D186
Learning as a Science
TASK 1
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Western Governors University
, 2
Classroom Environment
Learner Expectations:
To create a safe learning environment for students, I will start the year with an activity
where the students create a list of expectations and rules to follow with my guidance. Creating
these behavior expectations as a class will allow students to take part in establishing what they
believe to be acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. “While children are unique and develop
at their own pace, the cultural influence on their development is clearly considerable.” (Huang,
2018). Creating a culturally responsive environment and playing close attention to diversity will
help bring students of all backgrounds together. By creating a classroom atmosphere that is
student-centered, multicultural, and centered around high expectations these elements will
foster a culturally responsive learning environment where students will thrive. One way to do
this is to be open and accepting of students and allowing them to share and learn together in
any area of the room. They do not always need to be at a desk to be actively learning.
Students come from many different backgrounds, experiences and at times different schools.
Starting the year off with student centered activities an being mindful of the unique cultural
strengths that each child brings to the room will create a level of comfort and support a
culturally responsive environment. These activities set the classroom environment for the year.
Revisiting these expectations throughout the year is essential to make sure everyone stays on
the right track to be successful. The solid foundation for learner expectations can assist
students in staying engaged in the lessons, lead to better results, and help create a level or
respect between teacher and students.
, 3
Emotional Safety
The classroom should be a place where all students feel safe. Emotional safety is an
important part of a child growing as a learner. In my experiences over the last 21 years,
students who feel emotionally safe in the classroom are more eager to share, stay engaged in
the lessons, and behavior in an appropriate manner. Research suggests that brain-based
learning changes the way we educate students because the brain is constantly rewiring and
adjusting as long as new information is being taken in (Thompson, (2019). It is our job as
educators to make sure students feel emotionally safe so that students will take risk and try
challenging task to learn as much as possible. Students of a culturally responsive environment,
will respect each other’s differences and appreciate feeling accepted in the classroom.
Physical Safety
Physical safety in a classroom should be of the upmost importance. Part of creating a
successful classroom includes physical safety of the staff and students. It is important that
things are organized and placement of shelves and desk are carefully thought out. Students
must understand their personal space and where to put materials after each use. By creating
order and keeping things organized students can feel safe and respected in the room which will
create a classroom more conducive to learning (Early Learning Ventures, 2020). After
physiological needs, safety is one of the basic needs children seek in order to successful
(Maslow, 1943). Physical safety and respectful relationships can aid students in feeling
comfortable with the others around their desk and in their areas. When students build
trustworthy relationships with teacher and peers, the focus then becomes learning and not the
Learning as a Science
TASK 1
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Western Governors University
, 2
Classroom Environment
Learner Expectations:
To create a safe learning environment for students, I will start the year with an activity
where the students create a list of expectations and rules to follow with my guidance. Creating
these behavior expectations as a class will allow students to take part in establishing what they
believe to be acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. “While children are unique and develop
at their own pace, the cultural influence on their development is clearly considerable.” (Huang,
2018). Creating a culturally responsive environment and playing close attention to diversity will
help bring students of all backgrounds together. By creating a classroom atmosphere that is
student-centered, multicultural, and centered around high expectations these elements will
foster a culturally responsive learning environment where students will thrive. One way to do
this is to be open and accepting of students and allowing them to share and learn together in
any area of the room. They do not always need to be at a desk to be actively learning.
Students come from many different backgrounds, experiences and at times different schools.
Starting the year off with student centered activities an being mindful of the unique cultural
strengths that each child brings to the room will create a level of comfort and support a
culturally responsive environment. These activities set the classroom environment for the year.
Revisiting these expectations throughout the year is essential to make sure everyone stays on
the right track to be successful. The solid foundation for learner expectations can assist
students in staying engaged in the lessons, lead to better results, and help create a level or
respect between teacher and students.
, 3
Emotional Safety
The classroom should be a place where all students feel safe. Emotional safety is an
important part of a child growing as a learner. In my experiences over the last 21 years,
students who feel emotionally safe in the classroom are more eager to share, stay engaged in
the lessons, and behavior in an appropriate manner. Research suggests that brain-based
learning changes the way we educate students because the brain is constantly rewiring and
adjusting as long as new information is being taken in (Thompson, (2019). It is our job as
educators to make sure students feel emotionally safe so that students will take risk and try
challenging task to learn as much as possible. Students of a culturally responsive environment,
will respect each other’s differences and appreciate feeling accepted in the classroom.
Physical Safety
Physical safety in a classroom should be of the upmost importance. Part of creating a
successful classroom includes physical safety of the staff and students. It is important that
things are organized and placement of shelves and desk are carefully thought out. Students
must understand their personal space and where to put materials after each use. By creating
order and keeping things organized students can feel safe and respected in the room which will
create a classroom more conducive to learning (Early Learning Ventures, 2020). After
physiological needs, safety is one of the basic needs children seek in order to successful
(Maslow, 1943). Physical safety and respectful relationships can aid students in feeling
comfortable with the others around their desk and in their areas. When students build
trustworthy relationships with teacher and peers, the focus then becomes learning and not the
