Creating Safety in the Classroom – Quick Tips

Brain Buddies 2020

Create routines and structure and be consistent from day to day.

Clearly state rules and expectations.  Abide by them.

Provide visual and verbal communication – written daily schedule, visual transitions, picture routines, etc.

Do what you say and say what you do = mirror neurons (modeling). 

Keep the classroom clean and clutter free.

Create “safe spaces” or relaxation zones in the room.

Check your tone of voice, word choice, body language and pace during the interaction.  

Slow down and communicate in a reassuring or restorative way.   

Validate ideas and feelings before moving on or trying to solve problems. 

Practice celebrating failure.  Turn mistakes into learning opportunities.  

Eliminate competitive language which makes students feel “less than” or shamed.

Encourage open expression of ideas and open encouragement of others.

Create a class “contract” and allow all students to have ownership in creating it.

Celebrate different learning styles and  acknowledge different forms of achievement.

Give students choices when possible.

Look for ways to create personal connections.

Laugh and model vulnerability.

Model Kindness.