Hey Coach,

I want my classroom to feel like a safe and collaborative community for learning this school year. How can I begin building a positive classroom community to support all of my students?

Sincerely,
Communal Connections

Dear Communal Connections,

I am glad you are seeking to develop community so early in the school year! A classroom should always feel like a safe space for all students, no matter the age. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set the stage for this, but remember - it is also essential to carry these expectations throughout the year and throughout your personal interactions with each student. When establishing a classroom community, there are several aspects to consider. We will dive into a few of these considerations together.

The first aspect to consider when creating a classroom community are the students. Each student is different, coming from different homes, experiences, and backgrounds. In order to create a classroom community, all students must feel welcomed and seen for who they are and every unique trait they bring to the table. Learning about each student and establishing relationships takes time, but it is well worth the effort. The goal here is to take actions that build a trusting, meaningful relationship with students and their families.

The second aspect to consider when creating a classroom community are the rules and expectations within the classroom. Not only do you want to maintain classroom management so the classroom runs smoothly throughout the year, but you also want to instill the expectation of positive interactions among students. This will establish better opportunities for listening, growing, and learning together. By working collaboratively with students to identify classroom rules and expectations, you can create an environment that is a safe, welcoming environment that respects the voices of all students.

The final aspect to consider when creating a classroom community is yourself. The teacher represents the authority in the classroom, but do you provide students with the same respect and trust that you expect? Showing students that you are open to hearing their voices and interested in learning from them will make students feel that you are a safe and caring adult they can turn to. Student and teacher relationships can make a world of difference when it comes to work completion and behavior management. A great place to begin when addressing this factor is to implement personalized learning strategies in the classroom. New to personalized learning? Learn more about it in this post! It is also helpful to utilize goal setting routines in the classroom to help students set goals and provide support as they work toward those goals.

As we consider these three critical components - students, rules/expectations, and the teacher - there are plenty of actionable steps educators can take to support each area. We share several recommendations on our Best Practices for Building Community in the Classroom infographic.

Creating a classroom community begins with the teacher. Ultimately, establishing a classroom community is about listening to, learning from, and celebrating each individual student in the room. It won’t happen automatically, but as you provide understanding and respect to your students, you will see that same behavior transcend through your classroom.

Is your classroom starting off in a remote learning setting this year? Don’t worry - you can still establish a safe and collaborative classroom community! Check out this article by Kimberly Moran, or consider creating an online classroom community in these ways:

• Host virtual meetings using Google, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or others to help students get to know you and match a name with a face. During some of your first meetings, decide on a unique class name for your online meeting space and invite students to establish rules for online learning!

• Create a variety of topics for students to respond to using Flipgrid. Don’t always connect topics with content, but use it as a fun way to get to know one another.

• Check in with students weekly through email, a Microsoft or Google Form, or even a phone call.

• Create a Bitmoji classroom to have a fun place for students to “visit” each day.

• Provide a safe space for students to talk and collaborate with one another! This can be in a Padlet, using the Chat feature in Google or Microsoft Teams, or in Flipgrid. Providing the opportunity for students to socially interact with one another is necessary in creating a community online!

• Create how-to videos, host office hours, and let students know that you are available to help and talk if they have questions or concerns surrounding remote learning!

All the best,
Coach