Maintaining a safe classroom is the responsibility of every teacher. For children to learn, they must feel engaged, safe, and supported. In comparison, stressful and unsafe environments make it physically and emotionally harder for children to learn, and even increases the chance of students playing up or dropping out, a recent study published in Urban Education reveals. Implementing safety measures not only helps children have a happier and safer classroom experience but also reassures parents of the well-being of their children, too.
Childproofing your classroom
All furniture should have rounded or soft edges to minimize the risk of injury and make your classroom safe for children. Bookcases should be secured to the walls so they don’t topple if children try and climb them. Keep the floor free from clutter and make sure there’s no staples or sharp hardware in the carpet. All electrical outlets should be securely covered. Televisions and other electrical equipment should be secured to a shelf or table with cords tidied away. Make sure all tassel cords are as short as possible. Use non-slip floor mats to prevent slips and falls.
Practice emergency drills
It’s important students and staff know how to make an emergency exit from the building to a safe place quickly. Do a practice fire drill, so the children know what to expect in an emergency. Explain the steps the children should take without upsetting them. It can help to turn the practice drill into a game where there are rules concerning what the students need to do (remain calm, follow a teacher to the nearest exit, and walk in single-file to the assembly point).
Practice hygiene and cleanliness
Sanitize toys, surfaces, and chairs at the end of every day. Sanitizing is more effective than regular cleaning since it just doesn’t wipe dirt away — it actually kills germs. You can, therefore, decrease rates of illness and colds and keep you and the children healthy. It’s also important to implement regular hand washing in your students: after using the bathroom, before and after meals and snacks, and whenever else necessary. The water should be warm, but not too hot for the children’s hands.
Implementing these measures will make your classroom a safer place for your students. It’s also important to regularly communicate with parents to keep them updated on new guidelines, policies, and other emergency information. The children will, therefore, feel secure and parents will know their children are being well cared for.
Article contributed by : Karoline Gore
Photo : by Kathleen Mahoney
