Along with teaching the class-, school-, and fire-drill rules, take the time to create a positive learning environment. How do you do this? Here are some suggestions.

1. Make sure each child knows that he is important to you as an individual. Give eye contact and a pleasant greeting to every child each morning. Look and sound enthusiastic when a child makes progress on a skill he is finding difficult. Anytime is a good time for a smile!

Parents, you can help by sending your child off to school on a positive note. If you smile as you wish your child a nice day and say you love him, he is already approaching the day with a positive outlook and will be more receptive to learning.

2. Teach positive sayings. Let your children know that you believe they can learn and succeed. Here is a simple chant that may help...

I believe, I believe,
I believe you can do it!
I believe, I believe,
You believe it, too!!

Having positive sayings posted around the room may help children when they feel like giving up. Here is a chant for them to repeat to themselves...

I'll try, I'll try, I'll try real hard.
I'll try, I'll try, I'll try real hard!
'Cause I can do it, I can do it, I can do it and I will!
I can do it, I can do it, I can do it and I will!

Parents, being positive with your children will yield better results than being negative. Remember that children learn at their own pace and accept the small steps of progress along the way.

3. Teach your students to help rather than to laugh. It takes alot of bravery to participate when you are unsure of yourself. Bring that to your class' attention by doing some role playing. Ask how they felt when their classmates laughed at them. Remind your pupils that everyone is human and makes mistakes...but that it is okay and expected. You do not want them to fear being ridiculed if they ask a question or answer incorrectly. Take note of your students' strengths and let them help you throughout the year

4. Make a positive statement before giving a correction. Your reaction when a child gets an answer wrong is also important. A positive statement, followed by a negative one, helps to soften the blow and remind students you care.

Parents, that goes for you, too. Always let your children hear that you love them, first, and follow that statement with the modification of behavior you want.

I hope these ideas are useful and set your year off on the right foot.

And remember...Reading is FUNdamental!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Freda J. Glatt, MS, retired from teaching after a 34-year career in Early-Childhood and Elementary Education. Her focus, now, is to reach out and help others reinforce reading comprehension and develop a love for reading. Visit her site at http://www.sandralreading.com. Reading is FUNdamental!