8. Classroom Community Building Beyond Back-to-school

Summary: 

In today’s episode, I share simple systems and activities you can implement in your classroom to continue strengthening your classroom community in a genuine way. These ideas go beyond the basic get-to-know-you and team-building activities and work to build sustainable ways to boost student engagement, motivation, and trust. If you are interested in more in-depth explanations of these strategies, additional ideas, and a set of templates to get you started right away, check out the October Edition of my Classroom Community Building Collection here.

Key Points:

• Teacher systems to implement:
• • Positive notes and calls home - create a system to jot down who you’ve contacted and a quick jot about the topic can help you see patterns. Who have you been noticing often, who have you been missing and do you need to be more intentional about focusing on the positive for, and what patterns do you notice in things your students are doing well?
  • Patterns of motivation - particularly for students who need a boost in motivation or encouragement, pay attention to what motivates them. When are they the most engaged? Did a particular topic or activity type pep them up? Is it a pattern of more participation early in the morning or later in the day? How can you use these observations to boost their motivation at other times or during other activities?
  • Weekly newsletters with student shout outs - similar to the positive notes and calls home, but this goes beyond just the student and their family. They get recognition from the whole class community, building their sense of pride and helping kids and families see that you value each of your students and their efforts.
  • Classmate Encouragement Challenge - At the start of the week, give each student a post-it or notecard with a classmate’s name on it. Throughout the week, challenge them to observe that classmate for challenges in their learning. When they see their classmate needs encouragement on something, they jot down what they observed, a tip for growth, and a positive note or affirmation.
  • On-the-fly stories...getting to know one another beyond the basics - Let your students see you as a real human being, beyond Mr. or Miss so-and-so! Share little life tidbits, memories of trips you’ve been on or experiences you had in school, family traditions, etc. Likewise, allow small, regular bits of time for students to share bits of their life, and connect with you and one another. Show them you value them as more than just a student, and help everyone really get to know one another.

Links and resources:

• Join our conversations in the Apple Blossom Teachers Facebook group
• Follow me on Instagram: @appleblossomteachers
• For more about me and what I do, check out my website.

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