A positive classroom environment yields positive students who are motivated to learn. Creating a positive classroom is not that difficult, but the rewards are immense and far-reaching. Many teachers find that their days have become ho-hum and boring and some of them dread their jobs. Perhaps your teaching job did not turn out as you had planned. No matter the reason for your displeasure, creating a positive classroom environment can improve your enjoyment of your job and the attitude of the students you are charged with teaching. The tips that follow will help you turn your classroom environment into a positive one.

· Welcome your students. An important part of creating your positive classroom is to make your students feel like you want them to be there. Welcome your students with a smile and tell them how glad you are to see them each day.

· Avoid showing anger. All teachers are going to get upset from time to time, but the key to maintaining a positive attitude is to not show your anger. Stop, breathe, and think. And then move on to something else as soon as possible. Students can sense that you are upset and will appreciate the fact that you didn't "blow up". You can be assured that most students know when they cross the line, so why make it worse by going off into a fit of anger? Some students will bait you frequently if they get a hint that you are easy to anger.

· Look at each day in a fresh, new light. Have a bad day today? Tomorrow is a new day, full of new possibilities. Each day that you spend in the classroom is a new opportunity to foster learning. Strive to do better each day, and think of each morning as a new beginning.

· Don't consider any question as a "dumb" question. No question is dumb, especially to the person who is asking it. Not all students learn at the same level, and you should make all questions seem valid, no matter what. A good method of achieving this is to say (of even "dumb" questions), "I am glad that you asked that, and I'm sure others had the same question." Turn each question into a positive thing.

· Spread the positivity to parents as well. Making positive calls home is important. Parents like to hear about what their kids are doing, and kids love to be complimented in the presence of their parents. Make it a point to call every parent at least one time during the first few months of school, and follow up with a phone call during the last part of the year as well.

· Accept your students for who they are. Students are always going to dress how they want and regardless of what you might think about it (assuming it's within the school's dress code), keep your opinion to yourself. Never comment on a student's appearance, even if you are pleased with the way that they look (this can make other students feel that you do not like their look). Each student is an individual, and what is important is what is on the inside.

These are just a few simple suggestions for creating a positive classroom environment so that you can enhance your enjoyment of your job and your success as a teacher. Becoming an effective teacher takes time, hard work, and dedication.

Jennifer Dobson is an early childhood educator and she invites you to visit her favorite online teacher store, MPMSchoolSupplies.com, where you can get everything from pretend food sets to puzzle storage. Visit www.MPMSchoolSupplies.com today and save 10% on your first order!