Creating a welcoming classroom environment is essential for student success, especially at the start of a new school year. Research published in 2024 by the NSW Department of Education (NSW DOE) shows that students who feel a strong sense of belonging at school are more likely to be engaged, attend regularly, and achieve higher academic outcomes.
In a similar vein, a University of Melbourne meta-analysis of 51 studies titled “What Schools Need to Know About Fostering School Belonging: a Meta-analysis“, found that positive student-teacher relationships, supportive peers, and inclusive practices are key factors in fostering belonging and wellbeing. When students feel safe, valued, and included, they are more likely to thrive academically and socially.
Teachers play a crucial role in setting the tone for a positive and inclusive atmosphere that supports every learner from day one, and this is particularly important during periods of transition, such as the start of a new school year or when students move between schools.
Setting a Positive Tone from Day One
The first days of school are a critical opportunity for teachers to establish a welcoming and positive classroom culture. The University of Melbourne meta-analysis highlights that students who are greeted warmly, whose names are learned quickly, and who feel their backgrounds are respected, report a greater sense of belonging and are more likely to participate in class. Teachers can set a positive tone by:
- Greeting each student at the door and using their preferred names
- Displaying welcome signs in multiple languages, reflecting the diversity of the classroom
- Sharing their own stories and encouraging students to share theirs, building trust and rapport
- Clearly communicating classroom purpose, goals, and expectations so students feel secure
- Encouraging open and honest communication from the start, so students know their voices are valued and respected
A positive start can have lasting effects throughout the year, with evidence showing that students who feel welcomed are less likely to experience anxiety and more likely to seek help when needed.
Building Connections and Belonging
Creating a sense of belonging is vital for student engagement, and both the NSW Department of Education and University of Melbourne studies show that students who feel connected to their peers and teachers are happier, have better self-esteem, and cope better with challenges. Teachers can build connections and belonging by:
- Using icebreaker activities, such as “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Human Bingo,” to help students get to know one another and build trust
- Incorporating group activities that require collaboration and encourage students to share their interests and experiences
- Celebrating diversity by including Indigenous perspectives, multicultural stories, and materials that reflect the backgrounds of all students
- Acknowledging cultural events and encouraging students to share their traditions
- Implementing peer support programs and buddy systems, especially during transitions such as moving from primary to secondary school
Classrooms that actively celebrate diversity and inclusion report lower levels of bullying and higher levels of student engagement according to the NSW DOE. These strategies help every student feel seen and valued, and peer support programs help new students build connections quickly and reduce feelings of isolation.
Fostering Open Communication and Respect
Respectful communication is the foundation of a welcoming classroom. Both cited studies identify positive student-teacher relationships as the strongest factor influencing a student’s sense of belonging.
Teachers should set clear expectations for respectful interactions, model active listening and empathy, and create opportunities for students to express their thoughts and feelings. Strategies for fostering open communication and respect include:
- Establishing classroom agreements collaboratively with students
- Using restorative practices to address conflicts and misunderstandings
- Providing regular opportunities for students to give feedback, both anonymously and openly
- Balancing participation so every student has a chance to contribute
- Reinforcing the importance of kindness and respect in all interactions
Schools that implement these strategies report higher levels of student wellbeing and lower rates of bullying and exclusion.
Diversity and Inclusion in Australian Classrooms
Australian classrooms are among the most diverse in the world, with students from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds. Recognising and valuing this diversity is essential for creating a truly welcoming environment.
Incorporating First Nations perspectives, such as acknowledging Country at the start of the school year and embedding Indigenous histories and cultures in the curriculum, helps all students appreciate Australia’s rich heritage.
The NSW Department of Education recommends celebrating cultural events, using multilingual resources, and inviting families to share their traditions as effective ways to foster inclusion. When students see their identities reflected in the classroom, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and pride in their school community.
Empowering students to participate actively in classroom life helps build confidence and a sense of ownership. Schools that encourage student voice typically see higher engagement and academic achievement.
Teachers can encourage student participation and voice by:
- Inviting students to help set classroom norms and lead activities
- Encouraging students to share their ideas for projects and lessons
- Using regular check-ins, class meetings, and anonymous feedback tools to ensure all students feel heard and valued
- Involving students in decision-making about their learning, such as choosing topics for projects or suggesting improvements to routines
- Allowing students to contribute to classroom displays and share their interests
When students feel their opinions matter, they are more likely to take responsibility for their learning and support their peers.
By implementing evidence-based strategies to help cultivate a classroom culture in which all learners can flourish can and will make a lasting impact on the lives of students as well as the broader school community.
