Q&A for How to Create a Positive Classroom Atmosphere

Get your students involved when you're making the rules to help them feel like they can make some of the decisions in the classroom.

Try to remember that emotional behavior is a positive thing—we're not teaching robots. We're teaching children with feelings, and part of our mission as educators is not only to teach the academic side of things, but also the social and emotional side of things. Are the students angry all the time? Are they happy all the time? Students need to be taught that there are various emotions and it is okay to cry and be angry sometimes. Teaching our students coping mechanisms can help them process their emotions in a healthy way.

You don't want to be punitive. Don't take bad behavior personally—these are students who are learning how to cope with emotions and how to develop those emotions. When a student is showing a range of emotions and being disruptive, note and document the type of emotion and come up with a plan to successfully curb it. Moreover, share those behavioral outbursts with their parents and other teachers so that they can work together in order to make the student more successful.

It really depends on the students. Most people frown upon using sarcasm because some students make take it seriously and not understand it as a joke. Others, especially older students such as teenagers, make find it amusing. Every student is different.

A friendly, open environment that is free from harassment or bullying. The classroom itself is less important that the overall attitude of the teacher and class.

There are many strategies that can be used here but, mainly just assert authority. Move students away from their friends. Move students outside the classroom. Be fair and justified, make the students respect you. Make students stay in at lunch if homework isn't completed. Don't let your students walk all over you. Stand up for yourself and assert your authority!