In order for students to feel ready to learn, Maslow also states that people must feel safe in their environments.

 

In my classroom, we practice respect for ourselves and others; no exceptions. Everyone in my classroom has the right to learn, answer, listen, and feel comfortable. Discrimination, bullying, or general meannes is not tolerated.

 

This is an effort to create an environment in which kids feel as though they can fail, succeed, or anything inbetween without the consequences of feeling bad about themselves.

Before students can focus on school, it is extremely important that their basic needs are met. Basic, or physiological, needs include anything required for our mere survival; food, water, clothing, shelter, and air.

 

I want your students to come to class ready to learn, and if there is anything I can do to help meet these basic needs, I will.

 

Students! It's important to eat breakfast! It fuels you for the day. We all get a little "hangry" (hungry+angry), so I commit to doing my best to fuel my body the best I can.

Physiological Needs

Safety Needs

Belonging

Self-Esteem

My ultimate goal is for all students to feel as though they belong here at University High School. That starts by having basic needs met and feeling safe within my classroom. Students who feel as though they belong are more likely to get involved within their school; be it theater, sports, clubs, video gaming club, or whatever else sparks their interest.

 

Through belonging, it is my goal for students to then have the courage to pursue their goals and dreams.

Through the stair-stepping of basic needs, safety needs, and then belonging, the phychologist says that people will begin to believe in themselves.

 

Not only will this benefit students in the classroom, but will help them as they move forward into post-secondary life. Our students are meant to be many things - doctors, welders, social workers, cancer curers, restaurant managers, waitresses, flight attendants, diplomats, teachers, athletes, or musicians. The inner power to strive for these goals comes from self-esteem.