The teacher is very influential in setting the climate of the classroom community. The climate has various aspects. The social aspect reflects the kinds of social interaction experienced among community members. The teacher can teach social values conducive to learning in the classroom. She can set clear expectations for children's behaviour towards one another. Individual rights can be protected, including those of minority groups. In this way, the children also develop expectations of their teacher.

Appreciation and respect for others can be shown in various ways. The classroom is a place where people can live a fulfilling life together as a community of learners if needs and concerns are appropriately expressed. Problems can be discussed. Support, encouragement, and models can be provided by both teacher and peers. Where expectations for children's learning are high it is important that the social interaction itself is designed to facilitate learning.

The following are some notes on issues and principles to be considered by the teacher who would like to develop projects:

• School is life: quality of life is important and a shared responsibility
• Rules: very few, negotiated with the children as need arises, for safety
• Rights: protection, class community, individual rights, minority groups
• Routines: procedures to facilitate all aspects of work (e.g., cleaning up, keeping materials tidy, being economical, helping others, etc.)
• Reminders: various respectful ways of reminding children of the routines (e.g., notices in strategic places, written by teacher or child)
• Expectations: clearly set by teacher, explicitly or by appreciating good examples of children's work or behaviour
• Purpose: common, group, individual child's, teacher's, agreed, respected
• Infrastructure: flexible, responsive, developed as time progresses
• Management: the teacher is an authority, organizer, facilitator, advisor, consultant, arbitrator, and monitor, and also delegator
• Accountability: choice, decision-making, initiative, ownership, responsibility, record-keeping
• Culture: social values, respect, appreciation, cooperation, negotiation