Building A Classroom Community - Includes Community Building Activities

sweetpea (66)in #steemiteducation • 7 years ago

Educators are constantly trying to plan lessons that are both thoughtful and effective, while managing time constraints and the overwhelming number of students in their classrooms at the same time. This leaves little, if any opportunity to focus on building a classroom community. In essence however, having a thriving classroom community is extremely important in that it can help improve the students' attitude towards learning, it can assist with the challenges educators face daily with class management and it can create an atmosphere where students feel supported and at ease.

So, to encourage teachers to work on creating a community of connected learners, I have compiled 5 activities which I think initiates and improves community engagement in the learning environment. The activities are easily adaptable to best fit the age group you teach and they are light-hearted enough for everyone to enjoy. The activities can be actioned when a lesson finishes early, on a casual Friday or even in the first few minutes of a lesson to stir minds into positivity.

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We may all be different, but in this class we swim together.

3 Ways To Build A Community In The Classroom

1. Create a classroom challenge pin board.

Set up a pin board in your classroom, or section off a part of the wall. Here you can pin or paste a certain number of "challenges" or activities for the students to do in a short amount of time. Make the board bright and colorful so that it radiates positivity and excitement, something or everyone to look forward too. Place the challenges in little envelopes, so that they are kept as surprises that can be picked at random by you or a chosen student. These challenges should steer the students towards collaboration, teamwork, showing kindness and should engage in open communication. Challenge ideas can include things like:

Writing a thank you note to some one you admire or appreciate
Choosing a partner to play a game of 20 questions with
Write a list of your top 10 favorite things, and then share it with a classmate

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2. Introduce Throwback Thursday

Kids love to reminisce, just like older generations do! Begin the school year by preparing a jar/box and note cards for your students to fill out each time something funny, interesting or memorable happens in the classroom. Once the jar is full, spend the last 5-10 minutes of your lesson every Thursday picking out a card or two and discuss the event noted as a class. This will bring back memories that every one can share and relate to, as a community.

3. Share your appreciation, and encourage your students to do the same

Students. especially teenagers, often find it difficult and awkward to express themselves. Why not print out a stack of generic cards with messages on them and give each student (and yourself) a pile. Encourage them to leave notes for fellow classmates who have done something that they appreciate, they can leave these notes secretly if they like! You can do the same! The notes could say things like:

You are one smart cookie!
Thank you for always going the extra mile.
You did a great job today.
Your ideas in class were awesome.
Thank you for your kindness.

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There truly are a number of ways to encourage your students to work together as a community on the classroom. One idea that i find always works and isn't listed above is to work together on a fundraising or awareness project throughout the year or during each term/semester if you have more time. Look for charities in your area and see if they need volunteers or people to help raise funds. Set aside some time each week to see how you can collaborate as a class to assist your chosen charity - nothing brings a community together like doing community work!