One aspect of respect for pupils is to establish teaching procedures that allow the classroom to run smoothly. Teachers should use their authority to establish and implement classroom procedures in a fair manner, considering that our pupils come from different backgrounds and cultures. These procedures should be reviewed regularly to ensure that they do not become a barrier to pupil´s interaction and learning.
The key to reducing bullying in schools is to create a safe, supportive, and respectful school environment.
On the website of the association Edutopia, >The Power of a Democratic Classroom<, you will find some very simple tips on how teachers can develop a safe and respectful classroom. (https://www.edutopia.org/article/power-democratic-classroom)
In the following, we have supplemented these tips with application examples of the European Heart materials:
- Encourage your pupils to practice using social and emotional skills in the classroom.
Booklets Needs & Strategies: Give your pupils the opportunity to practise how to deal with their emotions in class.
- Work with pupils to develop their classroom expectations.
Booklets Needs & Strategies: Develop with your pupils a list of behaviours they would like to see in their class.
- Provide learning opportunities that encourage cooperation, cohesion, and compassion among pupils.
Use one activity from the Historical Episodes to increase pupil´s compassion.
- Model the positive behaviours you would like to see in your classroom.
- Provide an opportunity for pupils to take responsibility for their learning.
Example: Give your pupils a chance to develop a group solution to a school-related concern they have. (ACT-Game)