Building A Classroom Community

Classrooms are actually communities...after all, educators and students spend a lot of time there together....at least seven hours, five days a week.  We laugh together, we cry together...we work, play, and celebrate here...we have rules and consequences,  we share with others and work independently....everything you would do in a community.

So with that, we need to treat it as it is...

A community needs TRUST, COMPASSION, HONESTY,  SUPPORT...just to name a few!!!

So...upfront...at the beginning of a new school year, educators need to get the ball rolling first thing, as far as establishing that community!  

Get to know each other.

Share a variety of "getting to know you" activities with your class.  Share likes/dislikes, favorites, and such.  As an educator, share things about yourself (you don't have to get super personal) so they know your family, favorite color, birthday, fav food, if you have pets, and such.

Procedures

Establish this from the beginning...

MODEL, MODEL, MODEL

 and 

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE procedures!

Establish rules, rewards, and consequences.

This is a MUST!  Your expectations, rules, and consequences may vary from the previous year...because they are a year older.  

Set goals.

It's important for students to realize where they are and set realistic goals for the school year.

Be a Bucket Filler

I love this book...and the idea of praising, encouraging, supporting each other!  

We all need to be bucket-fillers....and never bucket-dippers!  Share this book and provide buckets for students to fill for each other!!!  

I hope you have a wonderful year in your Classroom Community!

Enjoy each other.  Lift Up each other. Make it a place that is safe for your students...

A caring, compassionate community for all!

Chatterbox Blessings,