Children's Principles of Learning

1.     Safety/Trust:

Kids in any environment need to be safe both physically and emotionally.  They need to know that they will be free from harm and free from embarrassment and judgments.  Children should also feel free to make mistakes.  There needs to be a feeling of trust between the teacher and the students.  One way to ensure this is to offer daily affirmations to all students. 

2.     Relationships/Respect:

Establishing relationships with students is extremely important.  Kids should feel they are able to share their true feelings and that you are there to listen to them.  The environment should also create an atmosphere that nurtures peer relationships.  One way to do this is to play community building games in the classroom daily.

3.     Caring/Nurturing:

Children should feel nurtured and cared for at school.  They learn best when they feel their teacher is interested in them and what is going on in their lives.  They need a teacher who wants what is best for them and who is genuine.  The classroom environment should be one that nurtures all abilities and learning styles.

      

4.     Community/Teamwork:

A classroom should feel like a family.  Children should be encouraged to work together.  This can be as a whole class, in small groups or with a partner.  This allows them to gain valuable social skills and build a sense of togetherness within the classroom.

        

5.     Play/Creativity:

An important part of a classroom is allowing children plenty of opportunities to play.  This gives them the chance to practice valuable social skills.  It also gives them the chance to explore and use their imagination.  Creativity is important as well.  It also allows kids to use their imagination and explore new materials. 

6.     Routine/Structure:

These two are very important in an elementary setting.  It gives children a sense of safety and security when they know what to expect during the day.  It also ensures that the classroom runs smoothly and effectively.   Having a posted schedule that the children can see is helpful.  Following the same schedule on a daily/weekly basis ensures that all children know what to expect each day.

7.     Openness:

A classroom functions at it’s best when there is a feeling of openness.  Kids should have the freedom to make mistakes and to know there will be no judgment – that they will be accepted no matter what.  Everyone needs to be open to different cultures, learning styles and personalities.

8.     Connections:

Making real world connections is necessary to engage students in learning.  When you can make a connection in the standards to their personal life, it becomes much more meaningful and therefore, more likely for them to remember.  Another way to ensure learning is to connect the curriculum to things that are happening in the community and the world.