A happy student is a person who is more prepared to learn, to concentrate, to memorize and, ultimately, who is more open to accepting new knowledge. In addition, happiness in the classroom helps create better relationships between peers and between teachers and students, which creates a healthy and very positive learning environment that you will always want to return to.
That is why today’s article focuses on providing tips to promote happiness in the classroom and, in this way, contribute more effectively to the learning of all students.
Tips for promoting happiness in the classroom
- Always keep an active listening
When people feel that they are heard, they also feel more valued and more loved. That is why it can be good to spend a few minutes in class doing only listening tasks to students, looking for a dynamic that allows everyone who has something to say or questions to consult , without having to leave the class or leave it for moments like recess or after-school hours. Remember that academic content is important, but that it is not the only thing that must be valued at an educational level, and that is why taking a few minutes to this listening task in each subject can be a way of making students see what to speak and participate in class it is a very important matter that should not be left for later.
- Try to stay positive
Yes, students can perceive when a teacher is comfortable teaching and when not, and for this reason it is very necessary to be aware of what personal attitude we have as adults and evaluate the role that is maintained in the class every day . To find out, ask yourself a series of simple questions every morning like, Am I a happy person? What mood am I in today? Do I smile a lot or a little in the classroom? Is my tiredness or sadness reflected in class? Answering all questions seriously and sincerely will give us mechanisms to also find the necessary solutions or to ask for help from a professional if our state is not positive and we do not know how to change it.
- Change the dynamics to teach classes
Monotony can be very boring for children, especially those who are very nervous or who do not enjoy routines . Remember also that not all students are the same and do not have the same personalities, that is why some prefer reading, others drawing, others playing soccer in gym class, others playing an instrument or listening to music, others talking and playing with their colleagues … This means that getting everyone to be happy at the same time would be very difficult , if not impossible, that is why it is necessary to look for different types of dynamics that can be adjusted to all profiles and vary them daily.
- Encourage critical thinking in the classroom
Critical thinking is one that breaks with the established to seek new solutions to the usual problems. One way to encourage them in class is by asking students questions about a topic that is current or that may arouse their interest. They can be uncomfortable questions, absurd questions, reflective questions … Each question that is asked will require the student’s reflection, a debate and a time of listening. This practice can help, in addition to developing logical thinking and reflection, it can also foster respect in the classroom for others and for their diverse opinions .
- Improves tolerance to errors
Exams do not tolerate mistakes, so most students associate mistakes with failure, but they are not the same thing. That is why it is necessary for students to be encouraged to learn from mistakes and to get back on their feet; make them see that a mistake is a new opportunity to learn and acquire new skills for life. Always help your students to relate failures to these new opportunities to advance , and a new world will open up for them, full of more confidence and motivation.
As we see, happiness is not a unique state, but a sensation that can be achieved, almost always ephemeral or momentary, thanks to things that stimulate and interest us in some way. Creating classes and activities in the classroom that combine dynamics related to all kinds of personalities and students will lead to a much more positive and joyful environment. Happiness is in our hands!
