What is a Democratic Classroom?

1. Engages students in living democratically by promoting values such as inclusion, voice, representation, and participation

1.1. Doesn’t focus on political parties or viewpoints

1.1.1. In a Democratic classroom, all students are entitled to equal and fair treatment and to equal opportunity to contribute to group decisions and class discussion

2. Characteristics:

2.1. Student voice and engagement and respect for children’s ideas and contributions

2.2. High-trust relationships and shared power between teachers and students

3. Classroom set-up

3.1. Have students partake in classroom set up and how they would like the layout for the comfort and success for everyone

3.2. Ask students, “What should our class community look like, feel like, sound like?”

4. Make your classroom a welcoming and peaceful place that invites students in. This will want them to share their ideas and partake in conversation.

4.1. A safe and peaceful environment is needed