Classroom climate plays an essential role in how students learn and grow.
When students feel accepted, appreciated, inspired, and supported they are more likely to engage in meaningful learning. Play-based learning using open-ended materials helps to
Build Positive Relationships Between Teachers and Students
Foster Friendships
Promote Problem-Solving and Creative Thinking
Building positive relationships begins with establishing trust. We build trust with our students by spending time with them, showing an interest in their learning, and creating a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings. Friendships are fostered when students can engage with one another, share ideas, create together, and build teamwork as they work through challenges and celebrate victories. Play-based learning with open-ended materials also prompts students to problem-solve and think creatively. Instead of being told what to create, or how to play, versatile materials require students to use their imagination, think outside the box, and work through trial and error. As they build and innovate they will undoubtedly encounter problems that require creative solutions. This exploratory process of learning helps to develop students’ sense of self and builds stamina and perseverance, all of which contribute to social and emotional competency. So let’s give our students the gift of play! The time they spend playing will enhance the relationships they have with us as teachers, help them to foster meaningful friendships, and prompt them to problem-solve and think creatively!
Read more about fostering positive classroom climate on the Kodo Community!
As the summer continues to heat up, cool down with water play! Water play is not only a fun hands-on exploratory sensory experience, but it also sparks tons of learning. When children engage with water they instantly transform into scientists...
Social-emotional learning (SEL) often authentically occurs throughout the learning environment during all sorts of learning experiences. It can be explicitly taught during its own focus lesson, but more meaningfully, it can be supported while children are naturally engaged in exploring...
Let’s get real, classroom spaces as of late are filled with new faces; sometimes there is a notification of these staff changes or it may be new information as they walk in the door. It is difficult to feel empowered...
Building positive relationships begins with establishing trust. We build trust with our students by spending time with them, showing an interest in their learning, and creating a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings. 
Friendships are fostered when students can engage with one another, share ideas, create together, and build teamwork as they work through challenges and celebrate victories. 
Play-based learning with open-ended materials also prompts students to problem-solve and think creatively. Instead of being told what to create, or how to play, versatile materials require students to use their imagination, think outside the box, and work through trial and error. As they build and innovate they will undoubtedly encounter problems that require creative solutions. This exploratory process of learning helps to develop students’ sense of self and builds stamina and perseverance, all of which contribute to social and emotional competency. 
So let’s give our students the gift of play! The time they spend playing will enhance the relationships they have with us as teachers, help them to foster meaningful friendships, and prompt them to problem-solve and think creatively!
Share:
Embracing Messy Fun: International Mud Day Inspires Playfulness and Discovery
Cultivating Curiosity