Building Community

   
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        A classroom community where everyone feels comfortable and safe is of utmost importance. It is important to spend time building classroom community so that the students are in the best learning environment possible.  There are several different things that I will do as a teacher in order to build a classroom community.  

         First of all, in my classroom the students and I  will devise classroom rules that will help make the classroom a safe and comfortable learning environment. Every child will have a voice and will be given the opportunity to express what rules they think are most important to have. 
         
         Also, in my classroom respect for one another will be expected and bullying will not be permitted. The students have to be respectful of one another in order to build a classroom community where everyone feels comfortable and appreciated.

         
         I believe that learning is a collaborative endeavor, so I frequently put students in groups or pairs for reading groups or activities.  I encouraged multiple answers to any given question to allow for different perspectives and contributions and to make students feel valued. 

        I treat students fairly in all cases.  Every student has something different to bring to the table and every student should be recognized for their strengths.  At the same time, I want my classroom community to be one where students are also able to identify where they can improve and build off the strengths of one another to make themselves stronger as a body of learners.  Every student has the desire to succeed and I want to foster this desire in my classroom.  

         Establishing a strong foundation of community in a classroom does take more time and effort. But the ultimate benefits to the classroom, teacher and students are immeasurable...

So!
  1. Dig Deeper

    I think in order to for us to become closer to our students initially, we need to go beyond the surface. We need to find out more than just their favorites and what they did on their summer vacation. I realize that establishing a relationship with one's students can be a year long enterprise, but asking questions or pursuing activities which will give us deeper knowledge of our students' talents, dreams and dislikes will give us insight into how we can structure our group.

  2. Find Purpose

    I use the word purpose in place of expectations. In the classroom we will be establishing many kinds of expectations for behavior and academics throughout the year. I'm speaking of taking time to dialogue with students about the purpose and benefits of community in the classroom. Each individual has a specific purpose to serve and contribution to make to the group.

  3. Make Goals

    I believe that classroom communities function best with common goals. Just as individual goals can motivate students, planning group goals can also give students the ability to contribute their own ideas and perspectives which will benefit the class as a whole.

 4.      Learn Teamwork

Learning the skills of working cooperatively as a group will equip students with a life long ability to function appropriately and productively with others.

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  Making the time and effort to establish relationships with my students building a classroom community is such a worthwhile endeavor. When a student feels like a teacher cares enough about him or her to want to establish a relationship and they feel like an important member of a group, it lays down the foundation for a positive and successful school year for both the teacher and the students.
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