No doubts. A classroom must be a place where every student feels safe and valued to learn new things. According to a survey, 84% of educators believe that the school safety environment directly impacts student achievement.
As students feel secure, they are more likely to engage. Thus, safety is the first step to building a strong foundation for student development. Let’s check out why safety in classrooms matters.
Importance of Creating a Safe and Nurturing School Environment
Here are some tips to create a secure environment in schools:
- Provide Adequate Supervision
Students, especially in early childhood, need more attention. So, many International Baccalaureate Schools in Bangalore keep teachers and staff in the classroom always to monitor students. They know that proper supervision can avoid accidents to a great extent.
For instance, in recess, a teacher should take a strategic stand to supervise every corner so no child ever feels unsafe. It creates trust since students know that at all times an adult is present to care for them.
- Build Positive Relationships with Children
Trust and open communication with the students create a learning environment that supports them. The more a student feels valued and understood, the more he will be able to engage in studies.
A teacher can encourage this by listening carefully to the student’s concerns. Similarly, they must constantly encourage their natural skills. A simple act like acknowledging their efforts can have a great impact on their feelings of a safety environment.
- Maintain Appropriate Student-to-Teacher Ratios
Overcrowding can make it difficult to guarantee safety in classrooms. Therefore, it is better to set smaller ratios as it allows the teacher to monitor the child’s needs more effectively.
In fact, even the National Education Association (NEA) has stressed the benefits of keeping lower student strength like 13-17 in each classroom. Such a lower class size makes the environment more manageable for teachers.
- Organise the Classroom Thoroughly
A well-arranged classroom must be the starting point of a student’s learning process. So, school staff must make sure that the pathways are clear. Hazardous items must be kept out of the reach of students to ensure safety in classrooms. Similarly, involving students in maintaining the cleanliness of the atmosphere can inculcate a sense of responsibility among them.
If the classroom is pretty spacious, teachers can also designate specific areas for various activities, such as reading corners. It provides a structure to student activities.
- Practice Emergency Procedures
Emergencies can occur at any time. That’s why preparation is crucial. Luckily, many IB schools in Bangalore regularly practice drills on fire or earthquakes so that they know how to respond efficiently.
Schools must also include students in the process. Use simple language to help them understand. But never arouse panic in them. Try out role-plays to convey things better. Routine practice will ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
- Secure and Keep Out Hazardous Materials
Classrooms should be free from anything that can harm the students. Such things could be kept securely. Authorities must consider using locked cabinets to allow access only to authorised personnel. Make rules that prohibit unauthorised access to prevent accidents.
Science labs must have a safety environment. If possible, label all chemical substances clearly and give proper training for staff on how to dispose of them. Inform the students of potential dangers surrounding them.
Conclusion
Student development starts right from a safe classroom. At OWIS School, we are committed to ensuring a secure learning environment for all students. Our teachers follow advanced methodologies to provide support to every child.
Remember, safety in classroomsis not about creating mere rules. It’s about building a community that practises it. Share your experiences on creating a better learning environment. Let’s create a learning environment where every child feels safe.