.

Utilizing circles in your classroom helps to build relationships and strengthen inter-personal skills. Proactive circles are 80% of the work in restorative practices. Think about ways in which you can incorporate circles during morning meetings, class discussions, problem-solving situations, and reflections.

Culture is built through meaningful collaboration. When individuals experience something meaningful together, they connect. How can you create meaningful opportunities for collaboration for your students in the first weeks of school? Are there places that the curriculum naturally allows for teamwork? Can you build in other activities?

Active listening is an essential component of building trust. Investing time in learning about your students as humans and as learners will reap rewards all year long. Where can you incorporate genuine conversations, surveys, and/or feedback opportunities into your first few weeks? What can you send to families? What can you ask your students? Do you administer any individual assessments to students? If so, what additional questions could you ask them about their learning style? For example, "One thing I wish my math teacher knew about me is..." Be intentional about taking the time to get to know them.

Teach your students exactly how to participate successfully in class. Use anchor charts, modeling, and acting to teach what to do and what NOT to do. It's helpful to remember "Looks Like" and "Sounds Like" for all ages of kids. Setting clear expectations prevents confusion and creates healthy boundaries.

Most teachers naturally develop "class rules" within the first days of school. In recent years, we've shifted from posting old-fashioned "teacher created" mandates to a more student-centered approach of class norms (sometimes referred to as class agreements, treatment agreements, or expectations). This collaborative approach to co-creating classroom standards helps students feel ownership in the process and allows students to help determine what type of learning environment will be most conducive to learning. These are great places to have conversations about technology, sharing ideas, and ultimately, consequences.

Along with establishing classroom norms, it's essential that we teach our students how to interact with each other - in whole group, small group, and partnership settings. Teaching students how your core values are exemplified within each dynamic will teach social skills that can generalize to life beyond our school walls. Implementing accountable talk moves is a powerful strategy that teaches positive social interactions.

Not only do we teach our students how to interact with each other, but we must also teach them how to interact with their environment. Establishing clear routines and procedures for even the smallest of events can lead to a student-led classroom that runs like a well-oiled machine.

It is human nature to err. Accepting this and understanding that the children in our care are not "misbehaving on purpose" is essential in creating a caring classroom culture. If we can approach student behavior as skill-based, then we can ask ourselves, "What skills do students need to learn?" when they aren't following class expectations (Huitt, 2024). Approaching each student with grace and accountability in challenges times honors the child's humanity and holds them accountable, which is the only way that leads to lasting change. A simple, "Are you okay?" is a powerful first step in addressing behavior that is outside of expectations. Then, investing the time to teach behavior "WITH" the child (see the Social Engagement Window) ensures that students are developing intrinsic motivation for change.

We all know that families are an essential partner in the success of every child. We value the home-school partnership and communicate in many ways with the adults who love our students. As we are intentionally launching the year with character in mind, consider how you might be able to elicit parent/family voices into the design of your classroom? What is important for you to know about your families? Are you communicating with each family effectively (Do you need a translator or an interface that translates)? Are you approaching each family interaction with the mindset that you both want the same thing - for the child to be successful? Ask the parents questions. Listen when they share. Brainstorm solutions together. A collaborative approach will generate more positive results. When you have a concern about a student, communicate early with families to tackle the problem together.

When class conflict arises, gathering in a circle for a team meeting (class meeting, restorative circle, etc.) can have a powerful impact on classroom culture. Students of all ages are able to name challenges in their class environment, brainstorm solutions, and work towards a common resolution. Teaching students how to engage in these positive problem-solving interactions gives them essential life skills.