Classroom Atmosphere That is Out of This World!

I tiptoed clandestinely to an empty seat at the back of a social studies classroom. Only a couple of students noticed I had entered. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! The students sat focused on the topic at hand. My focus was on more than the topic. It was also on classroom atmosphere. The teacher I was observing was a veteran educator. They had both a mastery of the content and a mastery of creating a positive and thriving classroom atmosphere. What do we mean by atmosphere? Over many years, I have sat in numerous classrooms. Some teachers work to create a learning atmosphere that both stirs and motivates their students. I compare it to being invited to a dinner party where the host makes a significant effort to make a memorable meal and an unforgettable evening. So, let's take a trip up the atmospheric ladder and see how these effective teachers create an atmosphere that tickles the cerebral matter and encourages students to yearn for more. 

Prayer: Taking time to pray before and after school can help significantly. Our Lord will give us strength and guidance if only we ask. PROVERBS 3: 5-6. Take time to sit in the seats of challenging students and pray over them.  

Mastery of subject matter: The atmosphere has a unique vibe when we are in the presence of an expert in their field. The same goes for teaching. Parents, colleagues, administrators, and especially students know when they are in the presence of a master teacher. These teachers not only know their stuff, but they also know how to create student-friendly lessons.  

An attitude that stirs the learning altitude: The teacher's attitude sets the tone for the high or low altitude of the learning environment. Students have difficulty when they encounter a moody or disagreeable teacher. Strive to keep that opposing force outside the classroom. Nothing is more delightful than being taught by someone who loves their students and subject matter.  

Music: A tired or disinterested student can be aroused by a song or piece of music as they enter the classroom. God can use music to stir our souls and refresh our minds. Music can set the mood for a class when students are entering. Playing classical music as students take a difficult test can help students relax and feel more comfortable. 

Prepared: Remember the dinner party illustration? Don't deliver a lesson that is half-cooked. It will make both the students and the teacher nauseous. Being organized creates a rhythm during class that you sure don't want to interrupt. 

Laughter: Laughter creates a classroom where everyone feels more at ease and comfortable. Laughter breaks down negative attitudes and can help students on the fringe feel accepted. A good friend and colleague once remarked that one of his favorite sounds in all the world is sharing a good laugh with his students. I AGREE!!!  

If the walls could speak: The thing about it is that they do. The classroom ambiance can be a day changer for students when it has interesting, motivating, and colorful bulletin boards. As they say, "A classroom of beauty is a joy forever." 

Having an active atmosphere: Making the students participants in the learning process rather than spectators.

RESEARCH: Teachers should break up a lesson with an activity that complements the lesson (AGE + 2 MINUTES). I teach 6th grade. Students are 12 years old. I plan a formal lesson for 14 minutes (AGE + 2 MINUTES) and then plan some activity that complements what I am teaching. TRY IT.........YOUR STUDENTS WILL LIKE IT!

Showcase: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11 talks about an atmosphere maker. Take time to showcase students' work in front of the class. Something miraculous happens when a student's work is singled out for being outstanding. It also helps motivate students to perform at higher levels. What a joy it is to walk into a classroom and immediately sense that the room is filled with an atmosphere that is ( dare I say it ) out of this world. Be ready for extraordinary things to happen when teachers take the time and effort to create an atmosphere that is both student- and learning friendly.