Culture and climate set the tone of any youth program. At Arly, we recommend that programs intentionally focus on building a positive culture and climate. With 30 years of experience, we know that kids need to feel safe and connected to be able to do their best thinking and learning, and we have the research to back it up.
Children should feel welcome and comfortable, part of a supportive community where they feel they belong—an environment where they feel seen and respected by people who believe in them.
Did you know that a persistently positive culture and climate have been linked to positive youth development? A positive approach improves academics and social skills, health, attendance, graduation rates, and teacher retention.
Developing objective measures to cultivate a positive learning environment can help you set clear goals, then assess your progress toward making these plans a reality.
Cultural norms, personal experiences, and numerous other factors can influence program coordinators’ intuitions about how to structure effective programs. But the most effective programs are evidence-based, drawing on proven science to support learning and engagement.
Your goal should be to nurture lifelong learners with a growth mindset who enjoy the process of learning, not just the end product. Evidence-based practices look not just to the immediate challenges but also to the long-term goal of cultivating interest, curiosity, and engagement, all of which offer more opportunities to excel.
Rewards and consequences can motivate kids over the short term. But ultimately, youth success hinges on intrinsic motivation that keeps kids committed to success even when there’s not an adult telling them what to do. Positive learning environments cultivate key skills, including:
Encourage conscious, deliberate cultivation of a positive environment. These strategies can help:
A positive learning environment does more than just support children. It also creates a positive community with far-reaching effects that extend well beyond this experience. Your program can be a valuable asset to your staff and your community. Some strategies to bolster a strong community focus include:
Program leaders, educators, and staff can work together to build positive learning environments. With the right structural supports in place, your program can become a welcoming place for kids to learn and practice new skills. Reach out today for more information on how Arly can make a positive impact on your program, so you can focus on elevating the potential of the youth you serve.