{"id":55195,"date":"2026-01-14T21:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/?p=55195"},"modified":"2026-01-12T01:23:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T01:23:06","slug":"classroom-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/classroom-environment","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Welcoming Classroom Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"55195\" class=\"elementor elementor-55195\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-662f247 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"662f247\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85b9945 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"85b9945\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Creating a welcoming classroom environment is essential for student success, especially at the start of a new school year.\u00a0Research\u00a0published in 2024 by the NSW Department of Education\u00a0(NSW DOE)\u00a0shows that students who feel\u00a0a strong sense\u00a0of belonging at school are more likely to be engaged, attend regularly, and achieve higher academic outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In a similar vein, a\u00a0University of Melbourne meta-analysis of 51 studies\u00a0titled \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peggykern.org\/uploads\/5\/6\/6\/7\/56678211\/allen_2016_-_what_schools_need_to_know_about_belonging_-_a_meta-analysis.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Schools Need to Know About Fostering School Belonging:\u00a0a\u00a0Meta-analysis<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">&#8220;, found that positive student-teacher relationships, supportive peers, and inclusive practices are key factors in fostering belonging and wellbeing.\u00a0\u00a0When students feel safe, valued, and included, they are more likely to thrive academically and socially.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a38095 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2a38095\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51190a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"51190a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Setting a Positive Tone from Day One <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f1eb9d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7f1eb9d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63ba71b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"63ba71b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The first days of school are a critical opportunity for teachers to\u00a0establish\u00a0a welcoming and positive classroom culture.\u00a0The\u00a0University of Melbourne meta-analysis\u00a0highlights 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\u00a0to\u00a0participate\u00a0in class. Teachers can set a positive tone by:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Greeting each student at the door and using their preferred names<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Displaying welcome signs in multiple languages, reflecting the diversity of the classroom<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sharing their own stories and encouraging students to share theirs, building trust and rapport<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Clearly communicating classroom purpose, goals, and expectations so students feel secure<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Encouraging open and honest communication from the start, so students know their voices are valued and respected<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49f25f6 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"49f25f6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6bea5f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6bea5f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Building Connections and Belonging <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d897e2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0d897e2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a27299b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a27299b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Creating a sense of belonging is vital for student engagement, and\u00a0both the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/education.nsw.gov.au\/about-us\/education-data-and-research\/what-works-best\/student-belonging\/making-sense-of-belonging#:~:text=Research%20shows%20a%20students&#039;%20sense,the%20Early%20Years%20Learning%20Framework%20.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">NSW Department of Education<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and University of Melbourne studies\u00a0show 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:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Using icebreaker activities, such as &#8220;Two Truths and a Lie&#8221; or &#8220;Human Bingo,&#8221; to help students get to know one another and build trust<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Incorporating group activities that require collaboration and encourage students to share their interests and experiences<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/13-harmony-week-celebrations\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Celebrating diversity<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0by including Indigenous perspectives, multicultural stories, and materials that reflect the backgrounds of all students<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Acknowledging cultural events and encouraging students to share their traditions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Implementing peer support programs and buddy systems, especially during transitions such as moving from primary to secondary school<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Classrooms that actively celebrate diversity and inclusion report lower levels of bullying and higher levels of student engagement\u00a0according 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11109d3 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"11109d3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c99a29e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c99a29e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Fostering Open Communication and Respect <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef0f83b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ef0f83b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ae3ec5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3ae3ec5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Respectful communication is the foundation of a welcoming classroom.\u00a0Both cited studies\u00a0identify\u00a0positive student-teacher relationships as the strongest factor influencing a student\u2019s sense of belonging.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Teachers should set clear expectations for respectful interactions, model active\u00a0listening\u00a0and empathy, and create opportunities for students to express their thoughts and feelings. Strategies for fostering open communication and respect include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Establishing classroom agreements collaboratively with students<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Using restorative practices to address conflicts and misunderstandings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Providing regular opportunities for students\u00a0to give feedback, both anonymously and openly<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Balancing participation so every student has a chance to contribute<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reinforcing the importance of kindness and respect in all interactions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Schools that implement these strategies report higher levels of student wellbeing and lower rates of bullying and exclusion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a2eee56 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a2eee56\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ddce15 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0ddce15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diversity and Inclusion in Australian Classrooms <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e99093a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e99093a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ade3a6e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ade3a6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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\u2019s rich heritage.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Empowering students to\u00a0participate\u00a0actively in classroom life\u00a0helps\u00a0build confidence and a sense of ownership.\u00a0Schools that encourage student voice\u00a0typically\u00a0see higher engagement and academic achievement.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Teachers can encourage student participation and voice by:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Inviting students to help set classroom norms and lead activities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Encouraging students to share their ideas for projects and lessons<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Using regular check-ins, class meetings, and anonymous feedback tools to ensure all students feel heard and valued<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Involving students in decision-making about their learning, such as choosing topics for projects or suggesting improvements to routines<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Allowing students to contribute to classroom displays and share their interests<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When students feel their opinions matter, they are more likely to take responsibility for their learning and support their peers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By\u00a0implementing evidence-based strategies\u00a0to\u00a0help cultivate a classroom culture\u00a0in which\u00a0all learners can flourish\u00a0can and will\u00a0make\u00a0a lasting impact on\u00a0the\u00a0lives\u00a0of\u00a0students\u00a0as well as\u00a0the broader school community.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style3 like-55195 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' 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year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":55380,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,2121],"tags":[3464,2674,58,3463],"class_list":["post-55195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cospedia","category-education","tag-australian-classrooms","tag-classroom-environment","tag-education","tag-welcoming-environment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55195"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55381,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55195\/revisions\/55381"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55380"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}