Creating a Safe Space____________________
(Gladly I Would Teach, 2009)
'A sense of safety comes from consistent, attentive, nurturing, and sensitive attention to each child's needs' (Dr. Bruce Perry, 2003, p.1)
Creating a safe environment in the classroom is not only about making sure there are no environmental hazards that may harm the students whilst they participate in lessons. A safe classroom also includes being organised and prepared, with resources ready for each lesson and providing a supportive,safe and encouraging emotional environment as well.
Be Prepared:
This is important in all 5 strands of the Arts. Have your resources ready before the lesson begins, this saves time and means students aren't having to wait on the teacher to be ready. The more quickly students are engaged the less likely they are to develop bad behaviors due to boredom. Also make sure you have thought through the end of the lesson and how items will be put away and stored safely.
When performing projects or lessons that require movement the area that will be used should be carefully selected. Whether working in or outside the classroom the area should be free of environmental hazards. If working outside make sure the students have adequate sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, as well as a drink bottle or access to water taps and toilets.
When teaching a whole class students may often be in different areas or points of work, having a gesture such as touching your nose, the 'shh' finger to lips sign or raising your hand can help gain student attention. Teach the students this gesture and have them copy and focus on you silently when they see you perform it. This can help gain their attention quickly and quietly when necessary throughout the lesson.
Emotional Safety:
The classroom can be a scary and threatening place for some children. Dr. Bruce Perry explains that 'The fear response is deeply ingrained in the human brain' (Perry B, 2003 p. 1) Because of this we as educators need to create a welcoming and emotionally safe environment in which students feel they can express themselves freely.
In the Arts we will often ask children to perform tasks which will be viewed by other students. A child who is fearful of teasing or being wrong will be less keen to participate and can find the arts a terrifying part of their school life. We should show students that there is no right or wrong answer, that they are safe and that everyone has different opinions and ways of doing things. We should help them to celebrate their creativity and individuality, while encouraging them to share these factors with their peers.
Creating a safe environment in the classroom is not only about making sure there are no environmental hazards that may harm the students whilst they participate in lessons. A safe classroom also includes being organised and prepared, with resources ready for each lesson and providing a supportive,safe and encouraging emotional environment as well.
Be Prepared:
This is important in all 5 strands of the Arts. Have your resources ready before the lesson begins, this saves time and means students aren't having to wait on the teacher to be ready. The more quickly students are engaged the less likely they are to develop bad behaviors due to boredom. Also make sure you have thought through the end of the lesson and how items will be put away and stored safely.
When performing projects or lessons that require movement the area that will be used should be carefully selected. Whether working in or outside the classroom the area should be free of environmental hazards. If working outside make sure the students have adequate sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, as well as a drink bottle or access to water taps and toilets.
When teaching a whole class students may often be in different areas or points of work, having a gesture such as touching your nose, the 'shh' finger to lips sign or raising your hand can help gain student attention. Teach the students this gesture and have them copy and focus on you silently when they see you perform it. This can help gain their attention quickly and quietly when necessary throughout the lesson.
Emotional Safety:
The classroom can be a scary and threatening place for some children. Dr. Bruce Perry explains that 'The fear response is deeply ingrained in the human brain' (Perry B, 2003 p. 1) Because of this we as educators need to create a welcoming and emotionally safe environment in which students feel they can express themselves freely.
In the Arts we will often ask children to perform tasks which will be viewed by other students. A child who is fearful of teasing or being wrong will be less keen to participate and can find the arts a terrifying part of their school life. We should show students that there is no right or wrong answer, that they are safe and that everyone has different opinions and ways of doing things. We should help them to celebrate their creativity and individuality, while encouraging them to share these factors with their peers.
This is a short video on Teaching With Creative Drama that I found on youtube. It is produced by a group called Expert Village who specialise in informational videos. It is presented by Tracy Goodwin.