Developing a Community of Learners
Nurturing Classroom Relationships on the First Day and Beyond
Here are tips for transforming your class into a thriving, learning community in which children feel safe and connected to those around them.
Many new teachers underestimate the importance of those first few weeks of school. They’re eager to jump right into instruction, feeling the need to start covering curriculum on the very first day. Instead, it is essential that teachers take time when school starts to get to know their students. This also the best time to explicitly teach classroom routines and expectations, being proactive rather than having to backtrack later on when the going gets tough. The First Six Weeks of School, as the name suggests, is a book about the importance of teaching routines and developing relationship during those first few weeks. It’s truly a wonderful resource that provides teachers with ideas and activities that will help foster a sense of community such as “getting to know you” games, recommended read alouds, and tips for teaching routines and expectations.
The teacher who spends time nurturing relationships between students and teaching classroom expectations may get into the curriculum later but wastes less time on behavior management throughout the year. Children are more eager to cooperate when they feel comfortable in their classroom and connected to their teacher and classmates. They are more willing to take risks as learners when they feel safe in their learning environment and know what to expect each day. Teaching Children to Care by Ruth Charney is an excellent book for teachers who hope to create a positive community of learners in their classroom. This comprehensive book covers establishing classroom routines, conducting class meetings, and using a positive approach to discipline.
Here are some tips for nurturing a sense of classroom community from the start:
- Read Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco and start the year off with a zero tolerance policy on name-calling and teasing.
- Remember that children learn what they live. Treat students with respect at all times.
- Develop a system for class jobs that involves every child. Having the children pitch in results in a sense of ownership among students and a feeling that it’s everyone’s classroom--not just the teacher’s.
- Teach children techniques for conflict resolution such as using “I messages” to describe feelings rather than tattling.
- Have class meetings often to address students’ concerns and to celebrate success. A mailbox may be used so students can share anonymously.
- Remember to read aloud each day. Children are never too old for this. Gather them around you and leave enough time for them to respond.
- Even older kids love to share news with their friends, so build a special “share time” into your class routine so children can tell their classmates about the new baby, an award they’ve won, or a special pet.
- Get to know your students and let them get to know you. This is absolutely essential.
- Provide choices often and ask for students’ input when possible.
- Never ever shame students in front of their peers. Use positive discipline techniques that strengthen your relationship with your students and build their self-esteem.
Looking for a quick read? Try Off to a Good Start, an inexpensive collection of nine popular articles from The Responsive Classroom Series on starting the year off right.
