Creating a Positive Learning Environment
AARP Foundation Experience Corps expects volunteers to help programs create positive learning environments. Children who feel accepted and liked will learn and be successful in school. Here are some ways that volunteers can help to create a safe and friendly learning atmosphere for the children in tutoring groups:
- Learn each child’s name
- Show each child respect
- Notice a child’s efforts and accomplishments, small and large
- Listen to what the child wants to tell you
- Show genuine interest in the child
- Accept each child as an individual
- Use a tone of voice that encourages and makes the child feel confident
- Give directions in a positive manner
- Keep explanations short
- Discuss behavior issues with your literacy coach and/or team leader
- Give the child time to think and organize what they want to say
- Demonstrate a lesson or activity
- Reward good behavior with a smile or compliment
When it comes to student behaviors, it is never appropriate to touch a child in an attempt to correct, redirect, discipline or guide them. The only physical touch that is permitted is to provide encouragement and support. This includes returning a hug that a child offers, giving a cooperating child a pat on the back, or holding a child’s hand when walking if the child offers their hand.
A volunteer should never use physical force or negative, demeaning language when working with a child regardless of the circumstances. If a child is showing out of control or violent behavior, the volunteer should withdraw immediately. If no violence is occurring, the tutor may try to give the child verbal directions and repeat the directions once if necessary. If the child does not follow instructions after the second time, the tutor is dealing with a difficult situation, and the teacher should be alerted.
It is the role of the teacher, school staff or designated after-school staff person to deal with out of control or difficult situations. Examples of such challenging situations include:
- A child using inappropriate language
- Two children engaging in a fight
- A child banging on their desk
- A child moving away from the group
- A child refusing to follow directions
Keep in mind that other people in the school (school staff, guardians, and non-Experience Corps volunteers) have roles and standards that may differ from those of the AARP Foundation. They may or may not be acting in an appropriate manner, but this does not change our standards.
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