10 simple ways to build classroom culture part 3

So we have already discussed 5 ways to build a stronger classroom culture with structure and instruction. Today we are going to discuss ways to bring in joy to the classroom, the key is when done consistently they improve the overall joy and therefore culture of the classroom.

1) Play games

Researchers have found that in order to learn a new skill or topic or routine you must repeat it upwards of over 100x and more than 200-400x for students. If you feel like you are having to say things at least 100 times for students to learn or understand what you are saying you aren’t crazy, They do! However, when you incorporate play that number goes down significantly to 20-30x. That is why playing games in the classroom with content, skills and expectations isn’t just a great way to build culture by bringing fun and joy in, but games also help students retain the information you want them to more quickly!

Playing games with content can be done multiple ways from using more traditional review games like nearpods time to climb, quizzlet, kahoot, and jeopardy. These can be great ways not only to review content, but into introduce content, activate, background knowledge, or even practice research skills! You can use these games for more than just review!

Teaching skills or expectations with games is also a great way to build in joy and retention! Playing games like wrong answers only or 20 questions, allow students to practice critical thinking skills while also connecting with you and each other and find joy in the classroom all at once. When students are learning content and practicing skills together as they have fun you are not only helping to cement those skills and information in their long term memory but you are building a strong classroom culture!

You can also make games work for you and your students by turning the tasks that you or your students like the least into fun games. You can do this with routines like cleaning up and having students compete against the clock or on teams for prizes. You can do this with content that is less engaging like Document Based Questions by doing board races. And the best part is if you have students who dislike or struggle with competition have them work as a whole class against a bigger goal rather than against each other can be a great way for students to learn to work co-operatively to learn! And this can make other tasks like partner work, group work, or station work much smoother and more effective!

For the games I use to teach skills and expectations check out my teambuilding/classbuilding games here!

2) Play music

Music has many places in the classroom, from being used to change the mood of the classroom, to helping manage transitions or sound levels, to making routines more seemless.

To boost mood you can play songs you like, requests from students, or one of my favorites instrumental pop covers. There is tons of research around about the benefits of music to boost mood, to focus, and to relieve stress. All things that make for a better classroom culture that is more positive and light!

Music can also be a great tool for building classroom structures at the same time. I like to use it for transitions and timing. Like having students know that they have 1 song to respond to a writing prompt, or they have 1 song to complete three tasks to transition to the next part of the lesson, or even 1 song for a brain break that is either structured by me or their own choice. Or if students are working in small groups and I want the noise level to stay low I will put on music quieter and let them know if they can’t hear the music while they are talking they are being too loud. (We also practice this as a fun game! )

Bonus tip: for transitions or things you do all the time use the same song so students know exactly what to expect in terms of how long they have!