Is Your Child's School a Positive Learning Environment? 4 Key Factors

Is Your Child's School a Positive Learning Environment? 4 Key Factors
Julie Harnack

Your child’s learning and development will blossom in an educational environment where your son or daughter has a sense of belonging, feels secure, and can find the support he or she needs. A positive learning environment will invite your growing student to venture into new areas of opportunity with confidence. Consider these 4 Essential Qualities of a Positive Learning Environment that will nurture your child’s potential and growth.

1. Community  

Children care more about school when they know that they are cared for. School will feel like a place to belong when strong relationships flourish. In a positive learning environment, your child’s teachers and fellow students will know each other as individuals. In an atmosphere of trust, your child will have abundant chances to form human connections that make school life a true community.

A strong community is developed through intentional activities that foster and nurture meaningful relationships between students and teachers. 

2. Teachers 

Teachers and staff are critical in creating a positive school environment. They lead the way in modeling behavior, attitude, and expectation - both in and out of the classroom.

Teachers who lead with compassion and expect the best of their students create an environment that allows students to feel safe and flourish. Students can be themselves without ridicule, can try new opportunities without fear of failure, and can learn how to encourage each other to do better and grow new talents.

At Minnehaha Academy, our faculty understand the importance of being positive role models for students. High academic standards and encouragement go hand-in-hand. Our teachers’ passion for academics is enhanced by their dedication to building a strong learning community. 

3. Physical and Emotional Safety

Conflicts may arise in a school environment from time to time, but a positive learning environment can squelch bullying, harassment, or social isolation. Does your child feel safe at school- both physically and emotionally? Does he or she know where to turn if interpersonal problems arise?

If your child is encountering difficulty, listen carefully to find the issue and then work together to brainstorm solutions. Solutions may include talking to a teacher, dean of students, or principal. When you have a partnership with these people, resolving issues is a team effort, rather than a solo task.

At Minnehaha Academy, a whole-child focus contributes to a learning environment where all students are made to feel welcome. Our teachers and staff pay close attention to students’ concerns, keep communication channels with parents open, and put safety first.

4. Student Support

If your son or daughter is having trouble with a math concept or an English term paper, the most important step forward is to ask questions and get help. Remind your child to ask questions early and often. Teachers are there to help your child learn and welcome questions! By asking questions when they first arise, it's easier to learn content as the material becomes more challenging.

If your child needs additional assistance, consider enlisting the help of a tutor or asking your child's teacher what other resources may be available.

Discover Minnehaha Academy's Positive Learning Environment

 

At Minnehaha Academy, our teachers and counselors believe students’ questions deserve answers. We also watch out for students who hesitate to ask but show signs of needing extra support. We keep class sizes small and encourage students to request one-on-one help before or after school as needed. An atmosphere of support is an essential element of a positive learning environment.

We are committed to helping students discover their strengths, try new things, and build confidence.  

Take a personalized tour and learn how we create a positive learning environment for each child.

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