🌿 Classroom Climate Check Tool
Practices to Support Emotional Safety & Attention Readiness
When students feel safe, seen, and settled, their brains are ready to learn.
This tool helps you reflect on and strengthen the relational, emotional, and sensory climate of your classroom.
✅ Step 1: Emotional Safety & Belonging
Ask yourself:
| Practice | Yes | Needs Work | Notes/Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students are greeted warmly when they enter the room | ☐ | ☐ | |
| I use students’ names and pronouns consistently | ☐ | ☐ | |
| There are clear norms for respect, listening, and mistakes | ☐ | ☐ | |
| My classroom culture encourages risk-taking and imperfection | ☐ | ☐ | |
| I address conflict with empathy and structure | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Students have some voice or choice in learning routines | ☐ | ☐ |
🎧 Step 2: Sensory & Attention Environment
Check for environmental factors that support regulation:
| Practice | Yes | Needs Work | Notes/Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| The classroom is free of excessive noise and visual clutter | ☐ | ☐ | |
| I use light, sound, or seating intentionally to reduce distraction | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Students know calming strategies or routines when overwhelmed | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Transitions are clear, consistent, and low-stress | ☐ | ☐ | |
| There are predictable opening/closing routines for each class | ☐ | ☐ |
🧠 Step 3: Co-Regulation & Readiness to Learn
Consider how you help students shift into a focused state:
| Practice | Yes | Needs Work | Notes/Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| I begin class with a simple routine to settle minds/bodies | ☐ | ☐ | |
| I offer short brain breaks during long periods of focus | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Students know how to self-check their emotions or energy | ☐ | ☐ | |
| I model emotional awareness and naming my own shifts | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Students know it’s okay to ask for a moment or movement break | ☐ | ☐ |
💬 Reflection Prompt
“If I were a student walking into this room, would I feel safe enough to take a risk—and focused enough to learn?”
📝 One climate strength I want to build on:
📝 One area I’ll try to improve this week:
🧩 Tip: Anchor Climate in R.E.A.L.
- Regulate: Calm bodies, safe relationships, clear routines
- Engage: Curiosity grows in safe, inclusive spaces
- Apply: Minds can stretch when stress is low
- Loop: Feedback lands best when trust is strong
Attention is earned—by climate, not command.
Build the conditions first. The learning will follow.