. We had a quick check-in procedure to gauge how groups were going. “How well are you doing with goal one, respect and sharing ideas? Show me on your fingers, on a scale of 1-4?” I used 1-4 because I use 4-point rubrics for everything. If we checked in about respect and I see a group with mostly 1s and 2s, I know probably need to check in with that group and help them figure out how to grow their respect and sharing capacity.
Tips for Teachers of English Learners 