How to Improve the Educational Environment for Young Children

Improving the Educational Environment

Establish Clearly Defined Rules

Before any real learning can take place in the classroom, you must have effective classroom management. Establish clearly defined rules for how to behave in class. It's important for students to know their best behavior is expected and anything less will not be tolerated. Your students are able to process the material better when you don't have to continually stop teaching to correct behavioral problems.

Create Routine Procedures

Besides rules, young children also need structure. You can provide this by creating classroom procedures and teaching them to your students. It's also important to take the time to model and practice the procedures. For instance, you could start every morning with a journal activity. Have the writing prompt on the board as the students enter, and the first thing they should do is pull out their journals and begin writing.

Children generally like knowing what is expected from them in class. Classroom procedures help eliminate confusion and, with less confusion to worry about, children are able to learn more effectively.

Have a Class Library

Most schools have a library; however, having library right in the classroom makes books readily accessible to students. Keep track of the popular, age-appropriate books by searching the Internet and start your own classroom collection. Allow students to read the books in class and check them out to read at home. Reading is one of the best ways to learn and promoting the practice by having a library in your class may influence more students to participate.

Use Technology

Electronics and technology are everyday highlights in the life of children. Therefore, it's important to utilize technology in the classroom. Students are often more engaged with lessons when technology is used in some way, especially if they can participate. Smart Boards, laptops, flip cameras and other tools can enhance lessons in a big way and bring excitement to the classroom. When kids are excited about the lesson, they pay attention more and absorb the information better.