Each new year teachers are set the task to establish a welcoming environment which is inclusive, safe and respectful for students. It is important that every teacher makes each student feel that they belong but I feel that this is especially the case in regards homerooms (sometimes called Pastoral Care classes). How can we help this happen?
Here are some insights from those in the teaching community:
Take an interest in a students life, both inside and outside of school.
Emma, Teacher for 9 years
From personal experience, I try to be myself. Children can see through falsities and can connect with teachers who are authentic- it establishes greater trust and more meaningful relationships.
Katia, Teacher for 9 years
Touch base with students to ask how their classes are going, about life outside school and their hobbies, interests and if they are having any concerns.
Marie, Teacher for 1 year
Establish and regularly use the term ‘we’ (instead of ‘I’ or ‘you’). It helps create a sense of community. It creates an expectation not just for behaviour, but for how we treat each other.
Emily, Teacher for 10 years
Here are some ideas for activities that you could use in the first few weeks of a class or in your home room to create a welcoming atmosphere:
- Have members of your home room complete profiles so you have some information to work with. There are templates online but why not co-construct one together?
- Create or purchase some conversation cards to use in the first week each morning or before each class.
- Create a calendar of special days such as Music Monday or Foodie Friday as this allows students to share information about themselves and builds connections between peers. This works best when it is done consistently!
- Access the free ice breaking resources available online to use in home group or before you begin each class https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:ice%20breaker%20activities/Price-Range/Free (Snowball is a favourite of mine)
- Co-construct a list of values that are shared by the group and display them in the classroom. After doing this for 3 years in a row, my home class was able to build on the list as we went, reflecting on what was achieved, what we needed to put extra effort into and what we wanted to add.
What suggestions do you have?