In regards to creating an environment of respect and rapport, Dr. Valerie Vacchio stated, "Ms. Schwartz conveys a sense of warmth and caring nature through eye contact, proximity to students, and using personal anecdotes. Interactions, both between teacher and students and among students, were polite, respectful and appropriate."
As students enter our classroom on a daily basis, a warm and welcoming environment is a goal that I strive to attain. I explain to my students that once they cross the fine line that separates the hallway to our classroom, they must get into the "zone" of English. I connect it to the students' hobbies. For athletes, I explain that it is as if they are crossing the sideline and entering the game. Once they are in the game, their mind only focuses on their role, their objectives and expectations, and their motives. For students interested in plays and music, I use a similar analogy to the spotlight and the sounds and feelings they have when focusing solely on their objective for that time period. It isn't until the whistle blows and the students walk off the field, or the composer waves his batons in the abrupt manner signaling the end of the song, or the lights dim and then brighten for the actors/actresses to bow in applause that their minds fall back into ordinary thinking about what they will eat for lunch or what they have to do for homework. By having students enter the realm of English, they are surrounded by their own work, pictures of themselves as they thrive, and posters of the novels that we will be working with. For different assignments, students create their own artwork and that is then displayed around the classroom as well. Some posters list rules and expectations, whereas other posters reflect literary theory.
Organization is key for students to feel prepared to accomplish great tasks as well. Students often follow specific routines depending on what we are doing. For example, students are aware that every Friday they will be participating in book club discussions. The students know what to expect regarding transitions throughout the period. They are also aware of what is necessary to come prepared with for the ultimate learning experience.