To Create Class Culture (3 Secrets) [S2 E44]

When you search for “classroom community” in Google, Pinterest, or Teachers Pay Teachers, what you end up with is a long list of community building activities - things we do once or twice with a class, hope that it builds camaraderie, and then move on with the curriculum.

True community, though, comes from establishing elements of a unique culture within the group, and there are simple ways to be intentional about creating and growing that culture with each class of students.

Class Culture Secrets:

Set intentions…

While this seems obvious enough, setting intentions makes us mindful when it comes to creating class culture, and that mindfulness is what actually creates a culture within a group. Three intentions to set regarding the culture of your class are how you want it to feel, look, and sound.

Here is an example of the way a virtual classroom can look:

This virtual classroom has most of the elements of Marie’s physical classroom, creating the same inviting look she intends.

Expectations…

Expectations are the magical wand when it comes to most behavior and academic issues in a classroom setting. When thinking about expectations for your classroom, keep in mind the 3 C’s - Clear, Consistent, & Communication!

What is this class about?

Finding something that members of a group have in common is the keystone for creating a culture and building community around that culture. Rather than choosing a theme or idea that the teacher likes and then building a community around that, finding something that all members of the group can relate or connect with (such as a major part/activity of your class) allows everyone to feel that they are a part of the larger group.

Creating a unique culture with a group isn’t as labor-intensive as it may seem - it all begins with intentions and mindfully planning around those intentions. After that, the group can connect with one another and the culture grows from there!

For more tips and strategies from Marie, check out her free training, "How to STOP Teacher Burnout (and LOVE Teaching English!)" In it she covers the top 3 mistakes most teachers make that almost inevitably lead to burnout, plus mindset shifts to make so you can spend your energy and time in the right places...