Educators need to foster positive learning environments where students can build meaningful relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and engage with student-centred educational programs and services. The Nova Scotia Inclusive Education Policy (2019, p. 1) states: “Inclusive [communities] are equitable, and culturally, linguistically, and socially responsive. They have structures, processes, and practices that are student-centred, appropriate, and collaborative.”

Create a supportive peer culture both inside and outside the classroom. This is when you empower learners to respect and trust each other, making empathy and caring ‘fashionable’ and reinforcing positive and pro-social attitudes by encouraging learners to help each other.

Inclusive learning communities must ensure that every student sees themselves reflected throughout their schools, learning resources, and within their learning experiences.

Research has shown that students learn best when instruction:

• responds to their differences;

• connects what they know with what they are learning;

• builds upon their prior knowledge, experience and background;

• is relevant to their goals and interests;

• fosters their love of learning;

• encourages the active participation of students in their learning;

• facilitates students’ reflection on and responsibility for their learning;

• is provided in safe and supportive learning environments;

• is grounded in positive teacher-student relationships;

• enables the development of essential skills, knowledge values and competencies; and is supported by continuous assessment and descriptive feedback (UNESCO, 2016).

Relationships with oneself and with others brings passion to life and learning through spiritual education that empowers all students to become leaders of change through peace and social justice. Positive relationships contribute to one's purpose and worth in life. These relationships enrich our lives, allow us to connect positively with others, and build healthy interpersonal connections. Inclusive school communities need to be places where everyone feels connected and can learn and work with one another.

Inclusive values are developed through a student’s lived experience and their exposure to other cultures and world-views. Take a community approach to teaching and learning by inviting your community into the classroom and don't forget to take your classroom out to the community.

Trusting school-community partnerships that contribute to positive student outcomes occur when three conditions are met, namely:

1) Community members and school staff have respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with shared responsibility for student learning;

2) Community members have options for meaningful involvement in their children’s education and life of the school; and

3) the school responds to family interests and involvement in a culturally responsive manner.

Community partnerships need to be reciprocal and are an important part of building a supportive inclusive school community (Haines et al., 2015, p .228).

What is flexible seating?

Flexible seating student-centred classroom design, inspired by Starbucks and created Kayla Dezler. It gives students ownership of their learning and revitalizes the classroom environment, increasing collaboration, motivation and engagement.

Photo Credit: Ms. Gourley, Hawthorn Elementry (Grade 5), Mr. Henniger, BLT Senior (Grade 5) & Ms. Graham, Rocky Lake Elementary (Grade 5), Ms. Barkhouse, LMST Elementary (Grade 3/4),
Ms. Barrow Ralph (Grade 4/5), Ms. Casley, Rocky Lake Elementary (Grade 6)

What are the benefits of flexible seating?

Structure, Routines and Norms

Creating a learning community that has structure, routines and high expectations will provide predictability and establish high expectations for teaching and learning.

Being cognisant of learner preferences, interests and xx in your classroom. personalized to students’ needs and by talking about learning that focuses on what students can do and what they would like to do next. If you provide students with opportunities to tell you what is working and what needs attention, you will have a better idea of what to focus on.